Broadmarsh redevelopment scheme takes a step forward

The city centre site could be transformed

Nottingham City Council has officially launched a tender process to find a master planner to deliver its vision for the Broadmarsh area – the strongest indication yet that the ambitious regeneration scheme could be set to move forward.

Earlier this month the authority revealed plans to bid for £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up fund to transform the site of the former Broadmarsh Centre and surrounding areas.

The derelict shopping centre site has been under the council’s control since the collapse of intu in 2020.

Should the bid prove successful, the council’s vision could see the area transformed into a place for “play, performance and food”, potentially unlocking 6,000 new jobs, 750 homes and over 400,000 sq ft of commercial and business space.

Architects Journal recently reported that the council was seeking interest from master planners to work alongside urban designer Thomas Heatherwick to deliver a development brief for two plots adjacent to Maid Marian Way.

The publication also claimed that the historic Severns House on Castle Road could be turned into a hotel as part of the plans.

The City Council is yet to officially confirm whether or not the Grade II listed building will be transformed, but a spokesperson for the authority has confirmed that the process of finding a suitable master planner – first mooted in May – has begun in earnest.

Architects Journal says the contract to deliver the masterplan for “plots five and six” near Nottingham Castle is worth an estimated £250,000.

Perfect Circle – a joint venture between Pick Everard, Gleeds and AECOM – has been lined up to consult on the Levelling Up bid and the wider project via the Scape National Consultancy Framework.

Nottingham City Council is now seeking a development manager “to assess the vision in detail to understand what can be delivered.”

In a document seen by TheBusinessDesk.com, the authority says finance for the project is dependent upon the successful conclusion of the Broadmarsh phase 1 demolition contract and “other sources of funding” – presumably including but perhaps not limited to the Levelling Up cash.

A City Council spokesperson told us: “As part of the council’s ongoing efforts to deliver the vision for Broadmarsh, we are now seeking interest from experienced master planners. Tender documents have been lodged for a commission to develop the master plan and development brief for two large plots either side of Maid Marian Way.

“The commission will be to develop the vision into a more detailed master plan and development brief that will be used in the next stages to procure a development partner.”

Welcoming the plans earlier this month, Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood said the regeneration of the Broadmarsh area was “long overdue.”

She added that access to Levelling Up funding “would ensure the completion of the project” and provide “a unique opportunity for local residents and businesses to secure and create jobs and generate major investment.”

The frame of the old Broadmarsh shopping centre could be retained as part of the wide-ranging proposals.

Other possibilities being considered include the creation of a new green space and a cultural anchor tenant.

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