Architect unveils ‘Living City’ vision for Broadmarsh site

A third proposal for the future redevelopment of the derelict Broadmarsh shopping centre site has been revealed by a Nottingham-based architecture practice.

Arc Design Studio has submitted the plans as part of Nottingham City Council’s “Big Conversation” project to try and find a way forward for the site, which has fallen into disrepair since shopping centre operator intu went bust in the summer of 2020.

The proposal, called “The Living City” outlines a vision for a “responsive and dynamic architectural approach that re-imagines the relationship between our built environments and the natural world”.

It follows two previous submissions by Influence Landscape Architects with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and a joint bid from the local Liberal Democrat and Green parties.

A statement with the Arc bid reads: “We all have a role in shaping the future however, as architects and property developers, the output of our role is often manifest in steel, glass and concrete – materials that can, given the right circumstances, divide us and inhibit our collective ability to promote structural change.

“This has become the defining chapter in the story of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, a building that has simply been unable to adapt to meet the demands of the twenty-first century that is now holding a city to ransom.

“We view this problem presents as a real opportunity to reclaim and enhance a fundamental gateway into the city; redefining the character of the Broadmarsh area by translating the Zero Carbon ambitions of Nottingham City Council into built form – developing a new architecture for the twenty first century around the core challenge of our time; the Climate Emergency.”

Arc says its scheme will employ a “metabolist” approach and would provide an “organic design” which would adapt to the changing nature of both the economic and natural landscapes.

The statement continues: “The surrounding context will be rewilded with the historic marshland restored alongside defined park areas with pedestrian and cycle bridges interconnecting the built environment without impacting on the nature below. Renewable energy systems such as, rainwater harvesting towers, wind turbines and vertical bio-gas chambers have all been integrated into the design to become symbiotic between the natural and built environment.

“The concept seeks to equip the city with the tools necessary to meet this challenge by designing a productive urban space that is resilient to change.”

The “Big Conservation” is set to run into early 2021.