Report - John Player Bonded Warehouse, Nottingham - August 2019

[MotionlessMike]

The History

The John Player Bonded Warehouses were constructed in 1939 for storage of tobacco and were used until 2016. There were originally three warehouses, with two already demolished in 2017 leaving just one standing along with some outbuildings and workshops.

The three warehouses prior to demolition (from Geograph)

The Explore

The biggest attraction here is the rooftop which has splendid views of Nottingham. It's obviously quite a popular attraction for the local youths, as upon arrival one Friday night for a visit we were greeted by the fire brigade presumably rescuing some poor sods who'd let the fire door close behind them.

We had a check through the outbuildings next to the road, but apart from a massive spoon there was little to find.

All eight floors are completely uniform and empty

Up on the roof

And a few shots from my first attempt at manual long exposures during a night visit

Thanks for looking

​

 

[HughieD]

Despite the floors being empty the roof shots made it all worthwhile.

 

[MotionlessMike]

It certainly did, nice and relaxing up there

 

[clebby]

Amazing looking building. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it in the UK before tbh.. looks like it could be in Detroit or something

 

[Calamity Jane]

Like the night shots

 

[MotionlessMike]

Thanks CJ, took a bit of faffing to get them somewhere near presentable! And yes clebby, certainly still has some presence.

 

[Accell1969]

The History

The John Player Bonded Warehouses were constructed in 1939 for storage of tobacco and were used until 2016. There were originally three warehouses, with two already demolished in 2017 leaving just one standing along with some outbuildings and workshops.

The three warehouses prior to demolition (from Geograph)

The Explore

The biggest attraction here is the rooftop which has splendid views of Nottingham. It's obviously quite a popular attraction for the local youths, as upon arrival one Friday night for a visit we were greeted by the fire brigade presumably rescuing some poor sods who'd let the fire door close behind them.

We had a check through the outbuildings next to the road, but apart from a massive spoon there was little to find.

All eight floors are completely uniform and empty

Up on the roof

And a few shots from my first attempt at manual long exposures during a night visit

Thanks for looking

​

Brilliant to see the old buildings. A real part of Nottingham history, like Raleigh and Boots. Is is still possible to get in?

 

[MotionlessMike]

Brilliant to see the old buildings. A real part of Nottingham history, like Raleigh and Boots. Is is still possible to get in?

Players? Yeah I reckon so!

 

[Accell1969]

Sorry, yes, Players. I'll try and get down this week. Thanks.

 

[Snowhead]

Amazing looking building. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it in the UK before tbh.. looks like it could be in Detroit or something

This is what they looked like when there was 3 of them, (second picture) Built just to store raw tobacco that had not had and duty or tax paid on it, so the buildings were very secure.

The Nottinghamshire Heritage Gateway > Themes > John Player & Sons > Structural

 

[Accell1969]

I worked with a bloke who worked there. He said there was a lot of people always there from customs and excise!