Nottingham’s ‘Green Heart’ is set to open to the public next Wednesday, 4 September, at 1 pm.
Part of the former site of the Broad Marsh Shopping Centre has been transformed into a vibrant green space in the heart of the city, offering a new, inviting meeting place surrounded by lush greenery.
The project, commissioned by Nottingham City Council and executed by ATV Contract Services, a subsidiary of RSK Group, involved the landscaping of approximately one acre of the previously derelict site.
The transformation includes the planting of 34 mature trees, with an English oak tree as the focal point, accompanied by two Metasequoia (giant redwoods). The oak tree, sourced from southern Ireland to avoid the UK’s oak processionary moth (OPM) zone, stands as a symbol of the project’s commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
In addition to the trees, several thousand wetland plants, including marsh marigold, specimen shrubs, and perennial flowers, have been planted across the site. These efforts aim to create a diverse and thriving ecosystem in the centre of Nottingham, encouraging urban wildlife and enhancing biodiversity.
ATV Contract Services Director, Ben Hensman, commented on the significance of the project: “The landscaping of this site will have a transformational impact on Nottingham, creating a new and inviting green space right at the centre of the city. Over the last two months, the team has worked tirelessly to bring the ‘Green Heart’ vision to life, planting beautiful trees, shrubs, and wildflower lawns across reclaimed public space.”
@westbridgfordwirenews The vision for Nottingham’s new ‘Green Heart’ had been realised as part of the former Broadmarsh Shopping Centre site is transformed into green space. Opening to the public on Wednesday 4 September at 1 pm – the newly landscaped site will provide a meeting space surrounded by trees in the centre of the city. . #nottingham #nottinghamnews #nottinghamshire #fyp #foryoupage #breakingnews ♬ original sound – West Bridgford Wire News
The new green space will also feature pathed walkways, connecting the redeveloped Nottingham Central Library and Broadmarsh Bus Station with pedestrian routes to Old Market Square and Nottingham Castle.
Nine oak benches have been installed, offering visitors a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Additionally, a 180 m³ pond has been excavated at the centre of the site, forming part of a wetland area designed to support urban wildlife and increase biodiversity.
Crowders Nurseries, another RSK Group company, supplied the plants for the project. Danny Green, who oversaw the planting, highlighted the diverse selection of species chosen to provide year-round interest and support local wildlife. The wetland area, including a pond and rain garden, will serve as a vital habitat for insects, pollinators, and birds, further enriching the urban environment.
This project follows the successful greening of Carrington Street outside the relocated Nottingham Central Library and Sussex Street next to Nottingham College, marking a continued commitment to enhancing the city’s green spaces.
