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October 8, 2026
Work progressing on site at Nottingham War Rooms, as openings start to form through the existing bunker walls and slabs.
Refurbishment is progressing at the Nottingham War Rooms, where new openings through the former Cold War bunker’s walls and slabs are marking a visible step in its transformation.
The Grade II-listed building is being adapted for a future very different from the purpose for which it was originally constructed. Led by developer Langcroft, the regeneration project will create a community and enterprise hub, bringing new activity to the site while retaining its distinctive historic character.
Farrow Walsh is providing structural engineering services for the refurbishment, working alongside Langcroft, CPMG Architects and the wider project team as the proposals take shape on site.
Recent works have included forming openings through the existing bunker walls and slabs, creating window openings and new connections between spaces.
These alterations are an important part of adapting the building for its future use. New window openings introduce daylight into areas previously enclosed by the bunker’s substantial walls, while openings elsewhere help establish connections within the building.
The latest site photographs illustrate the scale of the existing structure and the work involved in modifying it. Diamond drilling was required to form one of the window openings through the exceptionally thick bunker wall, demonstrating the physical challenge of adapting a building originally designed around protection and enclosure.
Each stage of the refurbishment is helping to make the proposed transformation more tangible, as spaces within the former bunker begin to open up.
The plans cover approximately 44,000 sq ft of accommodation within a three-hectare site. Once complete, the War Rooms will bring together flexible workspaces, media studios and food and drink amenities, supporting a range of business, creative and community uses.
Bringing these activities into the building will give people new reasons to visit and spend time at the site. A structure once associated with restricted access will become a place for working, meeting and connecting with others.
Its history will remain central to that identity. The building’s unusual form and substantial construction distinguish it from a conventional commercial development, offering an opportunity to create a destination rooted in Nottingham’s heritage.
Langcroft’s investment in the Nottingham War Rooms is taking an important local landmark towards a renewed purpose. The scheme will retain a significant part of the city’s history while creating space for enterprise, creativity and community activity.
With refurbishment underway and new openings being formed, the transition from former bunker to an accessible, usable destination is becoming increasingly visible.
Farrow Walsh is proud to contribute to this next chapter. As works continue, we look forward to seeing the War Rooms develop into a place that connects its Cold War past with a lasting role in Nottingham’s future.
