Nottingham’s Council House Repairs Estimated at £2.8 Million

The anticipated cost for repairs to Nottingham’s Council House has been revealed to be £2.8 million. This Grade-II listed structure, situated in Old Market Square, functions as the central hub for the city’s local government, accommodating full council sessions and inquests, in addition to operating as a register office for vital records such as births, marriages, and deaths. A Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC brought to light that significant repairs are required for the building’s façade stonework, its dome, the flooring, and certain sections of the roof that are experiencing leaks. Nottingham City Council stated its intention to carry out these repairs during the 2025-26 fiscal year, contingent upon the approval of necessary funding. The estimated cost for façade work is £2 million, with roof repairs projected to be £250,000. According to the FOI response, both the façade and roof repair requirements were identified in June 2023. The dome underwent its most recent maintenance between 2021 and 2022. An additional £550,000 is the anticipated cost for flooring work, though the specific date of its identification remains undisclosed. The Council House, completed in 1929, stands as a significant landmark within the city. The Historic England website describes its exterior as being in a “Baroque Revival style” and regards it as an “exceptional example” of early 20th Century civic architecture. The building’s 200-foot-high dome contains a bell affectionately named “Little John,” which, according to Visit Nottinghamshire, possesses the deepest tone in the nation and is audible from a distance of up to seven miles. This structure is not currently listed on Historic England’s heritage at risk register. Jane Holt, a heritage at risk architect for Historic England, stated: “We would fully support sensitive and appropriate repairs to this listed building and would work closely with the city council’s conservation officer to comment on repair proposals.” A spokesperson for the city council commented: “The unique properties of listed buildings are often standout features within towns and cities, representing a community’s historical roots and also their ability to attract tourists and visitors.” “Older buildings such as the Council House consist of unique properties that many people find interesting and appealing and in many cases, listed buildings signify important aspects of England’s social, economic, cultural or military history.” For updates, BBC Nottingham can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Further details regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking are available.