The future of the ongoing demolition of the former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre may not be decided until the end of the year, it has been confirmed.
The authority is waiting to find out whether it has been successful with a £20 million bid, which will be used to complete the demolition of the former shopping centre in the city.
It has already secured funding to demolish the western end of the centre but wants to use the bid to demolish the rest of the site and fit out the new Central Library close by.
The demolition is a key part of the council’s vision to attract developers and build ‘a mixed use’ scheme on the site.
The Broadmarsh was due to be transformed into a major entertainment and shopping venue by former owner intu - before the company fell into administration in June 2020.
The collapsed company handed the site back to Nottingham City Council, which set up an advisory group and asked the public for their ideas on how the site should be developed.
There have been calls for the new development to reflect the "medieval origins of the city" by the Nottingham Civic Society, and there is a city-wide consultation the Big Conversation which seeks to listen to people's views on what they would like to see happen at the site.
Urban designer, Thomas Heatherwick and property development firm, Stories, are currently onboard and coming up with a framework that appeals to investors. The vision is due to unveiled in the autumn.
In an update on Monday, October 11, The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Committees has said the decision will be made “before the end of the year”.
Nottingham City Council leader, Councillor David Mellen, said: “Like many councils up and down the UK we are awaiting the outcome of our bids for Levelling Up Funding – the timing for that is entirely a matter for the Government.
"The important thing is that demolition is underway on site, and that we have put what we believe to be a strong bid together for funding.
"This will allow us to prepare the site for exciting new proposals which will be coming forward soon.”
The council has said that, if the Government bid is unsuccessful, it will look for other funding avenues to ensure the site is demolished.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Committees said: “We expect to announce the successful bidders to the Levelling Up Fund before the end of the year.”
Councillor Kevin Clarke, leader of Nottingham Independents on the city council, said: “Where are they going to get the funding from if it is not from Government?
“I think they will get the funding, especially when the Government find out what it is for, whether it is the full amount is questionable.”
