9 questions answered about Nottingham's Broad Marsh transformation
![9 questions answered about Nottinghams Broad Marsh transformation](/thumb/phpThumb.php?src=%2Fuploads%2Fnews%2F29%2F2930%2F4%2F2930462-9-questions-answered-about-nottinghams-broad-marsh-transformation.jpg&w=750&hash=d2db23ec760bc20da8815256a120eca4)
The 'extraordinary' transformation of the decrepit Broadmarsh Centre - described as a 'once in many generations' opportunity - aims to create a new 'green heart' larger than Old Market Square, a new hotel, thousands of jobs and homes with a Castle view.
Lister Square, the focal point of the vast and much-anticipated redevelopment, will include the growth of a baby oak - the idea plant an acorn from the ancient Sherwood Forest.
The old shell of the shopping centre is to be turned into a truly unique space - while hundreds of homes are expected to be built offering stunning views of Nottingham Castle.
Thousands of jobs are expected to be created - and there's a lot for people to get excited about.
Who has designed the project?Thomas Heatherwick was chosen to create the "vision", the world-renowned designer hired back in July.
Having been described at "one of Britain's most significant designers" his past projects include Google's UK campus and the Coal Drops Yard development, which is part of the King's Cross Central development scheme in London.
He said: "The challenge of what to do with the former Broadmarsh shopping centre has been a chance to think about the failure of our city centres. They should be about bringing people together, not just about retail."
What will happen to the remains of the current Broadmarsh?Well, it won't be knocked down completely. Rather repurposed.
Mr Heatherwick said: "Rather than demolish the structure, we are proposing to keep the frame and breathe new life into it, creating a place that can hold the diversity and vibrancy that is so lacking from many city centres.
"The aim is to bridge between generations, communities, and cultures so that the new Broad Marsh can reflect the true diversity of the city.
“In the fog of Covid-19, Nottingham has seized the opportunity to create a new blueprint for the future of city centres.”
The Frame, as it's been called, will be "unique to the city". Space will be created under the key themes of "play, performance and food".
David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "By proposing to make some use of the existing frame, reducing the waste and carbon emissions from new construction, it is sustainable, something which is very important for the city’s ambition to be the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2028.
"And it respects and promotes the city’s rich heritage by opening up views to the Castle, enhancing the Caves, one of the city’s hidden gems, and re-establishing old street patterns."
Job creationWith so many stores forced to close or relocate when the Broadmarsh redevelopment originally began, how many jobs will be created?
Figures quoted at this stage of the project estimate that 6,000 jobs will be created during and after completion of the project - that's 3,000 jobs for the build and a further 3,000 new jobs once the development is complete.
Natalie Gasson-McKinley, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, has represented the voice of business as part of the Broad Marsh Advisory Group. She said: “Small and growing businesses are a key part of city centre tapestry and will play a pivotal role in the recovery of Nottingham and cities across the globe.
“Strengthening the heart of Nottingham’s city centre is a significant opportunity to support local businesses, attract inward investment, secure jobs and prepare now for future economic recovery.
"The plans for the Broad Marsh include a Frame that rethinks the design of domestic, commercial and public spaces, to promote a cohesive sense of community that binds the people of Nottingham and businesses of all sizes together. Although in its early conceptual stages, the Frame presents a compelling offer to interconnect economic, cultural and social prosperity.”
An Art Hotel and new entrance to the cavesNottingham is famous for its sandstone cave network and the design aims to harness this appeal.
Proposals include rejuvenating Nottingham’s unique cave network with the creation of a new entrance.
The existing Severns House in Castle Road (alongside Nottingham Castle) could be transformed into a hotel, providing the opportunity for tourists to sleep right above the caves.
It would form part of a new heritage and culture trail through the city centre.
Lost StreetsWe have heard talk of the lost street in the past - the new plan is the reinstate many of city's lost connections and rebuild them reconnecting the whole of the centre, both physically and with its history.
A park in the city?Many Nottinghamshire Live and Nottingham Post readers have discussed the potential to create a green space in the city. At the centre of Heatherwick's vision is the creation of a new ‘Green Heart’ for the city centre.
It even has a baby oak tree from Sherwood Forest incorporated into the design.
The proposed wildlife-rich green space is anticipated to permeate the whole site and weave in and out of the Frame to create a beautiful, tranquil core to the city.
New housingCity living is also part of the plan. Some 750 homes are planned for the west side of the site, looking up at Nottingham Castle and just yards from the Robin Hood statue.
The Bluecoat Academy has plans to move its sixth form here under a temporary lease, but the new Broad Marsh vision proposes to convert this into homes in the future.
It has also been proposed the Maid Marian Way car park should be demolished to open up a route to the castle, while traffic on Maid Marian Way would be slowed down under a new speed limit.
The homes would be built in a prime location in the heart of the city and would be located within walking distance of the train station.
Views of Nottingham Castle, which recently opened after a £30m regeneration, would also feature.
New businessNew commercial and mixed use buildings have been considered, too. The plan incorporates business and office space, including conference space, and ground floor retail.
David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Now we will begin the important work necessary to test the new Vision and our ability to realise it.
"We have said all along that this isn’t something the Council can or would want to do on its own.
"We will continue to work with colleagues on the Advisory Group to develop a Masterplan for the space and secure the investment needed from public and private sector partners. This will take time to get right but people will see major changes soon with the opening up of the area between Collin Street through to Lister Gate as part of the creation of the ‘Green Heart’.”
To sign up for the Nottinghamshire Live newsletter click here
Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles