Exploring the Abandoned Nottingham Town Hall

In today's episode, we head inside the former Nottingham Guild Hall, Police and Fire Station that has been shuttered since 2010. Containing lots of ornate features, despite more than a decade of disuse, we explored the entire property in 2021.
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Our urbex library -
• Exploring an Abandoned...
abandoned urbandoned derelict urbex explore exploring uk united kingdom england nottingham nottinghamshire midlands guild hall police station fire station courthouse cells jail prison architecture ornate court foyer grand old cctv camera documentary walkthrough video

[@franklancaster8434]

I did work on the Guildhall back in the 60s as an apprentice bricklayer we built a lift shaft which I assume was from the cells to the courts. A beautiful building some of our top carpenters worked on the courtrooms restoring the beautiful timber work. We worked for Thomas Fish and sons and did some great work in this building. I live in Australia now but the memories are so special.

[@JoePublicUk]

The reason why it's been left so easy to get in because they can't knock it down because I would assume its listed building.. so they are hoping someone sets fire to it.. then they can knock it down.

[@MINKIN2]

I live in Notts. We all know that as soon as it is deemed unsafe, they will knock it down and put up student flats.

[@ItzA1fie]

@@MINKIN2 do u know how to get in?

[@bobmcdermott9535]

Just like Tameside MBC near Manchester.

[@philiprufus4427]

You got it,The History of Glasgows Old Buildings unwanted by The Council over fifty years !

[@birchthebirch4593]

Because someone is going to make a lot of money off it ​@freebeerfordworkers

[@sputumtube]

Your quote "it felt obscene that something so special could be left without purpose". A sentiment all us viewers/subscribers feel to the max. Another great video, please keep 'em coming. (P.S. that magnificent clock - Jeez).

[@chaddamp2894]

to many of these old beautiful buildings being flattened without proper consultaion with general public..

[@Urbandoned]

Glad you are enjoying the videos! Indeed, that line would be fitting for 99% of our videos :)

[@markrainford1219]

The clock is a Cope and Co, a famous Nottingham clockmakers. Copes jewellers are still trading.

[@calum29854792385]

I can remember being taken round that building by my dad when I was younger, can always remember being excited to see the fire engines and police cars

[@derrenleepoole]

Another quality explore. Criminal that such heritage is squandered this way. That would make a fantastic arts and community hub.

[@Urbandoned]

Yes it would!

[@atha9993]

The beds in the dormitory in the fire station ore for the crews working the night shift , stand down is between midnight and 7am where you are permitted to sleep but obviously respond to calls during that time , the lockers are for bedding and personal effects and clothing .

[@Urbandoned]

Brilliant - thanks for sharing

[@cameronherd7112]

About ten years ago, I visited this building while doing work for the City Council. We were asked to quote up for the removal of the asbestos ceilings in the court rooms that were in the process of falling down. In many of the old council offices, there were beautiful wooden cabinets that had been left. Although it looks like most of them have been pinched now. The building had several burst water pipes and it was disbelieving to see such an amazing building with streams of water running down the stairs cases! In the court yard between the civi building and fire station (where the bridge passes over) in the corner is a small building. It was where the caretaker lived. When I visited a caretaker was still living there and keeping an eye on the site. He has obviously long gone now and it looks like people have started to trash the place which is a shame. The building was alarmed when we visited but as others have suggested, I suspect the council want people to break in with the hope of a fire to destroy the building. I know the council were struggling to find a buyer as most of it (mainly the court rooms) are grade 2 listed so any hotel chains etc that expressed an interest just couldn’t find a way of making it work. I’m sure the national trust could put it to good use but the council of course wouldn’t get any money. A shame, the building reminds me of the good old days and how life used to be.

[@suedunning2945]

I hope the national trust might take this on, as a museum site for the local population. It's sad it's being left to decay.

[@me_fault]

They can turn it into Galleries of Justice part 2.

[@Urbandoned]

It would make an excellent gallery or museum

[@aintnosoul5671]

It will more like be converted into plush apartments for the wealthy.

[@philiprufus4427]

More likely, ' Pyrotechnique Developments' will put in an appearance !

[@jankarel6454]

I think it's wonderful that you are recording these old buildings for posterity. One day they will be gone, and without some sort of record being made, people will never even know that these amazing buildings existed.

[@Urbandoned]

That's the idea!

[@nigelhardy7218]

The art deco architecture of the police and fire stations gives a modern contrast to the 1888 court building. Clean uncluttered design. In the fire station where the vehicles were kept are entrance doors at the rear and exit doors onto the street. On returning from a call engines drive to the rear of the building for cleaning before entering the garage entrance doors, parked nose to the front exit doors ready for a swift emergency exit from the front.

