Nottingham’s hospitality scene is expanding with conditional planning approval granted for The Island Quarter’s rooftop terrace, bringing panoramic views to the city’s bar scene.

The 85-cover venue at 1 The Island Quarter is located above popular dining spots Binks Yard and Cleaver and Wake. Nottingham City Council has this week given Conygar, the developer behind the 36-acre site, the go ahead to expand this offering utilising the rooftop space to provide relaxed daytime lounging and refined evening celebrations.

The bar will be operated by Rhubarb Hospitality, which is also responsible for the other venues in the building.

Chris Ware, managing director at Conygar, said: “This approval marks an exciting new chapter for 1 The Island Quarter and emphasises our continued commitment to evolving The Island Quarter into a space to live, work and play. This will be the highest rooftop venue in the city and will offer panoramic views across the skyline from day to night.

“Practically, there isn’t a significant amount of construction work to be done so we’re planning to open for the summer season once a stylish fit out has been completed – ready to welcome guests to sip drinks in the sunshine.”

Atmospheric festoon lighting, a sleek pergola and a combination of lounge and stool seating will provide the backdrop for guests, with an operating license of 10am until 10pm. As part of the fit-out, acoustic screening will be installed to ensure noise reduction to neighbouring buildings.

By Chris Ware, managing director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter 

Successful regeneration is rarely defined only by what is built on a site. Its real impact is measured by the wider economic activity it unlocks across an entire city. 

Research from the Centre for Cities highlights just how powerful this effect can be, with every £1 of investment in regeneration and infrastructure, around £5 of private investment typically follows. This relationship is one of the defining characteristics of successful city transformation projects across the UK. 

Public investment often provides the foundations that make development viable. Improvements to transport, infrastructure, public realm and planning frameworks help create certainty and signal long-term confidence in a place. This encourages businesses, developers and investors to commit their own capital, accelerating growth and increasing the overall value generated by regeneration. 

In Nottingham, and across many UK cities, this multiplier effect is transforming former industrial or underused land into thriving mixed-use districts. The result is not just new buildings, but stronger local economies, new employment opportunities and neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and spend time. 

Creating a catalyst for wider investment 

This dynamic is particularly relevant for large-scale urban regeneration projects. When a development creates new homes, workplaces, cultural venues and public spaces in a single masterplan, it becomes a catalyst for surrounding investment. 

Mixed-use regeneration plays a crucial role in this process. By bringing together residential, commercial and leisure uses, these developments create consistent footfall throughout the day and evening. This supports local businesses, increases economic resilience and encourages further investment in the surrounding area. 

Regeneration in the context of Nottingham’s growth 

Nottingham is currently undergoing one of the most significant periods of city centre development in its recent history, with more than £4 billion of investment planned or underway across the city. 

Within this wider context, The Island Quarter represents one of the region’s most ambitious regeneration opportunities. The 36-acre brownfield site, once the beating heart of Nottingham’s industrial boom, is being transformed into a new district to live, work and play – building a connected neighbourhood designed to support both city life and economic growth. 

By creating a vibrant mixed-use destination in the heart of the city, we’re helping to contribute to the conditions that attract further investment and reinforce Nottingham’s reputation as a dynamic city that can meet modern needs. 

Building long-term economic resilience 

The long-term value of regeneration is not only measured in construction output or property investment. It is also reflected in stronger local economies, improved employment opportunities and cities that are better equipped to attract talent and innovation. 

This is why developments such as The Island Quarter are designed to deliver more than physical transformation. With an extensive programme of supporting activities delivered with Sneinton Primary School, to Binks Yard having become ingrained in Nottingham’s live events scene, we are creating a place that will remain active and economically resilient for decades. 

As the research demonstrates, regeneration works best when it acts as a catalyst. When public commitment encourages private investment and development is designed with long-term value in mind, the impact can reshape a city’s economic future.

By Chris Ware, managing director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter 

With world class universities, strong arts and culture offerings and a growing economy, demand for housing in Nottingham continues to rise. However, meeting this demand is not simply about delivering more homes but about delivering the right types of accommodation in the right places to support balanced and sustainable communities.

