Final preparatory work for the demolition of Nottingham’s former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre has begun this week – marking a major milestone in the transformation of the key city centre site.
Initial works will involve enabling activities with a focus on asbestos removal prior to demolition works commencing on the site, now known as Broad Marsh.
The project is being led by Homes England working in partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Nottingham City Council, supported by £3.4 million of funding from EMCCA.
Mayor Claire joined Councillor Neghat Khan and Sajeeda Rose, council leader and chief executive respectively, and Jo Nugent, from Homes England, on site to mark the start of demolition.
Mayor Claire said: “The start of demolition at Broad Marsh is a significant moment for Nottingham and the wider region. This site has long represented untapped potential, and we are now taking decisive steps to unlock it.
“By working in partnership, we can deliver new homes, jobs, and opportunities while creating a vibrant and welcoming destination that reflects the ambition we have for the city and the wider region.”
Demolition work will progress in phases across the site. Subject to final approvals, redevelopment is anticipated to start in 2028, bringing forward plans for new homes, jobs, and commercial space as part of the long‑term regeneration of the area.
The redevelopment of Broad Marsh forms a central part of Nottingham City Council’s long-term vision for the city.
Plans include the creation of a new commercial district centred on the site, delivering about 1,000 homes, 20,000 sq metres of retail, office and community space, and up to 2,000 jobs.
The project will create a high‑quality, open and accessible public realm, reconnecting key city centre destinations and improving routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. New green spaces and public areas will support outdoor activity, views across the city, and a more welcoming arrival into Nottingham.
Significant investment has already been made in the surrounding area, including the Broad Marsh car park and bus station, Central Library, Nottingham College City Hub, and the Green Heart public space.
Homes England acquired the Broad Marsh site from Nottingham City Council in March 2025 and is working closely with partners to bring forward the regeneration.
Ms Nugent, Homes England executive director for the Midlands, said: “The start of demolition works at the former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre marks another major milestone in the regeneration of Broad Marsh. This activity significantly reduces development risk for the private sector and enables us to bring the scheme to market in search of a development partner with the expertise and credentials to deliver high‑quality, exemplar regeneration within a complex city centre environment.
“Our close partnership with Nottingham City Council, and now the East Midlands Combined County Authority through our Collaboration Agreement, sets Broad Marsh apart as a powerful example of three public sector organisations working together to deliver genuinely transformative regeneration that Nottingham can be proud of.”
The event also saw the signing of a Collaboration Agreement by the three public sector bodies, formally confirming joint working arrangements on the project and underscoring its importance to the region.
The collaboration agreement sets out how the partners will work together to deliver long-term benefits for residents and the wider region.
Cllr Khan said: “This next step of demolition represents another key milestone in the journey of Broad Marsh’s regeneration, and we’re pleased to be working closely with Homes England and EMCCA on the project.
“The council successfully applied for grants to facilitate the partial demolition of the former shopping centre frame to lay the ground for this development, so to see preparation works ahead of further site clearance is really encouraging.
“A huge amount of work was put in by the council after Broad Marsh was suddenly handed back to us during a global pandemic in 2020 following the collapse of Intu. We carried out the Big Conversation consultation to understand what residents and businesses wanted to see in this important space.
“We’ve built a new central library and bus station, then delivered the Green Heart off the back of it, redesigning the Sussex Street area and worked with the NHS and Homes England to bring a world-class medical facility to Lister Gate. Broad Marsh, when complete, will help transform this important part of the city centre.”
As demolition progresses, work is also under way to ensure the site remains active and connected to the city. Homes England has launched a call for local businesses, creatives, and community groups to take on temporary spaces at Broad Marsh between mid‑2026 and 2029.
These meanwhile-uses will focus on areas around the Green Heart and Drury Walk, helping to support local talent, encourage footfall, and bring activity into the area ahead of long‑term redevelopment.
Alongside this, development continues on the Broad Marsh Community Diagnostic Centre on Lister Gate. Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, the new NHS facility will provide earlier diagnosis and treatment, helping to reduce waiting times, tackle inequalities, and deliver immediate health benefits for local people as regeneration across the wider site moves forward.
Published on: 6 May 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development, Housing