Nottingham’s Newest Build-To-Rent Completes

The Barnum – a brand-new 348-home apartment complex near Nottingham railway station – has completed, following support from planning experts at Marrons.

Part of the city’s Southside regeneration, the build-to-rent scheme provides a mix of studios, one, two and three-bedroom fully furnished homes, with a range of amenities, including a social lounge, co-working space, outdoor roof terrace, gym, private dining room, bike storage, and car parking spaces.

Marrons acted for Blocwork LLP – a joint venture between Network Rail and property developer the Bloc Group – in its planning application, which was granted full permission by Nottingham City Council in 2019.

Jenny Keen, planning director at Marrons, who led the application, said: “We are delighted that The Barnum has now completed – a new neighbourhood delivering much-needed housing with excellent transport links in a key gateway location. The landmark scheme also plays a vital role in Nottingham’s Southside regeneration and has brought back to use a site that was previously derelict for many years.

“With flexible tenancies that offer stability, dedicated property management teams, and communal spaces that build communities, build-to-rent is a sector that is thriving, and the schemes are growing in popularity with both developers and tenants alike.”

The development is named after the Barnum railway fleet – a unique set of train carriages that once connected Nottingham to London during Victorian Britain. Its interiors take inspiration from the transport industry, and artwork throughout the scheme celebrates the railway’s history.

The site was acquired by private rental homes provider Grainger in 2020, built by contractor Graham, and designed by Franklin Ellis Architects. Shakespeare Martineau partner Paul Wakefield provided planning legal support.