Understanding Nottingham’s housing pressures

Housing pressure in Nottingham comes from several directions. The average house price in the city is now around £194,000 (Office for National Statistics, September 2025) while private rents average close to £1,000 per month, which reflects a 7% annual inflation. These rising costs are being felt across the city, particularly by families and those seeking long term stability. 

Nottingham also has one of the largest student populations in the country. There are more than 56,000 full time students, with more than 45,000 requiring accommodation within the city. Over the past decade, almost half of all new residential completions in Nottingham have been student accommodation rather than general housing. At the same time, Nottingham City Council is receiving hundreds of housing applications each month, with more than 11,000 households currently on the waiting list. 

These figures highlight the complexity of Nottingham’s housing challenge. Demand is high, affordability is under strain and family sized homes are often being used in ways that were never intended for long term occupation. 

Putting the purpose in PBSA 

When students and young professionals rely heavily on traditional housing stock, it reduces availability for families and long term residents. As such, we see dedicated student accommodation as a key component to resolve Nottingham’s planning challenges. 

When people move into accommodation that fits their needs and better suits their lifestyle, larger homes are released back into the housing system, enabling family housing to return to its purpose and create more stable neighbourhoods. It is an approach that Nottingham City Council recognises through its Student Living Strategy 2023-2028, which is aiming to deliver more than 9,000 beds in new purpose-built accommodation in appropriate locations across the city – the biggest outside the capital. 

The Island Quarter is one of the most prominent contributors to this already, with Winfield Court providing 693 beds since it opened in September 2024, with plans approved for a further 394 beds on site. 

Tailored student living 

The Island Quarter is a clear example of how this approach can work in practice. As a 36-acre mixed use development in the heart of Nottingham, the masterplan for the site is to bring together homes, workplaces and leisure spaces within a single destination. This integrated model supports sustainable city centre living and reduces pressure on surrounding residential areas. 

By creating well located accommodation close to employment, education and amenities, The Island Quarter helps reduce the need for family homes to be converted into short term lets. It also makes efficient use of a prominent brownfield site while contributing positively to Nottingham’s wider regeneration. 

A more balanced housing market benefits everyone. Increased availability of appropriate accommodation helps improve access to family homes, supports affordability and reduces overcrowding. It also allows local authorities and housing providers to focus support on those who need it most. 

Rooms for the future 

Nottingham’s future depends on thoughtful and inclusive growth. By investing in developments that deliver the right accommodation in the right places, we can support long term community stability and create a more resilient housing market. 

The Island Quarter represents our commitment to Nottingham and to development that works for the whole city, today and for generations to come. 

By Chris Ware, managing director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter 

Urban regeneration has the power to transform overlooked or under-used spaces into vibrant, sustainable corners that can have a make full impact on a city’s economic, social, and cultural life.

At The Island Quarter, regeneration is at the heart of our vision, yet successful regeneration takes far more than new buildings or refreshed streetscapes. It requires a long-term, collaborative strategy with people, place, and purpose at its core. So what exactly makes an urban regeneration project thrive, and how can we ensure that The Island Quarter is truly ‘of Nottingham, for Nottingham’.  

A clear vision rooted in local identity 

Every great regeneration project starts with a strong sense of place. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, successful developments look closely at a city’s heritage, its character, and how people actually move through and use the space. These are all considerations that feed into creating a masterplan that feels authentic and connected. At its best, regeneration doesn’t erase history, it builds on it, repurposing industrial, cultural, or architectural assets into something new that still feels familiar. A grounded, long-term vision helps attract investment and generate community support even as individual phases evolve. 

Community engagement from day one 

It is integral to integrate local people and ensure organisations are the heartbeat of plans for a regeneration scheme, with their needs, aspirations, and concerns shaping the project throughout its lifecycle. Regular engagement, transparent communication, and opportunities for residents and businesses to have a genuine say create trust and ensure the development enhances everyday life rather than disrupting it. 

The most successful regeneration projects grow organically with their communities, not in isolation from them. 

Mixing uses 

Vibrant quarters are rarely built around a single function but instead thrive when they blend living, working, leisure, culture, and green space in a way that feels seamless. Mixed-use masterplans encourage footfall, support local businesses, and make neighbourhoods feel safer and more welcoming. 

