Nottingham is on the cusp of a major transformation with the ambitious redevelopment project known as the ‘Vision.’ The project aims to reimagine the existing Broadmarsh mall, which was originally built in the 1970s. With an estimated cost of £500 million, the redevelopment will cover an expansive 400,000 sq ft area, incorporating various commercial, business, conference, and residential spaces. The completion of this project, expected in the next decade, will generate approximately 3,000 employment opportunities, contributing significantly to the local economy.
The Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, the driving force behind the Vision, has unveiled their plans for the 20-acre site, which recently came under the ownership of Nottingham City Council following the collapse of shopping mall operator Intu. The site had previously undergone construction work by Intu before their administration halted the project.
Acclaimed British designer Thomas Heatherwick, known for his work on the successful Coal Drops Yard shopping redevelopment in London’s Kings Cross, has been enlisted to contribute his creative vision to the new city center site. The Advisory Group believes that this project presents a rare opportunity, something that arises only once in many generations. The vast scale and prime location of the site offer unparalleled social and economic prospects for the city.
The key elements of the plans include the construction of new commercial and mixed-use buildings, providing top-tier business and office spaces, conference facilities, as well as ground floor retail outlets. While the framework of the old Broadmarsh shopping center will be preserved, it will be repurposed to serve a new function. Additionally, the redevelopment will prioritize the restoration of Nottingham’s lost street connections, ensuring they are reinstated for future generations. Furthermore, a new ‘Green Heart’ will be created, offering a 3.5-hectare common ground area rich in wildlife.
What distinguishes this redevelopment project is its focus on creating a more diverse and vibrant city center. Although retail will occupy a smaller portion of the space, the stores within the development are expected to benefit from the increased foot traffic brought by the residents and workers in the area after completion.
Greg Nugent, the independent chair of the Greater Broad Marsh Advisory Group, expressed his optimism about the project, stating that the collapse of Intu has provided an opportunity for Nottingham to reinvent its city center. Thomas Heatherwick echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving and revitalizing the existing Broadmarsh structure to create a space that authentically reflects the city’s diversity.
Industry experts have commended this redevelopment as a potential model for other towns and cities facing the closure of large shopping centers and department stores. The ‘Vision’ for Nottingham’s city center not only promises economic growth but also signifies a more sustainable and inclusive approach to urban development. As construction progresses, Nottingham’s transformation will undoubtedly become a topic of interest and inspiration for other cities looking to rejuvenate their own urban landscapes.
Useful links:
1. Nottingham City Council
2. Thomas Heatherwick Studio
