Renovation at former HMRC buildings for the University of Nottingham

We are pleased to be providing structural engineering support to Henry Brothers who are appointed by the university to lead the refurbishment project of these fantastic Grade II listed buildings.

The construction of the innovative buildings was completed in 1994 and occupied by HMRC (formerly Inland Revenue) until 2021, when the property was acquired by the university.

Situated in a former railway goods yard, the site comprises 7 buildings showcasing design elements which were ahead of their time. Notably, the buildings incorporated heating shafts utilising natural ventilation, marking an early commitment to sustainability and ecological considerations. In addition, the main amenity building has a distinctive design featuring a fabric roof suspended from four raking steel masts using the thermal mass of the concrete to cool the building at night. It is no surprise that the design won a BREEAM Excellent award.

Originally designed with longevity in mind, the use of durable prefabricated components positions the buildings for a new chapter as the University’s Castle Meadow campus, showing the potential for adaptation to evolving needs. This forward-looking ethos aligns seamlessly with the university’s own commitment to sustainability, and we are pleased to be involved in the latest phase of the renovation of this landmark Nottingham building.