They also reflect the evolving behaviours of how people live today. Short commutes, access to amenities, flexible workspaces, and places to meet, eat, and unwind. 

High-quality public realm and green space

Regeneration should consider the spaces between places as much as the buildings themselves. 

Public realm design plays a huge role in how people experience places. Wide walkways, open plazas, landscaping, water features, cycling routes, lighting, and seating all contribute to creating a sense of comfort, safety and belonging. 

Green spaces deliver environmental benefits while offering much-needed breathing room. These pockets of space are often underappreciated in how they influence how people enjoy spending time in a location. 

Integrating sustainability into every decision 

Modern regeneration demands a future-focused approach and at The Island Quarter we’ve made it our mission to always consider how the site may function in ten, 20 and even 50 years’ time. 

Energy-efficient buildings, low-carbon transport connections, waste-reduction strategies, biodiversity improvements, and long-lasting materials are just some of the factors that can already be felt on site. 

Deep-rooted partnerships and long-term stewardship 

Large-scale regeneration succeeds when public and private partners work together. Collaboration between local authorities, developers, investors, and community organisations ensures each phase is delivered with shared goals and accountability. 

Importantly, success doesn’t end at completion, ongoing stewardship ensures that a site can continue to thrive, adapt and maintain its quality. 

Urban regeneration is most transformative when more than just the physical environment evolves. It creates opportunity, fosters pride, strengthens communities, and shapes the future of a city. 

And that continues to be the case as we approach the next phases at The Island Quarter, guiding everything we do as we bring new life to a historic area at the heart of Nottingham. 

What makes a site truly mixed-use? How important is the role of meanwhile use in achieving this on a large scale, and what role does community engagement play in overall success? 

Christopher Ware, managing director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter (TIQ), recently joined a panel at London Build 2025 to discuss ‘Under one roof: creating flexible mixed-use spaces for work, live and play’ and explored what this meant in reality at TIQ. 

The role of meanwhile versus permanent use 

Meanwhile uses are valuable for activating a site early, generating interest, and starting to build footfall. When it comes to generating a masterplan for a mixed-use development, where there are a complex mix of intended outcomes, it’s often the case that some meanwhile use is inevitable to make the plans viable and gain early public backing.

However, there’s also a real benefit in establishing a permanent space from the outset, something that can grow with the wider development and set the tone or benchmark for what’s coming next. The ideal scenario is a mix – meanwhile activity to keep things lively and flexible, alongside a permanent anchor that provides continuity and identity.

Importance of stakeholder involvement

For The Island Quarter, stakeholder engagement is, and always has been, essential. We took a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the initial engagement activity, bringing partners, local authorities, and community groups onboard early in the process.

It’s a site that people have a real interest in and want to see developed for the benefit of the region, so we know how it is to bring people on that journey with us.

Our initial stakeholder engagement helped shape the vision, smooth the planning pathway, and ensure the meanwhile and permanent plans aligned with wider expectations and needs. To date, we’ve engaged more than 150 individuals across 13 sessions, representing more than 45 organisations closely affiliated with communities across Nottingham.

Striking the balance with commercial viability

The focus should always be on what will encourage people to return repeatedly, not just visit once. A strong programme is key to this at mixed-use sites as it allowed people to invest in a variety of offerings not just recongise a space for one thing – that’s how it becomes commercially viable.

We’ve found that seasonal attractions like Christmas markets, summer concerts and aligning with big sporting events have proven very effective at The Island Quarter. The goal is to create a place people naturally think of for food, entertainment, and socialising, not just one occasion.

Commercial viability also comes from investing in your local audience. Our team is integrated into the Nottingham and wider East Midlands community, so they can provide an offering that’s actually wanted. We’ve worked hard to understand local behaviours, market gaps, and what will genuinely resonate with audiences. At The Island Quarter, the success has come from delivering something distinctive compared with other Nottingham venues, giving people a real reason to choose the site.

