Broadmarsh Centre demolition to be started soon

The demolition of the Broadmarsh Centre will soon begin as part of a “crucial” step to transform the site.

Construction firm Willmott Dixon will begin preparatory work on the western side of the Broad Marsh site, from mid-June, meaning the current cut-through from Collin Street to Lister Gate will have to be moved.  The current walkway, which cuts through the site into the city centre, will be moved to the east where it will become a permanent pedestrianised pathway.

Last year, just as intu began work to regenerate the site, the shopping centre giant collapsed into administration and ownership was passed back to Nottingham City Council.

Leader of Nottingham City Council David Mellen said: “I’m pleased that we are in a position to announce this further significant step towards the transformation of the Broad Marsh site.

“I appreciate Broad Marsh is an area of contrast at the moment – our great successes in building a modern, energy generating car park and bus station, the Nottingham College City Hub and the new public spaces we’re building located directly next to the currently unattractive, half-demolished former Broadmarsh shopping centre site.

“Thankfully, we were able to act quickly and secure £12 million for the first phase of demolition for the Broadmarsh shopping centre and for further public realm, and work beginning soon will make a huge difference to the look and feel of the area alongside our other developments in the area and we can continue the crucial work of transforming this entrance into Nottingham.”

The city council has secured £12 million in external funding to start the first phase of the demolition to the western side of the site.  The initial work will include the demolishing of the centre from its junction with Carrington Street to the NCP Arndale Car Park.  Further demolition, particularly of the more complex eastern side where the tram bridge stands above and City of Caves lies beneath, is subject to more funding.

Nick Heath, a Director at Willmott Dixon’s Nottingham office, added: “Re-imagining the Broad Marsh space will be a critical force in driving Nottingham’s growth forward and we are delighted that our skills have been called in to play a part in this crucial next step.

“We are now progressing with structural works, which mark the start of the transformative process. This scheme will provide the city with new and exciting fit-for-purpose spaces that create jobs and attract more people to the centre as a destination.

“As a local business ourselves, with an office close to the site, we’ll be ensuring that Nottingham-based businesses benefit from this work as we join forces with Scape to create a bright new future for the city.”