‘Transformational’ new designs for Broadmarsh site revealed
A joint bid by the Green Party and Liberal Democrats to turn the Broadmarsh shopping site into a new green space has been submitted as part of Nottingham City Council’s ‘Big Conversation’ on the future of the land.
The joint bid, which follows a similar green-themed vision by Influence Landscape Architects and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, has been drawn up by NTU School Of Architecture graduate Alexis Lane.
The plans include:
– A complete demolition of the West side of the Broadmarsh building and the replacement of this and the central walkway into the city with a park.
– Use of the shell of the old East side of the Broadmarsh to create a building which is a mix of leisure and small/start-up business units with a green roof and vertical planting.
– The creation of an eco-building for co-working in the day and as a creative arts hub in the evening.
A statement by the joint bid said: “Nottingham has the highest number of independent shops outside of London. Supporting them by creating a green gateway into our city and through to the renewed Nottingham Castle will make Nottingham a destination city, a more prosperous city and, vitally, a much greener city as well.”
The plan has been welcomed by the national leaders of both parties.
Sir Ed Davey MP, the leader of the Liberal Democrats said: “As someone who grew up in Nottingham, I’m delighted to see this exciting proposal for such a key site in the city. I hope the City Council listen and seize this opportunity.”
Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: “This is an important moment for Nottingham to show true leadership by adopting this ambitious vision which could transform a major part of the city centre and offer significant green space that will benefit everyone who lives, works or visits there.
“During the pandemic we have all seen just how vital such green spaces are to our wellbeing and I would urge Nottingham City Council to recognise just how transformational this project could be for the city centre.”
Guy Jones, chairperson of Nottingham Green Party, said: “This is a forward-thinking plan. It would add beautiful green space, local vendors and many activities to the southern side of the city centre, and would combine with the wonderful new library, college, pedestrianised Collin Street and restored Carrington St, to make a fantastic area for people to use. It would become very popular. Financing it would be an issue, but the government is committed to lowering our carbon footprint, and has pledged funds for ‘green initiatives’.”
Lloydie James Lloyd, campaigns co-ordinator for Nottingham Liberal Democrats said: “Nottingham deserves to be a destination city. It already had the largest number of independent shops outside of London and a thriving cultural scene. Making a green gateway into the city would make Nottingham not only a city that people wanted to visit but help raise it up as a city worth living and working in.
“The City Council has a duty to the next generation and we have set out clear, minimum environmental considerations in our plan. They have asked for the city’s opinion. They must not only listen, but also act on what they have been told.”
