‘Amphitheatre steps’ are next for the Broadmarsh
WORK IS UNDER WAY ON ‘PUBLIC REALM’ AROUND OLD SHOPPING CENTRE
ANOTHER step forward for the new Broadmarsh area redevelopment is expected soon as the next phase of work gets under way.
The northern section of Middle Hill and an area on Sussex Street which formed part of the old shopping centre are set to be transformed into a “public realm” area.
The next stage of the development includes new irrigation systems, plants, footpaths and new street lighting.
In the coming months, works will take place up Middle Hill which will include amphitheatre steps to link the new area to the lower level.
Transforming Cities Funding has been secured to deliver new public realm in the area and it is expected that all of these works will be completed by the end of the year.
The Post asked people in the Broad Marsh area what they thought about the planned improvements.
Peter Godley, 70, an amateur archaeologist from Beeston, said: “It’s ripped the character out of the area.
“I am looking forward to it being finished, I just think they should have incorporated the old buildings instead of tearing everything down to build this monstrosity.”
As part of the improvements, a new walkway through the former Broadmarsh shopping centre opened last Thursday which has been moved slightly to accommodate people arriving from Carrington Street and emerging on to Lister Gate.
Germante Griskepiciute, 22, a warehouse worker, said: “It’s all been quite slow progress. I doubt it’ll be done on time. But I think it’ll look nice once it’s all done, I’m looking forward to it.”
Beth Jones, 23, a barista from Beeston, said the improvements would help make the area look nicer.
She said: “It’s definitely taken a little while, the [completion] date seems to keep getting pushed back, probably due to Covid.
“I’m in the city a lot for work. This place has always looked kind of ugly, so it will be nice for it to look normal again soon.”
Councillor David Mellen, leader of the city council, said: “We’ve been making great progress transforming the streets around our new Broadmarsh car park, bus station and central library building and I think people returning to the city centre will be really impressed with the way this changes the look and feel of the area.
“Traffic used to dominate the area but successfully bidding for Government funding has meant the council has been able to reimagine it as a new pedestrian-friendly gateway to the city.”