A new hotel could soon open on what has been labelled as 'Nottingham's most appealing street'. Two 18th century former town houses on High Pavement, in the Lace Market, can now be converted and extended to become a 'high quality hotel' after plans were approved by Nottingham City Council on September 9.
The vacant Grade-II listed town houses were most recently used as an office by St Mary's Chambers, which practice family law and moved at the start of this year to Stoney Street. The existing layout over three-storeys will be changed by owners St Mary’s Nottingham Ltd into new individual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, with the exterior of the building along High Pavement retained to maintain the historic façade.
Locals said the area was a desirable location for new hotel, owing to its unique character and its 'buzz'. Pauline Guthrie, 69, who works in real estate nearby, said: "I think it's a lovely street, possibly the most appealing in the city. I think it would be popular.
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"The Lace Market as a whole is a trendy place. It's upmarket and has a buzz about it, but has kept its history as well. I would suppose it would also bring in revenue in as well. You've also got some lovely food and architecture with the two churches and museum."
High Pavement is also home to the National Justice Museum, County House, formerly the Judges' Lodgings, and the entirely separate Lace Market Hotel, which has undergone a £500,000 revamp.
Lewis Thorpe, 23, who works at the Lace Market Hotel across the road, predicted the new hotel would be a success due to high demand. "It think that's a brilliant idea, we [Lace Market Hotel] are full all the time. I imagine the new hotel would always be booked too.
"It's a very desirable place and it is popular with people visiting the city. It's just slightly out of the way of the city centre as well so it is not too loud at night."
A new extension will now be added within an area which was previously repaired from explosive damage caused during the Second World War. Planners have said this addition would be "accommodated without compromise or impact on the structure of the historic integrity of the period listed buildings it sits along-side".
Retired Steve Armstrong, 69, from Cotgrave, said: "It is such a nice place to be. I think a hotel could turn out to be a great idea. I imagine a lot of this street is [heritage] listed, and it some impressive buildings. I think a decently done hotel there would do quite well."
The East Midlands Chamber said the new hotel would help support Nottingham's important night-time economy. Chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The Lace Market, and wider Hockley area, is one of the biggest attractions in bringing residents, workers and tourists into Nottingham city centre.
“This is illustrated by the high levels of interest in businesses that want to be located here and is a great example of the ripple effect that strong, targeted investments can have in regenerating urban areas.
“The most successful cities can count on a healthy night-time economy and it’s therefore important to have sufficient hotel accommodation available, which in turn brings generates more revenue locally as visitors spend more time and money during overnight stays.”
In a planning document, Paul Hicking Associates, on behalf of applicant St Mary's Nottingham Ltd, said: "The proposals provide: A continued sustainable use for the existing listed buildings designed around maintaining the cellular plan form of the interior.
"The existing listed structures are retained and the new extension is included without compromise to the integrity of the character and structure therefore, the proposals consider and preserve the character and appearance of the Listed Buildings and the Conservation area."
Nottingham City Council officials said the plans to replace office space with the new hotel were acceptable. In a decision report, a Nottingham City Council planning officer said: "The proposed hotel accommodation is detailed as being 'Airbnb' style with no facilities on site beyond a reception area.
"All rooms have en-suite bathrooms are 20sqm plus with an attractive outlook either onto Low Pavement or the open views to the south. It is considered that the loss of the site for office accommodation and provision of hotel accommodation is in principle acceptable."
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