Newly abandoned Nottingham building targeted after being closed for only a month
A recently closed Nottingham city center building, formerly home to Bistro Live on Barker Gate in the Lace Market, has now become a target for urban explorers despite being shut down only a month ago. The establishment had been operating since 2001 but went into administration in October of the previous year. Following its closure in early February, the building was promptly boarded up with wooden panels to deter unauthorized access.
Despite the site’s swift closure, it didn’t take long for urban explorers to take an interest, with videos of individuals sneaking into the building surfacing on social media as early as February 13. One such video, posted by an explorer known as ‘Urbex Neglected,’ used hashtags like ‘#abandonedplaces’ and ‘#forgotten’ to describe the experience. This trend of exploring empty properties is not isolated to this building alone, as other vacant structures in Nottingham, such as the old Debenhams building in the Old Market Square and the former police and fire station on Shakespeare Street, have also been targets for such activities.
Nottinghamshire Police, led by Chief Inspector Kylie Davies, have been monitoring the situation closely and collaborating with Nottingham City Council to address the recent rise in antisocial behavior around abandoned properties since their closure. Security measures have been put in place, including the deployment of a dog unit vehicle outside the building and the full boarding-up of the entrance to prevent intruders. However, despite these efforts, instances of unauthorized access and criminal activities persist, prompting authorities to issue warnings about the dangers of entering derelict buildings, which often contain hazardous conditions that pose serious risks to trespassers.
The closure of Bistro Live is part of a larger trend affecting the hospitality industry in the UK, with economic challenges cited as the main reason for the shutdown of all three Bistro Live locations in Nottingham, Leicester, and Milton Keynes. Nottingham City Council emphasizes the importance of working with law enforcement and building owners to secure vacant properties and deter unlawful activities. Measures such as boarding up entrances help to minimize the risk of damage and antisocial behavior, which can be exacerbated by unauthorized access to empty buildings.
In conclusion, the recent targeting of the former Bistro Live building by urban explorers serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with entering abandoned properties. The collaborative efforts of authorities, building owners, and community members are essential in safeguarding vacant structures and maintaining public safety. It is vital for individuals to refrain from accessing such sites without authorization to prevent harm to themselves and others while preserving the integrity of these vacant buildings.