Major updates for Broad Marsh site as architectural practice appointed

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International architecture and design practice BDP has been appointed by Nottingham City Council to develop a master plan for Broad Marsh site

The appointment will help to move the proposal for the site forward towards the submission of a planning application closer to the start of construction. The site is currently in a state of demolition and most of it is closed to the public.

The Broad Marsh Masterplan which has been developed by BDP will help to develop the vision for the site created by Heatherwick Studio following the extensive public consultation which attracted more than 3,000 responses and 12,000 comments.

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The practice will work with the council on a deliverable plan and strategy. A new ‘Green Heart’ public space the size of a football pitch will be created at the centre of the Broad Marsh Site. Other key elements will include: up to 1,000 new homes, more than 6,000 new jobs, 500,000 square feet of commercial and office space and retention of part of old shopping centre’s structural frame.

There are also plans to rejuvenate the city’s unique cave network. BDP will work with the council and Townshend Landscape Architects which have already designed the Green Heart and submitted proposals for Collin Street’s transformation. Areas around Collin Street have already been developed such as the new car park, bus station and Central Library, the new Nottingham College city hub.

It is hoped that the plans will transform around the Broad Marsh creating new spaces to live and work in the area. It will also help to generate employment and investment for local businesses and work towards Nottingham’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2024. The Masterplan would be used to aid any bids for external funding such as further applications to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

BDP has a record of working on high profile projects such as Wimbledon Centre Court, Ascot Racecourse, Liverpool One, the Google HQ at Kings Cross and the Houses of Parliament. The Director, David Rudlin produced the Government’s National Model Design Code and has managed major masterplans, such as Brighton New England Quarter.

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City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “We have made significant progress on reshaping this part of the city to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The new Broad Marsh car park, bus station and Central Library and the transformed streets around it have helped to create a modern, welcoming gateway to the city.

“We have demolished a large part of the former shopping centre and will start work later this year on turning part of that space into the Green Heart that so many people have said they want to see in this area.

“I’m delighted that for the rest of the site, we have appointed BDP, a renowned urban design firm which will take the vision and turn it into a deliverable plan. This is a significant step towards seeing this site achieve its potential of becoming a destination in its own right and a driver of investment, jobs and growth for the whole city.”

David Rudlin, Urban Design Director at BDP, said: “I’m delighted we will be working with Nottingham City Council on the Broad Marsh master plan. I have a long association with Nottingham and have a great affection for the city.

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“Broad Marsh is perhaps the largest development site in the centre of a British city and is a huge opportunity to transform Nottingham. We will be working with the proposals developed by Thomas Heatherwick and analysing all views expressed by local people in ‘the big conversation’ to ensure that the plans become a reality.”

Greg Nugent, who chaired the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, said: “This project has the power to transform Nottingham. The progress Nottingham City Council has made over the last 18 months has been nothing short of transformative. This appointment is mission critical to turning the vision into a reality and I’m excited David will lead the master planning.”

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