VICTORIA Centre's makeover will go ahead – as long as it reflects its "iconic" status.
The proposed refurbishment was given the go-ahead by councillors yesterday – on condition that agreement can reached met on how it looks. Planning committee councillors voiced concerns that the design, which includes orange lighting and fabric cladding, did not fit the character of Nottingham.
They were also unhappy with the corporate styling and how quickly it would age.
Councillor Malcolm Wood said he was concerned that the owners, Intu, had not thought about the building's importance to the city.
He said: "I do think it's an iconic building and I wonder if Intu looked at it seriously.
"I think the design they have looks almost temporary. I don't see it as a lasting solution for the street scene.
"I hope that we can talk to Intu and improve the quality of the aesthetics."
Councillor Michael Edwards said he also had reservations about the look of the building.
He said: "This is a planning application geared around a corporate logo. I don't think it looks good. I just want to know what it is I am missing."
Councillor Toby Neal said: "There's a sense about the style that doesn't feel right. You've got the top that pokes out. That doesn't feel right."
Councillor Roger Steele added: "As this is what I would consider the main entrance point into Victoria Centre, there ought to be a bit of a wow factor. I don't think this has the wow factor."
However, committee chairman Councillor Chris Gibson said it was a move away from its dated concrete appearance.
He said: "I remember when it was being built in 1972 and the fashion then was for naked concrete. I think we've learnt our lesson there.
"I would want to support and encourage the way this is looked at."
A spokesman for Intu Properties said: "We will need to discuss this further with the council."
Have councillors made the right decision? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
