One of the borough’s most striking Victorian buildings is getting a new life — and a new name — after being snapped up by wedding venue operator Best Day Ever Venues.
The Grade II* Listed Bestwood Pumping Station in Arnold, formerly known as Lakeside Nottingham, has been acquired by the group and will reopen as Hawksley Tower, a nod to the building’s original designer, Victorian civil engineer Thomas Hawksley.
The 1873 Gothic revival landmark — complete with a Venetian-style tower, grand hall, ornamental lake and nearly six acres of parkland — is considered one of the East Midlands’ most extraordinary historic sites.
Ben Reeves, owner of Best Day Ever Venues, said the team had “been aware of this building for some time” and intends to act as “custodians worthy of its national significance”.
The company already runs six wedding venues across the Midlands, many of them listed buildings, and has built a reputation for restoring heritage sites with care.
Specialist heritage architects CTD Architects have been appointed, and a pre‑application submission to Gedling Borough Council is expected shortly. Reeves said the group is committed to working “openly and transparently” with the council, Historic England and the local community.
Knights, the legal and professional services group, advised on the acquisition.
Best Day Ever Venues says its goal is to breathe life back into the site and welcome couples to the newly reimagined Hawksley Tower once planning and listed building consents are secured. More details on the development programme will follow as the process progresses.
Locals can follow the project’s progress or register interest at: https://www.bestdayever-venues.co.uk/hawksley-tower-wedding-venue
