British Waterways

Situated in a prominent waterside location, the development carefully balances the retention of the building’s historic character with the demands of contemporary city living.

Franklin Ellis provided architectural and interior design services to deliver the conversion, including extensive refurbishment, reconfiguration and enhancement of the building’s communal and residential spaces. As a Higher-Risk Building (HRB), the project required a rigorous and coordinated design approach, ensuring compliance with evolving building safety requirements while protecting the significance of the listed structure.

The scheme includes a welcoming reception, resident lounge and co-working facilities, together with a series of landscaped sixth-floor roof terraces that offer panoramic views across Nottingham, including direct views towards Nottingham Castle and the wider city skyline. These shared amenity spaces create opportunities for social interaction, wellbeing and flexible working, supporting modern residential lifestyles.

Drawing inspiration from the site’s industrial and canal trade heritage, the design celebrates original architectural features such as exposed brickwork and steel structure, complemented by contemporary materials, rich textures and carefully curated furnishings. Within the apartments, robust yet refined finishes create characterful homes that reflect the building’s historic identity whilst delivering the quality and comfort expected of a modern residential development.

The completed scheme brings new life to an important historic asset, creating a vibrant residential community and securing the long-term future of a significant piece of Nottingham’s built heritage.

The project was also shortlisted in two categories at the Insider Media Residential Property Awards (Midlands) 2026, winning the Apartment Development of the Year.