Nottingham Broad Marsh: Work set to begin in autumn to transform derelict shopping centre as new images released

Work to transform Nottingham’s derelict Broad Marsh shopping centre could finally begin later this year.

Nottingham City Council revealed its vision for the area in 2021, which included a large green space and retaining the partially demolished shopping centre frame.

The authority, which was handed the 20-acre site after owner Intu went into administration in 2020, said work is set to begin in the autumn.

Now, new images have been released of how the redevelopment could take shape.

The so-called ‘Green Heart’ project, which will take years to deliver, also includes 750 homes, new office and business space, a hotel above the city’s cave network, and is estimated to create more than 6,000 jobs.

The decline of one of Nottingham’s two major shopping centres has had a detrimental effect on surrounding businesses as hundreds shut their doors on Lister Gate, Wheeler Gate and Bridlesmith Gate following a steep decline in footfall, with the area now largely vacant.

The city council previously bid twice for £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up fund to develop the site and was rejected. The authority has admitted it does not have the finances required to undertake the entire project without private investment.

A green public space that features an amphitheatre, skate park and multi-use games area next to Nottingham College on Sussex Street has already been completed.

Work on a new public and child-friendly space outside the new Central Library on Colin Street has now begun.

Nottingham City Council said schoolchildren were consulted on the design, which will feature specially designed swings and seating.

The authority said it plans to create a traffic-free route to connect the area with Lister Gate and the wider Broad Marsh space from Nottingham Castle through to the Island Quarter, which surrounds the NHS Urgent Treatment Centre off London Road.

A key aim is to “put the ‘marsh’ back to the Broad Marsh, introducing new urban wetlands on land,” it added.

Sandstone will be used to create paving, seating and a long bench that will arc through the green space, in a nod to the rock on which Nottingham Castle is built and the city’s network of caves.

Cllr David Mellen, leader of the city council, said increased green space was “by far” the most popular suggestion following a consultation for public feedback.

The vision is “unique to Nottingham” he added.

Designer Thomas Heatherwick, who created the Olympic flame cauldron in 2012, advised the city council’s vision, with the project developed by Townshend Landscape Architects and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

Paul Wilkinson, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, said: “By embracing the value and power of nature we believe that Nottingham has a unique opportunity to drive new investment and transform the City landscape.”