Market development would “put Sneinton on the map”

Further plans to redevelop Nottingham’s Sneinton Market have been revealed by Leonard Design Architects.

Architects from the practice, which is headquartered in Nottingham but has a global reach, were brought on board by Carlton Street Trading as part of the wider regeneration of the area to provide design concepts that is in keeping with the heritage of the buildings.

The initial plans, which are subject to approval by Nottingham City Council, show a retail space, improved stalls for street food, and structures for pop-up shops. The redevelopment focuses specifically on three individual buildings adjacent to Sneinton Market which were not part of the 2014 refurbishment of the area.

A main feature of the scheme includes using the curved façade of Southwell Road to further develop the prominent three-storey building adjacent to the market. Improved signage to the entrance of Sneinton Market will also be introduced to emulate iconic markets that have thrived in other key towns and cities across the UK, for example Borough Market in London.

John Morgan, director at Leonard Design Architects, said: “As part of the wider redevelopment of Sneinton Market, our design concepts were inspired by a project we recently worked on in Copenhagen to bring the city’s heritage buildings to life. As one of Europe’s leading creative spaces, we’re bringing some Copenhagen thinking into Nottingham.

“The challenge was to remodel a part-built design, improve the planned scheme, and to redefine the development into a unique hub of residential, retail, and leisure space for the whole community to enjoy. Our designs draw upon the wider strengths of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter as a hub to attract more retailers – this redevelopment will further strengthen Sneinton Market as a lively place to shop, eat, drink and visit for many years to come.”

Sam Burt, director at Carlton Street Trading, which is the family-owned development company with the sole aim of regenerating Nottingham city centre and purchased the site from Nottingham City Council, said:

“This is an extremely exciting time for the city of Nottingham and in particular, the Creative Quarter. Sneinton Market has always possessed great potential and will now act as the catalyst for attracting some fantastic retailers into the space. As site developers, our aim has always been to make Sneinton Market a special place for the people of Nottingham and to attract more business into the area. We are looking forward to working with the new CEO of the Creative Quarter and I’m certain that Sneinton Market will flourish in this new age.”

Stephen Barker, chief executive of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter, said: “This could be an exciting addition to Sneinton Market and to Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. It would not be the final piece of the jigsaw but would go a long way towards making Sneinton Market a great destination, providing an even better food, retail and leisure experience in an increasingly lively part of the city. It’s another reason for people to come to Nottingham to learn, live, work and invest as the Creative Quarter plays a bigger role in Nottingham’s story. The part of Sneinton Market this development tackles could be a perfect fit for smaller, quality, independent and brand retailers looking to share in Nottingham’s success.”

Ben Tebbutt, director at Nottingham-based Box Property Consultants, the agent for the Sneinton Market developments, said: “The design of the market will attract new and unique retailers & leisure operator’s into the space – that’s the ultimate objective as more operators will increase footfall and Sneinton will become part of the city centre. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with Leonard Design Architects on this project as they’ve been able to bring their international experience and diverse approach to transform the area. At Box Property Consultants, we share a similar vision and we’re pleased to be involved in the development of such a vibrant area of the city.”

Frankie Labbate, co-director at Box added “Sneinton Market is becoming the next “cool”, Hockley is thriving and this is the next logical area for the City to push into. We are already talking to a number of exciting brands that will really put Sneinton on the map.”