Relocation of Nottingham’s Central Library takes a step closer

How the new library could look

Plans to site relocate Nottingham’s new library in the Broadmarsh development have taken a step closer.

The results of a consultation by Nottingham City Council has identified that 85% of people would like to see a new library located in the revamped Broadmarsh area.

The consultation, answered by over 1,500 people, was “overwhelmingly” in support of a new, bespoke Central Library as part of the redeveloped Broadmarsh Car Park and Bus Station site.

The consultation suggested ideas that included how a children’s library could look and what facilities would make it the best in the country. The Council said that people asked for a “bold, interactive, colourful and vibrant space where children can explore books, ideas and activities in an environment specifically aimed at them”, as well as “quiet and creative spaces” for adults.

The Council says it will continue to look to local people for input into the design and layout of the new library.

The redevelopment of the Broadmarsh area includes the new look intu Broadmarsh,Nottingham Castle and the new Nottingham College City Hub. The Council says the new Central Library would benefit from the pedestrianised surrounding streets and being close to the train station, tram and bus services, new parking facilities and improved cycle and pedestrian links.

Central Library facilities will still be provided at Angel Row as plans are formed and confirmed for the new library.

In 2016, Nottingham City Council revealed plans to sell the Central Library to developer Henry Boot which said it wanted to turn the building into 120,000 sq ft of offices. Any deal would mean a new Central Library can be purpose-built at Broadmarsh for an estimated one-off net cost of around £3m. More detailed work will now take place around design and costings, says the Council.

In advance of a formal decision being taken, planning permission will now be sought for this option, as alterations to the previous Broadmarsh Car Park and Bus Station building plans would be necessary.

Councillor Jon Collins, leader of the City Council, said: “The consultation was pretty clear – people like the idea of a new Central Library that we can design and build from scratch to best suit the city’s and our children’s needs for the future. It will be a welcome addition to an area we are doing a lot of work on.

“The redevelopment of the Broadmarsh area will transform this area of the city. Adding state of the art children’s facilities in a new high quality Central Library and children’s facilities will make this an even more exciting development for Nottingham.

“We know it’s taken some time, and we know there is the potential for some disruption, but we are planning everything carefully to make sure we make the most of the opportunity to completely change the Broadmarsh area for the better.”

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