About this Event
The War Rooms: A Past Unseen, A Future Revealed is an exhibition exploring the hidden history and future transformation of Nottingham's Cold War bunker in Aspley. Featuring photographs by Martine Hamilton Knight and an immersive 3D digital tour by Dan Billings, the exhibition captures the War Rooms before its current redevelopment, offering a rare insight into a local site once central to this region's civil defence.
Visitors will discover the bunker's past, experience its recent past through digital projections and interactive displays, and explore plans for its future as a revitalised destination for heritage, community, workspace and conference use. This exhibition also introduces the future vision for the War Rooms, shaped by CPMG Architects, who will reimagine the bunker’s next chapter through sensitive, heritage led design. Their evolving proposals balance the responsibility of preserving a significant piece of Nottingham’s history with the ambition to create a contemporary mix of conference, workspace, community and heritage facilities.
Alongside this, Langcroft - the developer leading this truly unique regeneration project - is bringing the historic bunker back to life and transforming it into something meaningful for the future. The team is now undertaking specialist construction and adaptive reuse works that honour the building’s past while preparing it for new public purpose.
Through photography, technology and storytelling, the exhibition reveals how an important piece of Nottingham's history is being carefully preserved and reimagined for future generations.
Join us across the fortnight and see the show, plus attend one of our show talks presented by speakers connected with Nottingham War Rooms, who will share their perspectives on the site's history, documentation and future transformation.
Show entry and talks are via pre-bookable, free ticketed sessions, so sign up for one of these small-group group tours taking place between 4 and 13 November. Whether you'd like to learn more about the photography and documentation of historic buildings, discover how technology can reveal hidden history, or discover more about the future vision for the Nottingham War Rooms, there is a session to suit every interest.
What's On
Wednesday 4 November
- Nottingham War Rooms on Camera with Martine Hamilton Knight | 13:30
- Using Tech to Reveal History with Dan Billings | 15:00
- Camera as Witness with Martine Hamilton Knight | 16:30
Friday 6 November
- Future Vision with CPMG Architects | 13:00
- Future Vision with CPMG Architects | 14:00
Monday 9 November
- Future Vision with Langcroft | 12:00
- Future Vision with Langcroft | 13:00
Wednesday 11 November
- Nottingham War Rooms on Camera with Martine Hamilton Knight | 13:30
- Using Tech to Reveal History with Dan Billings | 15:00
- Camera as Witness with Martine Hamilton Knight | 16:30
Event venue
Nottingham Trent University, The Design & Digital Arts Building,, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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