The strategy explored how culture could support the transformation of Nottingham Island, a large brownfield site with significant industrial heritage and an existing mix of bio-science and media occupiers. Positioned between the city core, the railway gateway and surrounding neighbourhoods, the site was identified as a critical connector within central Nottingham.

The approach set out a clear cultural vision rooted in Nottingham’s strengths in creative industries, digital innovation and inclusive city-making, alongside a focus on urban wellbeing. Working closely with the masterplanning team, the strategy embedded cultural projects into key gateways, green spaces, public realm routes and connections to the wider city, ensuring culture informed both movement and experience.

A core strand of the strategy focused on the adaptive reuse of on-site heritage warehouse buildings. These were identified as opportunities for phased refurbishment into a mixed cultural market, combining retail, food and drink with creative production, exhibition and workspace, supporting both public activity and local enterprise.

Alongside the long-term vision, Futurecity developed a three-phase meanwhile programme to activate the site ahead of full redevelopment. This began with neighbourhood-focused engagement, followed by partnerships with cultural organisations to seed activity on site, and the testing of an incremental commercial and cultural hub. This phased approach allowed ideas to be trialled, audiences to be built and longer-term placemaking initiatives to be refined.

Together, the strategy established a flexible framework for integrating heritage, culture and creative enterprise into Nottingham Island’s regeneration, supporting identity, connectivity and sustainable growth over time.

Site renders from Lavignac Securities, Gardiner & Theobald and the Midlands Engine