Broadmarsh Centre Redevelopment, Nottingham

The site prior to demolition in Spring 2021

Our team in the Midlands were appointed by Nottingham City Council to prepare the Broadmarsh Centre site in the city centre for future development by knocking down the North West section of the existing half-demolished structure. We also returned to the site to deliver some of this future development.

Nottingham City Council took control of Broadmarsh following the collapse into administration of intu, which was behind the original redevelopment plans. The council was able to secure £8 million from D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership, via the Getting Building Fund, along with a further £4 million from the Transforming Cities Fund.

Procured through the Scape Major Works Framework, we demolished the remaining North-West part of the former shopping centre. This saw the area from the NCP Arndale Car Park to the currently covered right of way connecting Lister Gate and Collin Street demolished, which has enable a new and wider pedestrian street, improving the busy north-south route into the city centre that is used by over two million people a year.

Now the demolition is complete, Nottingham City Council will use the Getting Building funding to produce a new masterplan to transform the whole of the former Broadmarsh Centre, while a further £4 million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund will be used to create the new safe and attractive open street between Lister Gate and Collin Street that we will also be delivering.

Minimising disruption at the heart of Nottingham

As a constrained brownfield site, our sequencing approach was informed by our site neighbours,
including offices and student accommodation. The former shopping centre was vacant, but we propped the rest of the structure to counteract concerns around the impact of works on retained areas. We liaised monthly with retailers to outline our approach to the works and any potential operational impacts. We ensured access for delivery vehicles and worked with our fire consultant to ensure public safety.

Ensuring the live environment was safe for 20,000 pedestrians

Shutting down the shopping centre presented logistical challenges with right of way having to
be maintained between the train station and city centre. We devised a solution which avoided re-routing pedestrians - we constructed a tunnel, using modular pre-finished panels, that enabled pedestrians to safely traverse the site. The tunnel also facilitated the separation of two structures.

To facilitate the main demolition works, we had to separate the phase 1 and phase 2 structures. This
required a diamond separation cut, substantial asbestos removal and soft strip works to the
phase 1 area prior to the commencement of machine demolition.

This was completed bay by bay, floor by floor from roof level down to the ground. We established noise, dust and vibration monitoring, adhering to agreed operational hours (7am to 6pm), with occasional Saturday working.

Managing complex services to future-proof the city centre

A rigorous approach to managing complex services and futureproofing the site was required. We
isolated all services and managed main fibre optic connections running through the site. In addition,
we isolated, replaced, and re-sited the existing substation on the roof of the shopping centre as
well as protecting an old Victorian brick sewer throughout demolition.

Social value and sustainability driving the urban regeneration agenda

Maximising local spend and labour was central to the success of the scheme – both being 75% within 40 miles - alongside this we delivered £1.05m SROI through educational site tours for college students. Environmentally, we retained most site material, which was crushed for reuse, contributing to the customer’s target of becoming net zero by 2028.

Putting the 'marsh' back into Broad Marsh

Following on from the demolition stage, Willmott Dixon has been appointed by the council to create a new 'Green Heart' that will provide much-needed public realm, green space and better connectivity between destinations.

Nick Heath, Director of Delivery at Willmott Dixon, said:

“Re-imaging the Broadmarsh space will be a critical factor in driving Nottingham’s growth for many years and we are delighted that our skills have been called in to play a part in this crucial next step. 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.”

Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said:

“The Broadmarsh Centre is one of the largest regeneration areas in any UK city, and presents us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew our city centre and our city’s character.

“It makes sense to take this opportunity to start to demolish this part of the shopping centre now rather than try to modernise and rebuild it. This removes part of the barrier the shopping centre created in the city centre and will be far more welcoming to residents, visitors and workers coming in to Nottingham than the current ‘patio doors.’

“This first phase of demolition is the start of our plans to redevelop this area, opening up the city centre and extending the excellent new public open spaces being built on Sussex Street, Collin Street and Carrington Street.”

Mark Robinson, SCAPE Group Chief Executive, said:

“The demolition of the remaining Broadmarsh Centre site marks the start of a transformative plan to regenerate the area and breathe new life into its surrounding communities. By accelerating the project through our framework, Nottingham City Council has been able to respond to intu’s collapse and plot a new course for the centre’s future.

“The combined experience of Willmott Dixon and the Council will ensure the area better serves residents and visitors whilst creating value for the local economy.”