The vision for Nottingham’s new ‘Green Heart’ is being realised as the former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre site is transformed into green space. Expected to be open to the public in August 2024, the newly landscaped site will provide a meeting space surrounded by trees in the centre of the city.
ATV Contract Services, an RSK company, is working on the landscaping element of the project for Willmott Dixon on behalf of Nottingham City Council; 34 mature trees are being introduced to the public open space, including two Metasequoia (giant redwood) and one super mature English oak tree, which is the focal point of the site. Several thousand wetland plugs, such as marsh marigold, specimen shrubs and perennial flowers will cover an acre of the site, which has been derelict following the closure of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre.
ATV Contract Services Director Ben Hensman said: “The landscaping of this site, which covers around one acre, will have a transformational impact for Nottingham, creating a new and inviting green space right at the centre of the city. Over the last two months, the team has worked to realise the ‘Green Heart’ vision and has planted beautiful specimen trees, shrubs and wild flower lawns across an acre of reclaimed public space.
“The oak tree planted on-site came with a particular challenge because of restrictions on supply and delivery due to the presence of oak processionary moth (OPM) in the UK. The solution was to import a tree that was grown from seed in southern Ireland, which falls outside of the current OPM zone, ensuring the project was undertaking its duty for the responsible movement of trees and keeping up to date with the current legislation.”
Crowders Nurseries, a sister company within the RSK Group, has supplied most of the plants for the greening project. Overseeing the project at Crowders, Danny Green said: “The plant list for this project was very diverse, ensuring it provided suitable wildlife benefits while creating a modern green space that is accessible to the public. Three trees hand chosen by the client are the focal point of the development.
“The underplants, which complement these trees, consist of mature shrubs, such as dogwoods and witch hazels, flowing down to wild flower poppies and primulas, offering interest through all the seasons. There is also a diverse wetland area, encouraging further biodiversity into a busy urban area.”
Pathed walkways through the planting will connect the redeveloped Nottingham Central Library and Broadmarsh Bus Station building with pedestrian routes to the Old Market Square and Nottingham Castle. Nine oak benches will also be installed around the site, and a 180 m³ space is being excavated in the centre for a pond.
Ben said: “The wetland area, which includes a pond and rain garden, will create an important refuge for nature by providing a valuable habitat. The design will encourage urban wildlife including insects, pollinators and birds with the introduction of oxygenating water plants to increasingly grow the biodiversity of the area.”
