Castle Meadow Campus at The University of Nottingham

Sector Education, Higher Education
Client University of Nottingham

Breathing New Life into Castle Meadow Campus

The Castle Meadow Campus redevelopment exemplifies how adaptive reuse of historic buildings can merge heritage preservation with cutting-edge functionality. Designed to serve as a postgraduate and research hub, the project represents a £100m+ investment into sustainability, community integration, and forward-thinking architectural design for the University of Nottingham.

Value

The Castle Meadow Campus redevelopment is transforming 32,500m² into a dynamic postgraduate and research hub. Refurbished buildings will support financial sustainability through commercial leases, while inclusive workshops ensure spaces meet academic and business needs.

A bold glazed-box design under the iconic Amenity building’s roof will balance heritage and innovation. Agile teaching and working environments will maximise spatial efficiency. Beyond the university, the campus strengthens ties with Nottingham’s business community, creating a vibrant hub for economic growth.

A striking design solution transforming the iconic tensile fabric Amenity building into a flexible dining and conference space, blending bold innovation with conservation principles, ensuring the listed structure's distinct identity is preserved for generations to come.
Impact

Castle Meadow Campus is more than a redevelopment—it’s a revival of a Nottingham landmark. This adaptive reuse breathes new life into existing structures, preserving history while embracing the future. By repurposing these buildings, the project sidesteps the environmental toll of new construction, cutting waste and conserving resources. Energy-efficient systems weave sustainability into every corner of the campus, aligning seamlessly with the University’s ambitious carbon reduction goals.

Economically, the redevelopment serves as a catalyst for local growth. Regional contractors play a pivotal role, ensuring the benefits are felt across the community. Socially, the campus is set to become a vibrant nucleus for students, researchers, and Nottingham’s residents—a place where collaboration sparks innovation and lifelong connections.

Sustainability

The Castle Meadow Campus redevelopment will show sustainable design through innovative technical expertise and thoughtful planning. Early fabric audits will ensure maximum reuse of materials, conserving embodied carbon and minimising waste. Thermal upgrades and new energy-efficient systems will reduce energy demands, supporting the University’s Carbon Reduction Plan.

The Amenity building will feature a recyclable PVC roof, embracing circular economy principles, while lifecycle analysis informs durable, low-impact material choices. Meticulous phased delivery will keep parts of the campus operational, minimising disruption for stakeholders. This careful balance of environmental stewardship and operational efficiency will showcase a forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

Details

Information

Scope Architectural Design RIBA 0-3 Status Live Location Nottingham Value £100m

Collaborators & Partners

Landscape Architect Ares Landscape Architects Interior Designer BOF - (FF&E) Principal Contractor Henry Boot Structural Engineer ARUP Mep Engineer ARUP Planning Consultant AECOM Fire Engineer ARUP Environmental Consultant ARUP Acoustic Consultant AEC ltd Principal Contractor For Central Building G F Tomlinson
The Greater Manchester Institute of Technology
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