Housing estate plan for 1950s bunker
BBCA 1950s war bunker in Nottingham could form part of a new housing development.
Plans have been submitted to Nottingham City Council to convert the Grade II-listed Nottingham War Rooms, in Beechdale, into a "thriving hub".
Developer Hamilton Russell Harperwood Ltd, along with East Midlands Housing Association, is behind the scheme, which includes 104 affordable homes around the bunker.
The appearances of the new homes are designed as "nodding to" the traditional brick of the existing surrounding residential areas and also the "brutal concrete" of the War Rooms building.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said developers wanted to equip the space with a cafe, media studios and offices.
The bunker was originally 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 across the country but this is the only one remaining.
The space spans three floors and even features a former BBC studio that was designed to deliver news broadcasts at the time.
Planning documents said Nottingham-based youth charity Base 51 was expected to relocate to a revamped basement in the building along with the ground floor above.
The building's original kitchen on the ground floor would be left "generally intact" to allow for "occasional unique dining experiences", according to documents.
A cafe-restaurant would also feature on this floor to be used by visitors of the building.
The bunker's first floor would be converted into a health and leisure facility with the majority of the second floor used for office and conferencing purposes.
The old BBC broadcasting studio would be kept and refurbished in line with its original appearance as it is a "highly significant heritage asset", according to planning papers.
The large development includes 104 affordable homes, with 64 being rented and 40 as shared-ownership.
The LDRS said Nottingham City Council would consider the plans at a later date.
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