The Guild Hall - Nottingham
Inside this abandoned grandee hall lies an assortment of derelict public sector services such as a former police and fire station. The hall itself closed entirely in 2010 and over the years I had given the place ago when in the area but to no success. That would change however when on one sunny morning we found ourselves roaming the area in search of some abandoned railway tunnels when we decided to scope the place out once more.
To our complete surprise a roller shutter door had been left open about 4ft off the ground providing easy access to the building. The place is slap bang in the middle of Nottingham city center and is under constant watch by security, so finding entry this easy and so obvious was to good an oppertunity to pass up on. We spent the following morning exploring the extensive network of disused office blocks, courtrooms and holding cells below, before finishing off with some rooftop views.
It wasn’t until the next day we realized that we had completely forgot about the sandstone caves below which were originally dug out as wine vaults but later retro fitted for emergency use as the local Civil Defense Headquarters during WW2. As predicted the wide open access wasn’t so open a few days later and the caves had been missed, if your interested in checking them out give the report linked HERE a read.
History
“The Guildhall in Nottingham is an architectural and historical gem, Erected in 1887, this Victorian Gothic masterpiece stands proudly with its ornate stone façade, elaborate carvings, and majestic spires, embodying the grandeur of 19th-century civic architecture. The Guildhall was originally built to serve as Nottingham's main civic building, housing the City Council, courts, and police station, becoming the central hub of governance and justice in the city. Designed by the renowned architect Verner O. Rees, features a series of grand halls, council chambers, and offices adorned with period details such as stained glass windows and sweeping staircases that echo the footsteps of countless officials and citizens who have walked its corridors over the decades. The building's imposing clock tower, visible from various points in the city, has long been a symbol of Nottingham's civic pride and historical continuity. Throughout its history, the Guildhall has been the site of significant events and decisions that have shaped the city's development. It served as a courthouse, witnessing numerous high-profile trials, and as a police station, ensuring law and order in Nottingham. The council chambers were the setting for many important civic debates and resolutions, reflecting the evolving political landscape of the city. In recent years, the Guildhall has entered a new chapter, with redevelopment plans set to transform this historical landmark into a dynamic mixed-use space that honours its past while embracing the future. The centrepiece of this redevelopment is the conversion of the Guildhall into a luxury hotel, offering high-end accommodations within the historical framework. Additionally, the redevelopment includes the integration of commercial spaces within the building, envisioned to house cafes, restaurants, and boutique retail shops. These new additions are expected to breathe new life into the Guildhall, making it a bustling hub of activity and economic growth. The redevelopment project is planning to preserve the Guildhall's historical and architectural essence, Efforts will be made to maintain its Victorian Gothic features, ensuring that the building's heritage is respected and celebrated”.
