Repairs to Nottingham’s iconic Council House, located at the heart of Old Market Square, are expected to cost £2.8 million, according to new information.
The Grade-II listed building, which serves as the seat of local government in the city, is a prominent landmark hosting full council meetings, inquests, and also serving as a register office for vital events such as births, marriages, and deaths.
A Freedom of Information request to the BBC has revealed that extensive repairs are required for several areas of the building, including the stonework on the façade, the dome, the flooring, and parts of the roof that are currently leaking.
Nottingham City Council has outlined plans to carry out the necessary repairs during the 2025-2026 financial year, though this is contingent on funding approval.
The cost of restoring the façade of the Council House is estimated at £2 million, while roof repairs are projected to reach £250,000. The necessary works were identified in a report issued in June 2023.
In addition to these repairs, the flooring in the building also requires significant attention, with costs for these works expected to be around £550,000.
The date of identification for these flooring issues remains unclear, but they are part of the ongoing concerns about the building’s structural integrity.
The dome of the Council House, a distinctive feature of the building, underwent repairs between 2021 and 2022, though further work will likely be needed in the near future.
Completed in 1929, Nottingham’s Council House stands as one of the city’s most recognisable and historic structures. The building is designed in the Baroque Revival style and is considered an “exceptional example” of early 20th-century civic architecture, according to Historic England.
At 200 feet tall, the building’s dome houses a bell affectionately known as “Little John.” This bell is famous for having the deepest tone in the UK, with its sound carrying up to seven miles away, according to Visit Nottinghamshire.
While the Council House is not listed on Historic England’s “Heritage at Risk Register,” it is still considered an important architectural asset, with plans for repairs needing careful attention to preserve its historical integrity.
Jane Holt, Heritage at Risk Architect for Historic England, expressed support for “sensitive and appropriate repairs” to the building.
She confirmed that Historic England would work closely with Nottingham City Council’s conservation officer to ensure any repair proposals meet the highest standards of heritage preservation.
A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council highlighted the importance of listed buildings like the Council House, not only for their architectural beauty but also for their role in representing the social, economic, cultural, and military history of the region.
The spokesperson added: “Listed buildings are key features in our towns and cities, often attracting visitors while reflecting a community’s historical roots.
The restoration and care of these unique buildings are essential for maintaining our cultural heritage and for their continued role in public life.”
