Nottingham’s grottiest eyesores - according to the people who live here

By Daniel DeFalco
Published 12th Jan 2024, 12:42 BST
To be fair Maid Marian car park is pretty grotty to look at To be fair Maid Marian car park is pretty grotty to look at
To be fair Maid Marian car park is pretty grotty to look at
It’s sad how they’ve been allowed to deteriorate

For a city with stunning buildings such as Wollaton Hall and Council House, it’s fair to say that Nottingham also has its fair share of eyesores. 

It’s worth noting that many of the places considered as eyesores were once key parts of the community. 

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But for one reason or another, whether it be political or simply mismanagement, these buildings have fallen into disrepair. 

Read more: Your Nottingham

We wanted to know Nottingham’s biggest eyesores and the easiest way to do that was to ask you, our readers. 

Our request returned hundreds of opinions, so we thought we’d pick out the most popular ones to create a comprehensive list of Nottingham’s most infamous eyesores. 

1. Broadmarsh shopping centre 

CITY views Broadmarsh, Pitcher & Pian, St Mary's ChurchCITY views Broadmarsh, Pitcher & Pian, St Mary's Church
CITY views Broadmarsh, Pitcher & Pian, St Mary's Church

After its owner, Intu, went into administration in 2020, Broadmarsh shopping centre was handed to Nottingham City Council. 

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However, nearly four years later the 20-acre site remains derelict. 

Late last year the shopping centre once again missed out on £20 million-worth of levelling up cash from the government. 

As we begin 2024, Broadmarsh remains in a sorry state. 

2. Debenhams

The empty Debenhams unit in Nottingham is regarded by locals as an 'eyesore'The empty Debenhams unit in Nottingham is regarded by locals as an 'eyesore'
The empty Debenhams unit in Nottingham is regarded by locals as an 'eyesore'

The city’s former Debenhams building, in Old Market Square, has been empty since the chain went into administration in 2021. 

The building was given Grade II listed status in April 2022. 

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Last year it was reported that London-based investment firm Longmead Capital had approached Nottingham City Council, with the potential to take on the building. 

For this one, it’s probably a case of ‘watch this space’. 

3. Market Square

Nottingham market square is the UK’s largest public space after Trafalgar SquareNottingham market square is the UK’s largest public space after Trafalgar Square
Nottingham market square is the UK’s largest public space after Trafalgar Square

Market Square received a fair few nominations from readers. 

As the UK’s largest public space after Trafalgar Square, you’d expect Market Square to be the jewel in Nottingham’s crown. 

But sadly this is not the case. Do you think that Market Square needs a new lease of life? 

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4. Maid Marian Way car park

To be fair Maid Marian car park is pretty grotty to look at To be fair Maid Marian car park is pretty grotty to look at
To be fair Maid Marian car park is pretty grotty to look at

It’s fair to say that some locals are not keen on the multi-story car park on Maid Marian Way. 

The 24-hour car park is a typical 1960s or 70s design made from cast concrete. 

In fairness, you’d do well to find a car park anywhere that looks aesthetically pleasing. 

But if it's going to be named after one of history's most beautiful maidens it might need a makeover.

Related topics:NottinghamPeopleWollaton HallCommunityBroadmarsh