The Model

This ongoing project involves the renovation and adaptation of a Grade II listed building in Nottingham’s Lace Market Conservation Area, transforming it into The Model—a cultural venue combining a club and listening bar. The earliest part of the building dates from circa 1700, with later additions in 1890, encapsulating the layered history of the Georgian period and Nottingham’s industrial growth.

The scheme is conceived as a place for the local music community, providing an inclusive and adaptable venue that supports performance, listening, and cultural exchange. More than a simple retrofit, the project embraces a multi-sensory approach—curating an environment that engages sound, light, touch, and atmosphere to heighten the experience of both performers and audiences.

Materiality is central to the design strategy. Layers of the building’s past are carefully peeled back and revealed, allowing traces of its history to remain legible while new interventions are integrated with sensitivity. Traditional details and patina are celebrated alongside discreet contemporary upgrades, creating a dialogue between heritage and modern use. Works include the refurbishment of the existing structure, the reconfiguration of interior spaces to accommodate performance and audience zones, and targeted improvements to accessibility, safety, and building performance.

Developed in close collaboration with a structural engineer and in dialogue with Nottingham City Council, the project has progressed through Pre-application discussions to secure both Listed Building Consent and Planning Approval. Once complete, The Model will reactivate a historic building as a vibrant, multi-sensory venue—rooted in Nottingham’s architectural legacy while providing a vital cultural home for its music community.