[@czylichilli]

Wow. Greetings from Notts. Cool to see you guys in my city.

[@Urbandoned]

Hello!

[@MattandBecExplores-lt9vf]

Fantastic explore. Really interesting watch. Loved the history as well. 😊❤👍

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you very much

[@bganonimouse2754]

Another top quality video. The pride you take in your work is there for all to see, thanks!

[@bobbythomas200420032]

A great video and the building is lovely like the architecture in the main lobby area. The wood panelling in the courts just so awesome. I really enjoyed the video thank you for filming this.

[@nicholasshipley2467]

Well done again, Notts CC. So many examples of gross mismanagement.

[@leonardbillson6712]

The beds in the fire station are for the night shift when there not busy and no fire to attend too 🤔👍

[@Urbandoned]

Makes a lot of sense - I don't know why we didn't consider it at the time, but it was 2021!

[@sglenny001]

Yep my grandad used it

[@mmatejka01]

You guys do such a great job of documenting these locations.....Love your channel. ..!

[@franklancaster8434]

There used to a pub opposite the Guild hall called the Guild Hall Tavern that was a great pub and so beautiful inside.

[@RichieRouge206]

Fascinating place in every way. It seems that all over, all our history and historical buildings are left to rot so that we having left, all in favour of cheapness. I visit Nottingham fairly regularly for college. The court room was pretty impressive too - stark contrast between the stark cold cells and the opulent, warm offices. Great video with awesome music too!

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you! The courtrooms did feel very different to the brighter colours of the rooms surrounding them

[@carolannelodwick3995]

I am new to your channel .Your description and history of a once beautiful building are great! It's just so sad to see such a lovely place neglected and forgotten about .Thank you guys and stay safe .😁

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you - we will :)

[@stephaniemcquillan1930]

Hi guys! Very interesting historic place. Loved it. Thanks for the video.

[@HolyFreakinDragonSlayer]

Why do you guys not have a million subs yet? Keep up the good work 👏

[@chappo8403]

Brings back memories of the 90's when I was brought before the courts in this place. lol Waste of a great and historical building!

[@aarjaycee3601]

nice upload again fellas, thoroughly captivating and intersting video, thanks for showing us this as always

[@Urbandoned]

Appreciate it :)

[@davidn3394]

Absolutely amazing video thanks

[@benlambley7171]

Brilliant as usual guys

[@Knockseekfind]

Great video really enjoyed this keep up the great work Thankyou so much stay safe please 🙏. 👍💯

[@OLIFAB]

Fantastic explore! Stunning architecture! 😁

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers!

[@mewsman44]

Another great video lads .

[@DrZippo01]

Disturbing that a concious decision has been made by people tasked with making important decisions about our lives have alloed this building to fall into such a disrespectful state if disrepair.

[@user-zh6ox8vs9u]

I got remanded to glen parva when I was 15 in that court . Was bricking it 😊

[@MichaelofEngland]

In my fifties now and so sad to see my wonderful old home town going to ruin.

[@ghostfacescrillaNG]

Some people dream of being footballers, singers, actors…. Not me, I dream of being part of the Urbandoned team 😂. I’ve always had a fascination of derelict/abandoned buildings. So many amazing buildings just left to rot. So many to explore! I remember me and my mate finding the old RAF Newton village by chance in Notts (used in This Is England) we couldn’t believe it! Spent hours exploring all the empty houses. It’s gone now.

[@stuartwilson23]

I use to work at the Debenham store in Nottingham (and Bristol in fact!), would love to see a video of the abandoned building now.

[@patrickobrien4963]

Nice to see a video of you in nottingham city centre

[@Urbandoned]

Not the only one :)

[@DASMarijn]

What an building! Great tour, fellas!

[@Urbandoned]

You're welcome

[@jasongates2300]

Such a shame that so many of these beautiful old buildings fall into ruin and disrepair due to the increasing running and maintenance costs. Hoping a passionate and wealthy trust or private owner takes it on and turns into something useful for the public for educational or good recreational purposes.

[@JoolsUK]

Isn't it interesting how the brutalist prison cells and hallway give way to wooden panelled and civilised benching with an air of importance. Demonstrates how design and furniture can dictate feelings.

[@bruceaisher]

As they should

[@Urbandoned]

It's a great point, you could feel the change walking between either one and I feel that it would be received the same without any furnishings, purely by the cold, muted brick of the cells and the rich, dark wood of the courts.

