The site for the new building is in a part of central Nottingham called the Lace Market, whose history and built form has parallels with the cast iron district of New York, giving the Centre a loose cultural connection to its wider site. The design sets out to offer a wide range of interiors within the new building, that have the variety and specificity of the found spaces of a factory or a warehouse. The intention was that the range of rooms challenge the installation and production of contemporary art, and offer new ways for artists, performers, and audiences to interact.

The gallery stands on a tightly enclosed site and against a steep cliff edge, and its form connects the higher and lower levels of the city. The exhibition galleries at the upper city level have generous rooflights that give the building a lively profile, as well as large windows that look out to the street. On the level below, set into the cliff, there is a large multi-functional space used for performances and exhibitions. The façades of green precast concrete with a deep scallop and occasional ornament, take inspiration from the nineteenth century buildings of Nottingham and, in particular, from the impressive façades of the Lace Market.

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