Thousands of jobs on the cards as Nottingham City Council reveals £57m funding bid
Nottingham City Council is set to bid for £57m from the Government’s Levelling Up fund to transform the derelict Broadmarsh Centre, Bulwell town centre and part of the Island Quarter – with the rejuvenation of the former potentially creating 6,000 jobs.
The council says it will bid for £20m to regenerate the 20-acre Broadmarsh site, which has been under the authority’s control since the collapse of shopping centre operator intu in 2020.
Informed by an extensive public engagement and brought to life by urban designer Thomas Heatherwick, the council’s vision for the site would see the area transformed into a place for play, performance and food.
The shopping centre’s original frame would be retained as part of the plans.
If successful, the council says the bid could unlock 6,000 new jobs, 750 homes and over 400,000 sq ft of commercial and business space.
The proposals also include the creation of a “Green Heart” which would bring a wildlife-rich green space to the city centre.
A potential cultural anchor tenant has also been mooted.
Meanwhile, the council is looking to secure £20m for Bulwell which would pay for a raft of infrastructural improvements, the restoration of heritage buildings in the town and the creation of a new promenade alongside the River Leen.
In addition, a £17m bid will be submitted on behalf of Conygar, the developer behind the Island Quarter regeneration scheme.
The funding would be used to renovate three heritage warehouse buildings at the heart of the site, bringing them back into productive use by providing a community open theatre and much needed creative and digital studio space.
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We believe that Broadmarsh is perhaps the most significant development site in the country right now and that our ambitious proposals offer a chance for Nottingham to re-imagine the future of city centres and uplift not just the Broadmarsh, but support jobs and growth for the wider city and region, unlocking benefits for us all and future generations.
“A successful bid for the Frame would help unlock the wider vison for a new ‘green heart’ for the city, rejuvenating the caves and creating new homes, jobs and business opportunities. We would also look to increase footfall, visitor numbers and cultural participation ahead of development getting underway, through a programme of events and activities which continue the Big Conversation and engage people in shaping the future of their city centre.
“Bulwell town centre has great potential which deserves to be realised and our bid will enhance some of the key elements that make the town special. The market and the riverside area will be given the love and attention they need, along with the sort of shopfront rejuvenation which has made such a difference in parts of the city centre and thoughtful public realm improvements including a Bulwell Promenade.
“The Island Quarter is a key site next to the city centre for which ambitious plans are already underway but support from the Levelling Up Fund would help enhance further creating opportunities and improving access for local communities.
“These bids are the absolute essence of what Levelling Up should be all about, so we are hopeful of success.”
Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South, added: “Regeneration of Broadmarsh has been long overdue and the project is a top priority for our city.
“Access to Levelling Up Funding would ensure the completion of the project and would provide a unique opportunity for local residents and businesses to secure and create jobs and generate major investment.
“As supported by many Nottingham residents, the funding would also allow for new green space to be created as part of the redevelopment, supporting the city’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028.”
