Broadmarsh area redevelopment takes step forward

Regeneration plans for Nottingham’s Broadmarsh area have taken another step forward following the appointment of Nottingham-based Leonard Design Architects and Townshend Landscape Architects to design and re-model the area.

The forward-thinking re-design of Collin Street, which will see its pedestrianisation and creation of new green spaces, alongside the planned redevelopment of intu Broadmarsh, the car park and bus station is set to transform this area of the city.

Shoppers and pedestrians will be able to move more freely through the city as well as take advantage of new retail areas where they will be able to eat, relax and socialise.

The design proposed by Leonard Design Architects collaborating alongside Townshend Landscape Architects, who are responsible for the design of the public realm at the King’s Cross redevelopment, will provide a vibrant open area for citizens, shoppers and people arriving from the train station into Nottingham for the first time and an improved environment for cyclists as well as linking to Nottingham Contemporary and the Lace Market via Collin Street.

John Morgan, director at Leonard Design Architects, said: “Our proposals for Collin Street and the surrounding area have the potential to completely change the face of Nottingham’s southern gateway and we are very excited about that; we want to create a focal point that the people of Nottingham can be proud of and will enjoy using.

“The space that we will be transforming is at the same scale as the King’s Cross/St Pancras redevelopment, so we have the opportunity to deliver something really striking.

“We are delighted that Nottingham City Council has appointed us, along with Townshend, to deliver what really is a very exciting scheme for the city that will transform this area into a really welcoming way into Nottingham.”

Gary Alden, senior associate at Townshend, said “This is a great opportunity for us to help transform a part of the city currently dominated by traffic and create a new public landscape for all to enjoy; to create a unique and special space that will improve connections for pedestrians, and enrich the City Centre of Nottingham and its strong cultural heritage.”

Councillor Nick McDonald, portfolio holder for Business, Growth and Transport, said, “The Broadmarsh area development is vital for Nottingham. It is a once in generation opportunity to transform our city centre. We were pleased with the proposals from Leonard’s, and in particular their partnership with Townshend Landscape Architects, whose work you can see whenever you go to the new King’s Cross train station.

“We believe that together we are putting in place a blueprint that people will find very exciting.

“Importantly, the plans are really positive fit with the redevelopment proposals for intu Broadmarsh and surrounding area, and will help make this a great destination and extension of the city centre.”