Nottingham\u2019s Old Market Square is set for its biggest transformation in two decades, with plans for a new water feature, trees and planting as part of a proposed \u00a33.5m makeover.<\/p>\n
The scheme, which is subject to approval by Nottingham City Council\u2019s Executive Board in November, would be funded through the Government\u2019s Pride in Place programme and investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority.<\/p>\n
The plans have been shaped by feedback from residents and visitors and are intended to make the city\u2019s flagship public space greener and more welcoming while retaining its ability to host major events, markets and celebrations.<\/p>\n
The proposals include a new water feature at the heart of the square, a new greenspace with trees and drought-resistant planting, improved flexible event space and upgraded lighting and public realm.<\/p>\n
The council said the additional planting would provide shade and cooling during hotter weather, while the redesigned space would also support biodiversity and help people connect with nature in the city centre.<\/p>\n
The plans form part of Nottingham Vision, the council\u2019s wider strategy for creating greener city spaces and improving the city centre environment.<\/p>\n
Residents and visitors will also be asked for further views through a feedback survey as detailed designs are developed.<\/p>\n
Design specialists will be appointed by the council to take the proposals forward, with work expected to begin in January 2027 after the Winter Wonderland event has closed.<\/p>\n
The impact on the events programme is still being worked through, with further details on the designs, construction timetable and future events expected as the project progresses.<\/p>\n
Councillor Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, said residents and visitors had been clear that they wanted more planting, shade and the return of a water feature.<\/p>\n
\u201cOld Market Square is one of Nottingham\u2019s most important civic spaces and we want people to feel proud of it.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor too long, it\u2019s been referred to as \u2018Slab Square\u2019. This investment is about changing that perception by bringing back greenery, water, life and character to the heart of the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to build on the success of the Green Heart and extend that sense of greenery, welcome and pride into Old Market Square.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project is about creating a city centre that\u2019s greener, healthier and better prepared for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: \u201cOld Market Square belongs to everyone, so it\u2019s great to see local people helping shape its future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment will help create a more welcoming centre for Nottingham, somewhere people can meet, relax and enjoy.<\/p>\n
\u201cBringing trees, plants and water back into the square will celebrate Nottingham\u2019s identity and bring more nature and life to this iconic space.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
New water feature, trees and planting planned for \u2018Slab Square\u2019 as council looks to create greener city centre space<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":2115584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[127687],"coauthors":[95],"class_list":["post-2115583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-regeneration","tag-nottinghamshire","tag-top-story"],"yoast_head":"\n