‘Sky garden’ part of Green Quarter plan
AMBITIOUS designs for a new “Green Quarter” – with a “sky garden” – to replace the Broadmarsh have been revealed.
The plans include a public square featuring fountains and rooftop gardens alongside “sustainable” homes and work spaces.
A coalition of Nottingham community organisations, residents and businesses proposes that the space would replace the half-demolished Broadmarsh shopping centre, now owned by Nottingham City Council.
Nottingham Cohousing, Nottingham Good Food Partnership, local residents and local businesses want to project to integrate nature with affordable eco housing, A-rated green business premises, new visitor attractions, urban agriculture and healthy places to eat and buy fresh food.
It would also feature a “sky garden” and allotments.
The team says it has taken into account comments by the council that the development area must embrace the need for new jobs and inward investment as well as housing and nature.
The masterplan has been designed by local architectural designer Steven Lane and architect Caterina Chiofalo.
The proposed transformation would connect the city through the Broadmarsh site from a central, landscaped square, an urban forest and connected green spaces, sustainable residential and work spaces. It would retain a large part of the existing building to be occupied by independent businesses and the City of Caves attraction.
Environmentalist and food campaigner Penney Poyzer said: “Nottingham needs green jobs, so it’s vital we provide young people in particular
with the training and skills to fill those future vacancies. For example, sustainable construction is the way forward but in Nottingham we lack the skills and facilities to create a workforce able to meet new techniques and standards.
“We need people with growing skills across the spectrum of sustainable urban agriculture: from rooftops to the caves there are opportunities to transform and grow our food system.” The proposal invites residents and leaders to “imagine the tired, grey and broken site of an old shopping centre reused and reborn as a global exemplar of urban design”.
Jeanne Booth, of Nottingham Cohousing, added: “As a group we are all committed to the idea that it is possible to live, work and play in the heart of the city and to do it in harmony with nature. Our vision is for a sustainable development that provides homes, work and leisure spaces immersed in an edible urban landscape.” The plan will be launched at an online meeting on Thursday at 7-8.30pm.
Our vision is for a sustainable development that provides homes, work and leisure space Jeanne Booth