Nottingham: Plans to develop 1950s war bunker announced

A 1950s war bunker in Nottingham could be converted into a creative hub.

The Grade II-listed site in Beechdale, known as the "War Rooms", was built during the Cold War in the event of nuclear warfare.

Developer Hamilton Russell bought the site in 2022 and is now planning on equipping the space with a café, media studios and offices.

The firm is working with Visit Nottinghamshire to provide tours of the site in its original condition for the first time in the building's history before work takes place.

Originally, the bunker was designed to house more than 400 people, including senior government officials, but was never used and was eventually decommissioned in the 1960s.

Twelve similar sites were built in regions across the country, and this is the only one remaining.

The space spans over three floors and even features a BBC studio that was designed to deliver news broadcasts at the time.

Representing Hamilton Russell, 56-year-old Craig Cameron said the developer will keep some of the building's "historic features" in the new development.

"We want to keep as much of the building's history as possible, such as restoring the BBC studio and other furniture that was used at the time," he said.

"We hope the space will be used by residents and the people of Nottingham."

Nottingham-based charity Base 51 also plans on relocating to the new site once it's complete.

Hamilton Russell expects to submit a planning application in October.

Visit Nottinghamshire initially announced three tour dates in September to see inside the bunker, but is now releasing new dates next week due to high demand.

Mike Hopkins, 71, came down on the first day of the tour with his son.

He said: "I have known about this place for so many years, so we booked it as soon as we knew about it.

"I am pleased that the building will be put to use with its original features. I hope my future great grandsons can come and visit it, too."