Gedling Borough Council has unveiled its ambitious new masterplan, dubbed “Ambition Arnold,” which aims to transform Arnold town centre into a vibrant, modern, and community-centred space.
The masterplan, which was officially introduced in July 2024, takes a comprehensive approach to the redevelopment of Arnold, with a focus on enhancing public spaces, encouraging community engagement, and boosting economic vitality. The council has outlined a series of objectives under the key themes of community, place, and economy—all aiming to create a safe, attractive, and culturally vibrant borough that plays its part in tackling the climate emergency.
A New Vision for Arnold
Arnold has long been an essential part of Gedling Borough, boasting a rich history and a strong local identity. The masterplan, “Ambition Arnold,” proposes a series of improvements that address current challenges while creating opportunities for residents and visitors. The vision encompasses various aspects, including vehicle movement, parking, pedestrian connectivity, public transport, use zones, and flooding issues. It also considers the preservation of heritage buildings and celebrates Arnold’s cultural history.
The plan identifies three distinct zones within Arnold: Zone 1 focuses on the north of the town, incorporating key landmarks like the Bonington Theatre, the library, and the leisure centre. The aim is to enhance these facilities while introducing improved streetscapes, connectivity between Front Street and High Street, and an improved sense of arrival to the town. Zone 2, covering the southern area of the town centre, will see enhancements to Eagle Square and the market area, as well as new green spaces and improved shopfronts. Zone 3 encompasses areas such as Arnot Hill Park, the civic centre, and Nottingham Road—with an emphasis on connecting green spaces, enhancing pedestrian routes, and considering new opportunities for the park’s underutilised areas.
Revitalising the Marketplace and Creating a Cultural Hub
One of the standout features of the masterplan is the proposal to create a new cultural heart for Arnold. This involves establishing a central cultural campus that would bring together the theatre, leisure centre, library, and public services under one roof. This new cultural hub aims to serve as a gathering space for the community, fostering cultural activities and performance arts. The Bonington Theatre, already a beloved part of Arnold’s cultural fabric, is set to be expanded to deliver a broader range of high-quality creative experiences to the community.
Furthermore, the council aims to support and enhance the Arnold marketplace by expanding it to host a wider range of events. The market has always been a focal point of local activity, and the enhanced offer aims to inject even more vitality into the town, encouraging both visitors and residents to spend more time in the centre.
Improving Connectivity and Green Spaces
Gedling Borough Council recognises the importance of connectivity in revitalising the town centre. The masterplan highlights improving pedestrian and cycling links within Arnold and to nearby green spaces, ensuring that Arnold remains an accessible and attractive place to visit. There are also plans to activate areas such as Front Street with the addition of new public art, community-led events, and improved shopfronts. These enhancements aim to enliven the streetscape, making Arnold a more appealing environment for walking and leisure.
The introduction of more green space into Arnold’s town centre is also a key part of the plan. The council is considering bringing greenery and play spaces into the heart of town to add vitality, especially for families and younger residents. The masterplan envisions converting areas of asphalt to wildflower meadows, creating new parklets, and improving connections between key public areas such as Eagle Square and Arnot Hill Park. These initiatives are expected to make the town centre more vibrant and contribute to the well-being of its community.
A Future-Facing, Sustainable Approach
Sustainability lies at the core of “Ambition Arnold.” The plan includes opportunities for sustainable practices, such as introducing more energy-efficient public buildings and greener transport options. The council is also focused on improving the public realm, with the goal of increasing dwell time and creating more attractive, accessible spaces. There is even potential to create a public sector services hub, centralising key services in one accessible location.
The masterplan proposes a rationalised car parking strategy, designed to address the existing issues of congestion while freeing up more space for pedestrians and cyclists. This, combined with the emphasis on active travel and improved public transport links, signals a major shift towards a greener, more people-centric town centre.
Preserving Heritage, Embracing the Future
The council’s vision also aims to celebrate Arnold’s heritage while ensuring its relevance for future generations. By reinforcing and supporting the traditional high street with new cultural elements, the masterplan looks to strike a balance between preserving Arnold’s past and making it a vibrant town of the future. A significant aspect of this is bringing community-led art and events into the town centre, adding vibrancy and pride to the streets.
“Ambition Arnold” is an exciting, forward-looking project that has the potential to completely transform the town centre, ensuring it is fit for the 21st century while retaining its unique identity. The council has called on residents to share their views on this vision to ensure that the final plan truly reflects the aspirations of those who live and work in Arnold.
With a focus on community, sustainability, and cultural vitality, the masterplan represents a significant opportunity to improve the quality of life for Arnold’s residents and to attract new visitors and businesses. Gedling Borough Council’s commitment to improving Arnold demonstrates an understanding of what makes a town thrive—a sense of place, a respect for heritage, and a clear, community-driven vision for the future.
