New images revealed of Broad Marsh ‘Green Heart’

New images released by Nottingham City Council show the major transformation of the Broad Marsh.

Work on the “Green Heart” is due to begin this Autumn as part of a plan developed by Heatherwick Studios for the former shopping centre site.

The design of the Green Heart has been developed by Townshend Landscape Architects along with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, with Heatherwick Studio retained as a strategic design advisor.

When nearby Collin Street reopens, there will be a traffic-free route connecting the Green Heart and Lister Gate with the new green public space created on Sussex Street next to Nottingham College which features a mini amphitheatre, a skateable space and a multi-use games area.

The council says a key aim is to put the ‘marsh’ back to the Broad Marsh, introducing new urban wetlands on land that was once a marshland ecosystem to capture, slow and filter rainwater, potentially preventing flooding and creating pockets of biodiversity.

Sandstone, the rock on which Nottingham Castle was built and into which the city’s unique cave system was cut, will be used for paving and seating. A long bench will arc through the planting and marsh.

Leader of Nottingham City Council, councillor David Mellen, said: “More green space was by far the most popular response when we asked people what they would like to see happen around Broad Marsh as part of the huge Big Conversation engagement exercise the council ran a couple of years ago.

“Anyone who has visited the area recently will see how much it has changed with lots of greenery, pedestrianised areas and seating. The creation of the Green Heart will take the transformation of Broad Marsh a major step further and be a beautiful addition to the city centre which is unique to Nottingham. I’m particularly pleased that Collin Street will be a family friendly space that people can enjoy right outside the new Central Library.”

Gary Alden, senior associate at Townshend Landscape Architects, said: “We have worked closely with Nottingham City Council and local stakeholders to design a place that encapsulates what we collectively coined ‘Nottinghamness’, creating a place that is part of, and inspired by Nottingham.

“Expressing the sandstone, and creating a ‘marsh’ to manage rainwater, is a nature-led solution providing an urban wetland ecosystem for wildlife and people to enjoy.

“From what the spaces once were, this has been a massive undertaking by Nottingham City Council. We are thrilled to see people enjoying the newly created public spaces on Sussex Street, and are excited that work has now started on Collin Street and then the Green Heart later this year.”

Paul Wilkinson, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Since December 2020 we’ve sought to ensure that the creation of a special space for people and nature in the heart of the city was central to plans for the Broadmarsh area, so we’re excited that work to create the first phase of the Green Heart will soon get under way.

“By embracing the value and power of nature we believe that Nottingham has a unique opportunity to drive new investment and transform the City landscape. We look forward to continuing to work with Nottingham City Council and key partners to ensure that new wildlife-rich green spaces and wider ecological connectivity across the City are central to future phases of redevelopment.”