New Broad Marsh masterplan unveils vision to create 2,500 jobs

A new masterplan to transform the Broad Marsh area of Nottingham could see around 2,500 jobs created on the derelict site after it was unveiled on Wednesday evening (May 22).

The plan includes creating new homes, offices, leisure and green spaces and follows on from the so-called “Big Conversation”, a public consultation which attracted more than 3,000 responses and 12,000 comments.

The new masterplan for the Broad Marsh includes building over 1,000 homes, around 215,000 sq ft of office, commercial and leisure space along with public realm works.

It outlines the retention of part of old shopping centre’s structural frame to provide opportunities for new spaces including NHS CDC and a Caves visitor attraction.

The Masterplan has been created by international architecture and design practice BDP and property advisor JLL, after they were appointed Nottingham City Council. It follows on from Thomas Heatherwick’s plans for the area, which have laid in a state of disrepair since shopping centre operator intu went bust during the pandemic.

BDP has worked on a number of high-profile projects, such as Wimbledon Centre Court, Ascot Racecourse, Liverpool One, the Google HQ at Kings Cross and the Houses of Parliament.

The new plan will be used to help continue dialogue with Homes England and the new East Midlands Combined County Authority to de-risk and prepare the area ready to take to the market.

Councillor Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It is exciting to see the Broad Marsh vision brought to life with this fly-through video. The plan shows we are committed to finding a solution for Broad Marsh and attracting investment to support the transformation. We will continue to work with partners to find the investment and developers needed to deliver our vision.

“The surrounding area has changed dramatically, from the new Central Library, bus station and car park plus new pedestrian areas along Sussex Street and Collin Street with its new play area. We also have plans for the new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in part of the old shopping centre and one of the biggest transformations is happening right now, with work on the Green Heart due to finish this summer. This is a significant improvement for the people of Nottingham.”

Urban design director, David Rudlin, is overseeing the Broad Marsh Master planning process.

He said: “This project represents a pivotal moment for the city of Nottingham. Building on previous work, we have created a viable scheme that will deliver a lively and creative new urban quarter breathing new life into this important city centre site. We are also seeking sustainable solutions on how to reuse part of the shopping centre’s existing concrete frame to support the development of a range of new spaces that will offer services that will benefit the community.”

Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Unveiling the Broad Marsh Masterplan presents an unparalleled opportunity for investment and growth for Nottingham. This transformative project is set to reshape Nottingham’s landscape, creating a welcoming gateway into the city centre, with over 1,000 new homes, 20,000 sqm of office and leisure space, and around 2,500 new jobs.

“The retention of the old shopping centre’s structural frame for innovative spaces, including an NHS Community Diagnostics Centre and a Caves visitor attraction, further underscores the vision driving this redevelopment and highlights the importance of tourism and innovation in our region.”

Phil Farrell, JLL’s development director for the Midlands, led the input into the master plan process.

He said: “JLL have been supporting Nottingham City Council for a number of years on Broad Marsh. We were delighted to work with BDP, a world class master planner, to bring this concept to life.

“Broad Marsh is one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK today, and certainly the most transformative. It sits at the very centre of the city connecting the retail core and office quarter to the emerging areas around the railway station and river.

“Broad Marsh will become the heart of the city; delivering a modern employment, residential and leisure experience, sensitively integrated into world famous heritage. JLL are proud to have been involved in ensuring this master plan is both aspirational and commercially viable.”

The Broad Marsh Masterplan was unveiled at a special Nottingham event at UKREiiF last night, hosted by Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s Invest in Nottingham.