Heatherwick Studio unveils proposal for Nottingham city center
Heatherwick Studio has released its intervention proposal in Nottingham city centre, UK. A design that creates a new tree-lined mall and reshapes the old shopping center located in the heart of the city, while taking advantage of its tourism potential. Proposing a new and large green area that offers residents the possibility to connect with nature, the project not only brings new spaces for socializing, commerce, residential or mixed-use buildings, but also provides road links between the center and other areas of a city. city. This project represents a redefinition of city centers and the way they organize themselves.
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Broadmarch Mall, which was undergoing a renovation when the pandemic hit the country, was returned in early 2021 to Nottingham City Council, which launched a public consultation to propose new use for the site and for the city centre. A consulting group has been formed and Heatherwick Studio, along with developer Stories, has been tasked with designing this new concept at Broadmarsh, based on the ideas and opinions raised in the consultancy.
The challenge of deciding what to do with the old mall was an opportunity to reflect on the decline of our urban centers. They should bring people together, not just for trade. As an alternative to demolishing the existing structure, the proposal preserves it and gives it a new lease of life, creating a place that can incorporate the diversity and dynamism that is no longer present in many urban centres. The aim is to connect generations, communities and cultures so that the new Broadmarch reflects true urban diversity. In the turbulent times of Covid-19, Nottingham has seized this opportunity to create a model for urban centers of the future. – Thomas Heatherwick
The new green space, located in the center of the project, extends across several central areas, becoming a catalyst for immediate sustainable development. This development of the city is encouraged by the creation of areas for office buildings and mixed-use buildings with shops on the ground floor, providing new business opportunities. Similarly, the project proposes to build 750 homes in the Nottingham Castle area. Part of the Broadmarch Mall structure will be preserved and converted into a community-oriented space, which will be able to host presentations, gastronomic events and entertainment. The proposal also increases Nottingham’s tourism potential by renovating its network of caves, creating a new entrance, and converting Severns House into a hotel.
Going forward, the Board of Directors and the advisory group will develop a master plan to secure the necessary investment from public and private entities. According to the city council, the recovery plan, which will take ten years to complete, will create 750 homes and 6,000 jobs in the area. Furthermore, the green space and the decision to retain the old shopping center structure are in line with the city’s strategy to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral city by 2028.
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