[@BeestonRed]

I worked at the Guildhall in the offices that had the padlock. I loved working there and have many fond memories, working for NCC the IT Networks Team we used to store stuff in the cells at the front of the building. Such a shame to see the building falling into disrepair. Doubt the council will do much now with their massive debts. Maybe they can sell the City Ground to Forest and make that hotel, it’s in a perfect place. Cheers lads for the memories. PS the beds were for fireman as they were always present at the station and slept there waiting to be called. They used to play basketball or something in the courtyard in day hours whilst waiting and sleep at night. PPS Some of it is a listed building so cannot be knocked down like they did across the road … the modern building which replaced what used to be the Nottingham Evening Post.

[@foxual13]

The Paper Drill at 11:32 is a beauty

[@SimonKelk]

With the council being bankrupt it frustrates me that such a wonderful city space is left abandoned with power on, pidgeon droppings everywhere.

[@frasermathers2287]

Fantastic explore and video lads with some amazing architecture. Once again we see a wonderful building being left to rot. The sooner we as a society wake up and are able to prosecute our local and national governments for the woeful disrespect for the property we own and the disrespect shown for some of the contents (like the name boards) the better. I also wonder what the electricity bill is for all the power over the many years that the building has been vacant. Having personally owned and totally refurbished homes between 300 & 100 years old, you cannot tell me that these buildings could not be repurposed and put back into use.

[@bruceaisher]

I agree. Leaving a building like this to rot should be a criminal offense.

[@Urbandoned]

I agree completely, especially just the nameboards, it takes five minutes to unscrew them and put them in storage. From what we have heard, they have been graffed now...

[@mattsquire2284]

The beds in the fire station would have been for the fire fighters on night shift, they don't just stay awake all night, they are allowed to sleep.

[@Gary85Paul]

I'm surprised that they left the oak panels with former mayors' names. That's part of the civic history of Nottingham.

[@bruceaisher]

You think they give a rats arse about that? Too busy virtue signalling to care about their actual heritage

[@kubhlaikhan2015]

Pretty much sums up how well the Council has been serving the people of Nottingham over the past 20-30 years.

[@Jimmycrops]

very good

[@samj4410]

Considering the City Council is bankrupt, why on earth is the power just left running in this building? What an absolute waste of money

[@jamescollins6085]

It deters scrappers if you leave the power on.

[@hannahatkins636]

It's sad to think that nothing may never get done as the city council is in dire straits money wise. Or, they'll probably go to some housing developers. I hope, like someone said, that they will be preserved as a museum.

[@tomhbbb7523]

crazy to see how much notts skyline has changed in just a few years

[@bruceaisher]

How on God's Green Earth is that left to rot? Absolutely amazing architecture. Honestly this video was depressing, like a symbol of how far things have declined for the country in such a short space of time.

[@haisesasaki5326]

Can you still find a way into the courthouse at the moment? Got into the fire / police station but got lost on how to get to the courts

[@roomullan3050]

Wow all that detail, it’s all gonna be wasted now

[@SkipperDannyD]

19:21 those spirals resemble something else too. Quite an odd design for a police station.

[@miffy9871]

It’s so sad to see a beautiful building like this in a prime location functionless, rotting away.

[@davidsmith8728]

Blimey, I used to work there. I know the courts well. By the way, the beds in the Fire Station are for the staff to sleep when they are on nights. Unless there was a call - which usually there wasn't, they slept overnight. Not bad work if you can get it.

[@WickedYodaSr]

considering it was a fire station, ever think the beds might have been for the firefighters on call or on duty at night?

[@StefanArlt1968]

The dormitory in the Fire Station section was most likely intended for the firefighters’ night shifts, we function identically at the hospital where I work. 😊

[@Urbandoned]

Thanks for informing us

[@StefanArlt1968]

@@Urbandoned It’s a pleasure. I really like your videos, they’re absolutely boss and historically very accurate. With friendly greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭 ! ✌🏻

[@DanielLewis-rf1wl]

They used to handcuff us too radiators for the whole weekend imagine how hot it was and no foos or water

[@BIG-DEE-EASTMIDDZ]

My city boys ❤❤💯 how you get in here though 😮 we cant find a way in

[@GoostTube]

🔥🔥🔥

[@emanuelbravo1563]

Question for us who do not live there our those ships and building still standing I live in Oregon thanks for sharing guys

[@zaprodk]

11:34 That machine is not used for printing, but for drilling holes in the spine of the paper stack to assemble a ring binder. This machine was introduced in 1988, so absolutely no the 60s :)

[@SkipperDannyD]

That would make an awesome club

[@Joyce-no3up]

Is this accessible for public?

[@Buffalo31]

Government departments shouldn't spend millions moving to new premises unless they've got a long-term plan for grade listed buildings that they leave.

[@antonyreyn]

Great point cheers from Sherwood

[@user-qy5qc5vy5j]

How did you get in?

[@Harryyy7]

i grew up in nottingham

[@curveon60fps79]

Is this place still easy to get in ?

