Opinion divided over designs for Broadmarsh
LATEST PLAN INCLUDES AN OPEN-AIR PERFORMANCE AREA
THE latest designs to transform the half-demolished Broadmarsh Centre into open space, housing and a performance area are dividing opinion among Nottingham residents.
Josef Stoger, 22, a UCL architecture graduate originally of West Bridgford, created the scheme with two friends he met at university, Loukis Menelaou and Nick Collee, on evenings and weekends during the past two months.
It would feature housing, an open-air performance space to celebrate local artists, parks, vertical farming and workshop space.
Plans also include access to a Nottingham museum and to underground tannery caves to promote the city’s unique history.
The scheme gradually rises from the south to north of the site, orienting a large surface to catch the afternoon sun.
A large walkway connects the train station to the city centre and acts as a space for public markets while a tunnel underneath the tram bridge connects the site to the new Nottingham College site.
Speaking about the designs, residents were left with mixed views - but were glad a conversation was being had. Charlotte Ridge, 31, of West Bridgford, said: “I love the idea, but I fear it might be unrealistic. A big green space in the centre of Nottingham would really help to make us a city of the future.
“It needs to be something that will make money too. I can’t see it just being green space.”
Jess Dawson, 23, of Clifton, added: “I like how bold it is. The Broadmarsh is the first thing you see as you come out the station. I think it would be really striking and get visitors talking.
“There’s loads of development in the area and it is needed.”
“I’m not a huge fan of the design to be honest, I think it would look out of place,” said Martin Farmer, of Nuthall.
“It’s a really good attempt and I saw a lot of people in favour of it to be honest, but it’s not for me, I’d be more happy with flat green space there.”
The site is now owned by Nottingham City Council after former owners Intu went into administration midway through the redevelopment of the centre last summer.
It has since been left partially-demolished ever since.
Nottingham City Council held a ‘big conversation’ about what should happen with the site and has said it was open to hearing all options.
Josef said he has submitted the plans to Nottingham City Council for consideration.