However, feasibility is equally important. A recurring challenge is aligning operational needs with the ambition for events and activity on the site. It’s about choosing the right events for the right audiences and making sure they’re viable from a staffing, logistics, and commercial perspective. There’s always a balance to strike between maximising revenue and doing what’s best for the community, brand, and long-term vision for the site. Finding that “sweet spot” is an ongoing learning process.

Gaining traction as a mixed-use location 

For the Island Quarter, most external organisations now approach the team directly, which shows the site’s growing reputation. However, this wasn’t the case at the beginning. The early events were harder to secure and there was more proactive outreach involved. As momentum grew and successful events built credibility, more well-known partners and organisers started coming forward.

This is a place we’ve worked hard to get to at The Island Quarter, but it’s not easy to build your credibility as a mixed-use location. Consistency, delivering what you’ve said you will and constant community engagement are essential.

Succeeding as a mixed-use development is challenging but with the right input from the community you’re wanting to engage, a flexible approach to space use and a balance of ambition versus feasibility, it is possible to create a thriving community to live, work and play.

What makes a site truly mixed-use? How important is the role of meanwhile use in achieving this on a large scale, and what role does community engagement play in overall success? 

Christopher Ware, managing director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter (TIQ), recently joined a panel at London Build 2025 to discuss ‘Under one roof: creating flexible mixed-use spaces for work, live and play’ and explored what this meant in reality at TIQ. 

The role of meanwhile versus permanent use 

Meanwhile uses are valuable for activating a site early, generating interest, and starting to build footfall. When it comes to generating a masterplan for a mixed-use development, where there are a complex mix of intended outcomes, it’s often the case that some meanwhile use is inevitable to make the plans viable and gain early public backing.

However, there’s also a real benefit in establishing a permanent space from the outset, something that can grow with the wider development and set the tone or benchmark for what’s coming next. The ideal scenario is a mix – meanwhile activity to keep things lively and flexible, alongside a permanent anchor that provides continuity and identity.

Importance of stakeholder involvement

For The Island Quarter, stakeholder engagement is, and always has been, essential. We took a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the initial engagement activity, bringing partners, local authorities, and community groups onboard early in the process.

It’s a site that people have a real interest in and want to see developed for the benefit of the region, so we know how it is to bring people on that journey with us.

Our initial stakeholder engagement helped shape the vision, smooth the planning pathway, and ensure the meanwhile and permanent plans aligned with wider expectations and needs. To date, we’ve engaged more than 150 individuals across 13 sessions, representing more than 45 organisations closely affiliated with communities across Nottingham.

Striking the balance with commercial viability

The focus should always be on what will encourage people to return repeatedly, not just visit once. A strong programme is key to this at mixed-use sites as it allowed people to invest in a variety of offerings not just recongise a space for one thing – that’s how it becomes commercially viable.

We’ve found that seasonal attractions like Christmas markets, summer concerts and aligning with big sporting events have proven very effective at The Island Quarter. The goal is to create a place people naturally think of for food, entertainment, and socialising, not just one occasion.

Commercial viability also comes from investing in your local audience. Our team is integrated into the Nottingham and wider East Midlands community, so they can provide an offering that’s actually wanted. We’ve worked hard to understand local behaviours, market gaps, and what will genuinely resonate with audiences. At The Island Quarter, the success has come from delivering something distinctive compared with other Nottingham venues, giving people a real reason to choose the site.

However, feasibility is equally important. A recurring challenge is aligning operational needs with the ambition for events and activity on the site. It’s about choosing the right events for the right audiences and making sure they’re viable from a staffing, logistics, and commercial perspective. There’s always a balance to strike between maximising revenue and doing what’s best for the community, brand, and long-term vision for the site. Finding that “sweet spot” is an ongoing learning process.

Gaining traction as a mixed-use location 

For the Island Quarter, most external organisations now approach the team directly, which shows the site’s growing reputation. However, this wasn’t the case at the beginning. The early events were harder to secure and there was more proactive outreach involved. As momentum grew and successful events built credibility, more well-known partners and organisers started coming forward.

This is a place we’ve worked hard to get to at The Island Quarter, but it’s not easy to build your credibility as a mixed-use location. Consistency, delivering what you’ve said you will and constant community engagement are essential.