[@DILLIGAF65]

Fire fighters work in shifts,they live at the station while on their shift, I think they work 1 week on,one off. At least this is how they do it in the U.S, I'm assuming they do the same there. I'm sure if that's the case then you also found a kitchen, bathroom and shower room in that same area.

[@59patrickw]

this how the UK fire service shift patten works Most of our operational firefighters work a standard shift pattern from 08:00 until 18:00 on a 'tour' of two days, two nights then four days off. Each crew typically has 4 watches, which are identified by different colours - Red, Green, Blue and White.

[@kellishero]

Its a real shame that the councils letting these buildings fall into such a state of disrepair. I remember the court when it was still in use a beautiful building full of character, better than the modern monstrosity that replaced it.

[@ItzA1fie]

how do you get in?

[@Eviction76]

4:35 drunk tank

[@ItzA1fie]

where abouts is the entrance?

[@dwbswanson]

With the risk of fire or other damage, I'm shocked these name panels with dates from before that building was constructed have been left. They may have been from the previous town hall.

[@Urbandoned]

Totally agree, it's always surprising why they aren't removed

[@tamarahenderson5241]

Love

[@12TribesUnite]

cool

[@DanielLewis-rf1wl]

I beg you show me how to get in

[@DanielLewis-rf1wl]

I got my first sentence in there how do i get in i need to go have a look

[@LordFlash1]

Did you find the cave system under the police station? Refitted in World War Two to be an air raid shelter

[@johnd6487]

All those cells.. the city council is always on about needing more student accommodation 😂

[@CheekyFest]

why dont they sell it?

[@Muswell]

Those wooden plaques are to remember & commemorate important people. All those names will be lost if it alll gets destroyed .

[@chaddamp2894]

Some Fire Unions are allowed to sleep if they are on night shift and there are no call outs,un believable eh?

[@lynnemorrow8662]

😮😮😮😮

[@ziggyzagg561]

Was based in there during my 10 years service for N.C.C. cell 26. stay away its fooking spooky.

[@Devils-advocate78]

It’s called the guildhall not that town hall

[@pdtech4524]

Such a grand, wasted building that public money 💰 has been invested on in the past. It's no wonder the local council has gone bust with monumental waste like this! I'd like to see it turned into a state of the art homeless facility, so there are never any homeless people sleeping rough on the streets of nottingham. With in house support, rehabilitation and training facilities, so they can get off any substance or alcohol addiction and get some basic job skills or training. Or even commercial use like a lavish indoor market, especially after the one in the victoria centre is closing now. It would also make a grand, high end hotel / bar restaurant / nightclub / casino. Or just turn it into a fantastic multimedia, museum / art gallery / exhibition / education, training or conference space? 😮🤔

[@DavePocklington]

It shows the pride once felt in the nation. Now lost by our utterly useless politicians. I suppose it has been replaced by a soulless edifice, built in rectangles and squares, with no adornment. Representative of the ideals of our leaders. Boring, bland and without pride.

[@chrisrickels8743]

omg, I was just talking about this place and wondering what it was like inside. Such a waste that it's empty. I wish something could be done. I think the forest fixtures are from the 1995/96 season by the way, which matches up with when everyone moved out.

[@foxual13]

Forest fixtures are from 1995/96 season

[@Arctic_Fox_NFFC]

I was at some of those games, including a draw at home vs Spurs in the Spring. 2-2 I think, Jason Lee scored off his haircut.

[@EddieRiff]

night shift firefighters, every full-time station has them, fires don't just erupt in daytime fella.

[@markmitchell2282]

Guildhall courts

[@BlindingSun_]

I did a shit on the floor in there about 8 months ago 😂

[@Turnthatbiglightoff]

A beautiful building. Built by a society with a different mindset to our current one.

[@crazytacticsdave4017]

1995/96 season.

[@DanielLewis-rf1wl]

We were kids 13 14

[@Buffalo31]

Why tell us about stuff (map), if your not going to show it?

[@minui8758]

Why in Gods name has it been abandoned?!

[@MegPeters86]

Urgh, it’s so messed up. We’re crying out for social and affordable housing in this country. Why not make this into affordable homes? Keep lots of the original features, keep the building alive. While also keeping struggling people in homes.

[@olicool11]

Honestly, it's probably not economically viable to do so. These old buildings cost a fortune to run in maintenance alone, it's why so many get sold or abandoned like in this case. It does seem an unfortunate waste though I Agree

[@bruceaisher]

To be frank this isn't really suitable to be converted into housing. How on earth would they do that without basically destroying the entire structure that makes it worth saving in the first place. Moreover, Why was this building ever abandoned in the first place? It seems entirely fit for purpose

[@DanielLewis-rf1wl]

4 or 5 kids to a cell adults were in the cages