Devello Group advises on complex acquisition of Grade II-Listed Nottingham War Rooms

The acquisition of the landmark Nottingham War Rooms has completed, paving the way for one of Nottingham’s most significant regeneration projects - combining heritage-led commercial redevelopment with the delivery of 104 new affordable homes.

The legal aspects of this complex transaction were propelled by property and planning law firm and strategic advisors Devello Group, acting on behalf of Hamilton Russell Harper Wood (a Langcroft Group company), which has acquired the Grade II-listed Cold War bunker from Homes England.  

The acquisition takes Langcroft a step further to realising its vision for the restoration of this heritage asset, which has been more than 10-years in the making.

The surrounding residential land has been sub-sold to East Midlands Housing Group, which will deliver the affordable homes.

Located close to Nottingham city centre on Chalfront Drive in Beechdale, the former wartime bunker will be repurposed and transformed into a vibrant, long-term community and commercial hub by Langcroft. The approved plans include workspace, conferencing and exhibition facilities, health and wellbeing uses, food and beverage outlets, and media and creative spaces.

The scheme balances modern commercial use with sensitive heritage conservation. Significant original features within the bunker, including the Lamson Tube Room, former BBC recording studio, plant rooms and kitchen facilities, will be preserved and restored, while new entrances, roof interventions and improved access will bring daylight and accessibility into the building.

Originally constructed during the Cold War as one of 17 regional war rooms across England and Scotland, the structure was designed to withstand nuclear attack and later served as a regional seat of government and BBC emergency broadcasting facility before being decommissioned in 1969.

Site works are expected to commence 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 through a competitive Homes England tender process, following multiple approval stages. Detailed design work has now been completed and planning permission was granted in December 2026. 

Craig Cameron, Land Director of Langcroft Group said: “We’re extremely pleased to have completed the acquisition of the Nottingham War Rooms and the sub-sale for 104 affordable homes. This was an exceptionally complex transaction, and the calm, clear advice from Devello throughout was invaluable. This is just the beginning — the War Rooms are entering an exciting new chapter.”

Victoria Robb, Director of New Business at East Midlands Housing Group, added: “This completion marks a major milestone in bringing forward much-needed affordable homes. Devello’s proactive and collaborative approach helped maintain momentum on a challenging and ambitious project.”

The Nottingham War Rooms project represents a major step forward in blending heritage, housing and placemaking, unlocking a distinctive asset while delivering meaningful social and economic impact for Nottingham.