Nottingham’s ambition to incorporate the structure of the old Broadmarsh Centre into its grand regeneration plans has been officially scrapped. The city council had initially envisioned transforming the external frame of the derelict shopping center into new, innovative spaces, contributing to the broader revitalization of the Broad Marsh district.
However, the plan faced major setbacks as potential developers expressed hesitation about retaining the aging structure. Concerns about construction risks due to the frame’s age ultimately led the council to abandon its original vision.
Council leader Neghat Khan shared her hopes for the full redevelopment of the site, which is set to feature new homes along with commercial and leisure outlets, aiming for completion by 2027.
Originally, the vision for the Broadmarsh site included preserving the shopping center’s external framework as part of a wider design aimed at attracting new businesses and leisure activities. Nottingham City Council had worked with prominent figures, including Sir Tim Smit of the Eden Project and urban designer Thomas Heatherwick, who had crafted a vision informed by public feedback, with over 3,000 responses collected.
The original plan to retain the frame, running from the newly created Green Heart to Middle Hill, was based on Heatherwick’s design. However, former council leader Jon Collins had earlier criticized the idea as “commercially undeliverable,” pointing out that the concrete and steel frame, built over 50 years ago in the 1960s, was far too risky to salvage.
In response to developer concerns, the council revised the plan earlier this year, revealing that only a smaller section of the original frame would remain, rather than the entire structure. Council leader Khan confirmed that the decision came after careful consideration of the potential risks involved in preserving the old frame.
“Initially, the plan was to keep much of the frame, but feedback from developers highlighted significant risks due to the structure’s age,” said Khan. “We’re optimistic that by the end of the financial year, we’ll have some exciting news about who will take on the redevelopment of the site, which will include housing, business spaces, leisure facilities, and possibly student accommodation.”
As part of the new masterplan, demolition of the remaining sections of the shopping center is set to begin soon. The East Midlands Combined County Authority has agreed to provide up to £3.4 million in funding, helping to expedite the demolition process and clear the way for new development. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward has expressed confidence that this funding will help remove what she called an “eyesore” and kick-start the much-needed transformation of the area.
This decision marks a significant shift in the direction for Nottingham’s Broadmarsh area as the city looks to breathe new life into one of its most prominent, but long-neglected, spaces.
Source: BBC News
Leave a comment