"Nottingham is at the cusp of a real period of opportunity, and we’re looking to take hold of that with this latest project"
- Scott Simpson - blocwork
The strength of Nottingham’s economy and its potential for growth are key factors attracting developers to build new homes in the city, according to Richard Thomas, director at blocwork, the largest developer of new build-to-rent (BTR) homes in Nottingham.
“With the government’s recent announcement of 40,000 new homes to be built on brownfield railway land and its renewed focus on building homes that last, developers are looking at towns and cities that provide the potential for sustained and sustainable growth, and Nottingham is exactly that kind of place,” said Thomas. “Like all cities of its size, Nottingham has had its challenging times, but the opportunities available at the moment make it a great spot for developers looking to build the new homes the region sorely needs.”
He added that regeneration projects such as Broad Marsh, combined with established transport connections, are making the city a natural focus for future development. “When you pair major regeneration projects such as the Broad Marsh with strong transport links on your doorstep, it’s no surprise that there’s a strong desire to build in the city.”
Blocwork, a joint venture between bloc and Network Rail, has delivered close to 350 homes in Nottingham in recent years. Among its completed projects is The Barnum, developed in partnership with operator Grainger. The scheme was recently recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute, receiving the East Midlands award for Excellence in Planning for Communities.
With The Barnum now fully let, blocwork’s parent company, Bloc Group, is progressing with another 95-apartment development at Castle Wharf, in a joint venture with the Canal and River Trust for Lloyds Living. Thomas said the company intends to continue focusing on high-quality housing in the area.
“Nottingham is rightly proud of its rail and canal infrastructure, so to be able to take some of the areas surrounding that and transform them into quality housing is a real honour for us,” Thomas explained. “The success of the Barnum has been particularly pleasing, with the 348 homes fully occupied ahead of Grainger’s initial projections. This not only shows the real appetite for BTR in the Nottingham market, but also a wider, growing trend of the desire to live centrally and close to transport infrastructure.”
The company is now preparing a proposal for another 200 homes, this time on Network Rail-owned land next to Station Street. The site was one of four identified earlier this year by chancellor Rachel Reeves as part of the government’s plan to deliver 1.5 million homes during this parliament.
Scott Simpson, project director at blocwork and lead on the new scheme, noted the location’s significance within the city’s development context. “The site for the new development is incredibly strategic for the city, situated on a prominent corner of its southern gateway and close to other high-quality accommodation such as The Barnum and key amenities within the city centre,” he said. “With the Barnum project completed successfully and several other key developments taking place in the area, Nottingham is at the cusp of a real period of opportunity, and we’re looking to take hold of that with this latest project.”
Network Rail confirmed earlier this year that it is working in collaboration with Nottingham City Council to develop plans for the site ahead of a planning submission.
Simpson said the team is focused on working closely with all parties to ensure the proposal aligns with city priorities. “We’re working closely alongside Network Rail and the city council to ensure that what we’re proposing is right for the city and its prospective residents,” he explained. “While there are always challenges to delivery, particularly on difficult city centre sites, we’re confident that we can work collaboratively to find the right approach to take this development forward.
“The delivery of new homes a vital part of this government’s manifesto, and it’s important for us to work together with forward-thinking local authorities that have housing high up on their agenda.”
