The planning application submitted by Midlands hotel operator Ascena and architects RPS Design Group is for four-star hotel, which will include a rooftop fine dining restaurant, spa and wedding and conference facilities.

John Wilby, project lead for Ascena, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have now submitted planning for the exciting development of one of Nottingham’s most iconic buildings and we hope, all things being well, that work on the site will commence later this year.”

The development will house larger than average (28 square metres) luxury hotel rooms and existing courtrooms in the building will be converted into bar and restaurant facilities, retaining the original listed features.

The designs for the modern extension to the northern elevation of the existing building will also utilise high-grade materials to give a nod to Nottingham’s lace heritage.

The Guildhall building itself will house the hotel, while more modern extensions at the back of the building would be demolished and rebuilt.