Nottingham Guildhall Explained

Nottingham Guildhall
Map Type:United Kingdom Nottingham Central
Address:Burton Street
Location City:Nottingham
Groundbreaking Date:1887
Completion Date:1888
Destruction Date:-->
Cost:£65,000
Architect:Thomas Verity and George Henry Hunt
Main Contractor:Gabbutts of Liverpool
Unit Count:-->

Nottingham Guildhall is a former magistrates' court in Nottingham, England. The structure, which was used by Nottingham City Council as offices in the 1990s, is a Grade II listed building.

History

Nottingham Guildhall was built in 1887 to 1888 to replace the previous Nottingham Guild Hall on Weekday Cross. Following a competition with Alfred Waterhouse as the judge, the French Renaissance Revival design by the architects Thomas Verity and George Henry Hunt was chosen. Gabbutts of Liverpool were chosen as contractors much to the annoyance of local building companies.[1] The initial estimate for the building was £128,416, and immediately the council asked Verity and Hunt to simplify the design.[2] The building was erected in Darley Dale ashlar and brick, with Westmorland slate roofs for a cost of £65,000[3] and completed in 1888.

In 1996, all magistrates were moved to the new Nottingham Magistrates' Court building.[4] Between 1996 and 2010 the Guildhall was occupied by Nottingham City Council. In 2010 the council left for new, modern offices at Loxley House, close to Nottingham rail station. Since this date the building has remained council-owned but is relatively unused. In 2016, the council initiated discussions with a developer with a view to selling the property.[5] [6]

In May, June and July 2024, the guildhall suffered fire damage after vandals set fire to it.[7] [8] [9]

Caves

The two-level cave system is reached by an open well stair. The brick-lined passages and cells were extensively modified during World War II for use as emergency headquarters and air raid shelters.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Victorian Nottingham. A Story in Pictures. Richard Iliffe and Wilfred Baguley. Volume 19.
  2. Web site: 1883: The Guildhall, Nottingham. Archiseek. 14 August 2024.
  3. Strangers Guide to Nottingham. 1892.
  4. The Architects' journal, Volume 218, 2003
  5. News: Nottingham Guildhall site sale can now be completed after terms agreed . West Bridgford Wire. 6 February 2024. 14 August 2024.
  6. News: Nottingham Guildhall sale back on track after new terms agreed with buyer . 7 February 2024. Notts TV. 14 August 2024.
  7. News: BBC News . Warning after deliberate fires set in listed building. 14 August 2024. 14 August 2024.
  8. News: Warning after spate of 'deliberate' fires at historic Nottingham city centre landmark. 14 August 2024. Nottingham World. 14 August 2024.
  9. News: Security tightened at Nottingham landmark after nine fires in six weeks . Nottinghamshire Live. 14 August 2024.