Nottingham City Council has approved the reappointment of RL Management Ltd to help steer the next critical phase of the Broad Marsh redevelopment.
The decision, worth up to £160,000, allows the former Project Lead to continue working with Homes England for up to 12 months, as the council builds up its internal capacity.
The Broadmarsh site, once home to the shopping centre, has long been a symbol of missed opportunities in the heart of Nottingham.
But with a new masterplan in motion – one that envisions 1,000 homes, 2,000 jobs, 20,000 square metres of commercial space and major new green public areas – the city is on the verge of delivering a more sustainable and people-focused city centre.
Work on the site is being carried out in close partnership with Homes England, under a formal Collaboration Agreement. While the City Council is committed to increasing its in-house delivery team, it acknowledges that these resources will take time to develop. In the meantime, the council has moved to directly appoint the previous Project Lead through the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPRO³) framework, ensuring a seamless handover and ongoing delivery.
The consultant, engaged through RL Management Ltd, is seen as uniquely positioned to guide the project forward.
The funding, drawn from Broadmarsh reserve grant funds, will not impact the council’s general fund or wider Medium Term Financial Plan. The estimated cost of £157,984 is based on a daily rate of £789.47 for around 200 days of consultancy, initially four days per week, tapering off as internal staffing is put in place. A review will be conducted in December to evaluate recruitment progress and adjust accordingly.
The move, while temporary, comes at a pivotal moment for the Broadmarsh masterplan.
Progress on the ground is essential to keep up momentum, particularly as the site includes areas of land still owned by the City Council that require careful coordination. Without the continued involvement of a dedicated and experienced project lead, the council risks losing influence over the delivery and outcomes of the development – outcomes that will directly impact the lives of Nottingham residents for generations to come.
The Broadmarsh Shopping Centre was once a dominant feature of the city, and for many years its future was uncertain. Its partial demolition in 2020 opened the door to a wider rethink of the city centre. The result was a visionary plan to reconnect key areas of the city – from Nottingham Castle to the train station – with walkable routes, green spaces, and modern infrastructure that puts people, not cars, at the heart of design.
As the cranes continue to rise and new green spaces begin to take shape, the Broadmarsh site is slowly shedding its past and embracing a new identity. The reappointment of RL Management Ltd may be just one decision among many – but it is a vital step in ensuring that Nottingham’s most high-profile regeneration project remains firmly on track.
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