The acquisition of the landmark Nottingham War Rooms has been completed, clearing the way for one of Nottingham's most significant regeneration projects.

The scheme will combine heritage-led commercial redevelopment with the delivery of 104 new affordable homes.

Property and planning law firm Devello Group acted on behalf of Hamilton Russell Harper Wood, a company within Langcroft Group, which has acquired the Grade II-listed Cold War bunker from Homes England.

The acquisition marks a key step forward in Langcroft's plans to restore the historic site, a vision that has been more than a decade in development.

As part of the wider project, the surrounding residential land has been sold to East Midlands Housing Group, which will be responsible for delivering the 104 affordable homes.

Located close to Nottingham city centre on Chalfont Drive in Beechdale, the former Cold War bunker will be repurposed into a long-term community and commercial hub.

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Approved plans include workspace, conferencing and exhibition facilities, health and wellbeing services, food and beverage outlets, and media and creative spaces.

The redevelopment aims to balance modern commercial uses with careful heritage conservation. Key original features within the bunker – including the Lamson Tube Room, former BBC recording studio, plant rooms and kitchen facilities – will be preserved and restored. New entrances, roof interventions and improved access are also planned to introduce daylight and improve accessibility.

The bunker was originally constructed during the Cold War as one of 17 regional war rooms built across England and Scotland. It was designed to withstand a nuclear attack and later served as a regional seat of government and an emergency broadcasting facility for the BBC before being decommissioned in 1969.

Site works are expected to begin this month (March), with the first new homes targeted for occupation by April 2027.

Iain Hibbert, CEO of Devello Group, said: "Devello was delighted to support Langcroft on both the property and planning aspects of this highly complex acquisition and redevelopment, alongside the sub-sale to East Midlands Housing Group. The designs honour the War Rooms' extraordinary heritage while creating a modern, commercially viable space that will deliver lasting benefits for the local community. We're excited to see this landmark regeneration move into delivery."

Hamilton Russell Harper Wood was selected as the developer following a competitive tender process run by Homes England and multiple approval stages. Detailed design work has now been completed, and planning permission for the project was granted in December 2026.