Succeeding as a mixed-use development is challenging but with the right input from the community you’re wanting to engage, a flexible approach to space use and a balance of ambition versus feasibility, it is possible to create a thriving community to live, work and play.

The next phase of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) at The Island Quarter has secured planning approval, set to provide a further 394 dedicated spaces for students living in the city.

Plans approved by Nottingham City Council (18 December) will enable a second phase of student accommodation to be built on the Manvers Road side of the 36-acre site, adjacent to the 693-bed Winfield Court – which opened its doors in September to students attending the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.

Comprising of four adjoining blocks ranging from seven to 11 storeys, 313 beds will be provided within cluster flats and a further 81 within single occupancy studios, with additional facilities including a gym, laundry room, lounges and breakout areas.

Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, the developer behind The Island Quarter, said: “Following the completion of Winfield Court, this secondary student phase is the next step to evolve and diversify the opportunities for students to live at The Island Quarter.

“By creating living experiences that are well-designed and varied in options, including more single occupancy studios, we can provide a mix that appeals to a variety of domestic and international students seeking high-quality PBSA in the city, while preventing depletion of Nottingham’s housing stock.”

The plans – designed by DAY Architectural with planning, transport and environmental advice by Axis – will enable The Island Quarter to become home to more than 1,000 university students in Nottingham.

Permission has been granted with section 106 obligations for Conygar to deliver financial contributions towards affordable housing, the provision or enhancement of offsite public realm, local employment and training opportunities, as well as operating a student management scheme.

The new student block is the latest planning approved by developer Conygar Investment Company, following approval in 2023 for a new 250,000 sq ft biosciences campus on the northern side of the site.

PHASE one of The Island Quarter has won a prestigious Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA) Regional Award in the East Midlands for the thoughtful design delivered by Jestico + Whiles.

The ceremony on Thursday 23 May commended the unlocking of the post-industrial brownfield site, 1 The Island Quarter (1TIQ), which has now formed a gateway to a new cultural hub in Nottingham City Centre, boasting two restaurants, an events venue and outdoor live music and entertainment space.

Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, said: “As the first phase of our 36-acre development, 1TIQ had to represent what we wanted to achieve across the wider masterplan – a space that celebrates the site’s vast history while bringing it into economic use for the future. Alongside Jestico + Whiles, we have achieved this by not compromising quality and user experience at any stage of the design.

“Winning the RIBA award is a fantastic achievement, that solidifies our commitment to regenerating the site and establishing a sense of place for the area that celebrates its extensive industrial history.”

Some of the carefully considered design features that caught the attention of judges include the use of red brick from the Nottingham Patent Brick Company and the repeated motif of the arches across the facade to reflect the links to the old railway building on site.

James Dilley, director at Jestico + Whiles, said: “Every aspect of the design for 1TIQ is the result of research and collaboration, to ensure we delivered a space that began a true transformation of the site, which has been derelict for 30 years. Working alongside Conygar and the masterplanning team we have created something to be proud of and it’s rewarding to have that recognised with this RIBA Award.”

RIBA’s ambition is to support British architects and the awards recognise those leading the way for the region in design excellence.

For more information on The Island Quarter masterplan, visit theislandquarter.com/masterplan

ENDS

For more information, please contact  Peter Mumford or Lucy Torr at Cartwright Communications on 0115 853 2110 or email theislandquarter@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk

About The Island Quarter

The Island Quarter is an exciting mixed-use development and unique, not just for Nottingham but for the Midlands and the UK. The 36-acre site will be totally transformed to bring new homes, grade A office space, creative spaces, a lifestyle hotel, PRS apartments and co-working space, retail units, a ‘linear’ park and vibrant community and event space as well as student accommodation to the city.

The development is a vital part of the regeneration of Nottingham’s Southside and the developers are working closely with Nottingham City Council to align with its vision for the city.

About The Conygar Investment Company PLC

The Conygar Investment Company PLC is an AIM quoted property investment and development group dealing primarily in UK property. The group aims to invest in property assets where it can add significant value using our property management, development and transaction structuring skills.

Conygar purchased The Island Quarter site in 2016.

The Island Quarter is proud to support T-BAC and JUNO.