Consultation launched to shape the future of iconic County Hall building in West Bridgford as Nottinghamshire County Council make plans to leave headquarters

Soon, residents, businesses, stakeholders and market experts will be able to share their views about what the future should look like for Nottinghamshire’s County Hall.

This follows Nottinghamshire County Council’s decision last summer that it was no longer practical to keep the historic building in West Bridgford as its headquarters in the long-term.

It has been the council’s main base since 1946, however the authority states that is now too expensive to operate, maintain and bring the building up to modern environmental standards.

In order to gather the public’s views an online survey aimed at residents, local business and staff will go live from Wednesday, March 6 to Sunday, March 31, on the council’s engagement hub pages.

Stakeholders such as heritage organisations and other councils will be contacted directly and residents who live directly next to the site will also receive a letter.

Developers will be approached for their initial views as part of what is known as ‘soft marketing testing’.

Using all this feedback, the council will then consider the best options for the site this spring, with more details to be announced in May.

Council leader, Ben Bradley, MP, said: “County Hall is an iconic Nottinghamshire landmark, particularly its famous green roof, so it’s vital we seek the views of residents, businesses, heritage experts and developers before a full business case is put in place.

“We want to make sure this building and site gets the new lease of life it deserves, with its heritage respected.

“With its riverside location along the Trent, being close to local amenities as well as world-famous sporting venues, we know what an attractive site this is for potential purchasers, developers and partners.

“With the potential sale of County Hall and the savings we’ll make by not running and maintaining it, will mean more money is available to spend on services.”

Keith Girling, cabinet member for economic development and asset management, added: “The potential sale of this building is one of the most complex commercial projects this council has ever been involved in and an important moment in our history, so it has to be done right.

“The future of this building will have an impact for a lot of people, businesses and organisations — so we will take stock of what they have to say.

“Alongside the feedback we get, there will many practical considerations for us to make which include respecting the heritage of the building, what makes best financial sense and making sure whatever decision is made, we aren’t taking any unnecessary risks.

“This is why we will seeking legal, financial and technical advice as necessary, including using the expertise of Arc Partnership, the council’s property, design and consultancy partner.”

It is planned that the council will move out of County Hall in 2025.