City chief hits back at criticism of Broadmarsh project

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The head of the city council hit back at a claim that the big conversation about the future of the former Broadmarsh shopping center site risks “turning into the big silence.”

Councilor David Mellen rejected the suggestion, saying there was “a lot of conversation” and “a lot to come”.

He responded to a question from Councilor Andrew Rule, leader of the authority’s Conservative group, about the Big Conversation – a city-wide consultation seeking a wide range of perspectives to help create a vision for the region.

At a city council meeting on Monday, July 19, Councilor Mellen referred to the recent New York Times coverage of the city’s opportunity with space, and said The Guardian had covered the “record number of contributions” to the Grand Conversation.

Councilor Mellen said: “It is certain that he [Councillor Rule] cannot have missed the many articles in the local media – including two front page articles in the last month alone in the Nottingham Post.

“In my conversations with the local media and with local residents, I was asked more about what was to come to Broadmarsh than any other issue.

“So, Advisor Rule, I don’t know where you were, but in my experience a lot of people are talking about this site and the possibilities it gives us.”

He added, “Earlier in the year, the board thanked everyone for participating in the great conversation.

“Following the tremendous success of the engagement exercise, we announced the appointment of an external advisory group, a select group giving their time freely based on their expertise in the urban redesign experience, architectural expertise, work on project delivery as well as their understanding of Nottingham’s heritage and future, and the needs of Nottingham businesses and individuals. “

He said the group had been asked to work on a creative vision for the space and a recommendation on how Nottingham can deliver the project over the next few years.

Councilor Mellen told the plenary council meeting that authority was retained with an offer to the local business partnership D2N2 for 8m for the demolition of the west end of the site – “which is to begin within two next months “.

A new offer has been submitted to the government upgrade fund.

Work is underway to secure the resources needed to deliver the work required for the creative vision – and world-renowned urban designer Thomas Heatherwick has been nominated for the project alongside property development firm Stories.

Councilor Mellen said the announcement “demonstrates the scale and ambition we have for the Broadmarsh site.”

He said: “And the fact that Thomas Heatherwick wants to be involved in the project is testament to the unique opportunity we have here in Nottingham.

“By working with the advisory group, listening to input from thousands of local people and groups, we want to create something truly different and special in the heart of our city. “

Councilor Mellen said the summer agenda “is to deliver the vision and strategy by the fall,” saying there will be an opportunity to invite comments on the proposals to enable the master plan. to begin.

Councilor Mellen, who represents the Dales Ward for Labor, said all work took place within months of handing over the old mall site to City Council following the collapse of the retail giant in intu detail.

He added: “So no silence, Councilor Rule, a lot of conversation, a lot more to come – a great opportunity for Nottingham.”

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