Details have been unveiled about the £20m regeneration of Bulwell town centre, part of the Government's Levelling Up scheme. Nottingham City Council is set to formally accept the funding, which was granted in November, and has shared more comprehensive plans for its use.
The funds will be allocated towards the market square, Bulwell Bogs, and the town centre to counteract "prolonged underinvestment". The aim is to enhance the market town's appeal by improving leisure facilities, highlighting local history, connecting transport hubs, and fostering community pride.
Improvements to the Bulwell Bogs, a green space surrounding the River Leen, include enhanced wet and dry play areas and increased accessibility. Consultations with the Environment Agency are planned regarding potential enhancements to the river area.
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Historic shopfronts around the town will be restored to highlight the town's heritage. The marketplace will undergo resurfacing, with additional space created for stalls.
Improved power supplies will benefit both the market and other potential events in the area. A range of other enhancements will be made to the town centre streets, facilitating easier access between the high street, Bulwell Bogs, tram and bus stations, and the marketplace.
This includes refurbishing the public toilets at the bus centre, owned by the city council.
A report set to be presented to the Executive committee on May 21 emphasised the necessity for investment in Bulwell. The document states that Bulwell "has had limited investment and reduced economic activity and is underperforming in comparison to the rest of the city area, and is significantly below national averages in deprivation,".
The funding was granted during the third round of Levelling Up funds in November, but Nottingham's Broadmarsh area was overlooked for the third consecutive time.
Council leader David Mellen (Lab) said at the time: "Bulwell town centre is an important part of the city which serves several communities, and we welcome this much-needed investment.
"However, it's a big disappointment that the site of the former Broad Marsh shopping centre has once again been left out. It's one of the most significant city centre development sites anywhere in the UK which would bring major benefits to local people including up to 1,000 new homes and more than 6,000 jobs."
