Nottingham City Council has announced a significant investment of £177,000 for landscaping improvements around Sussex Street and the Broad Marsh area, funded through Section 106 contributions from a nearby development.
The funding is from an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, tied to a development at 9-10 Short Hill and 54-56 High Pavement. The agreement stipulated an open space contribution, indexed to £179,060.65, received by the Council in March 2023. A small portion, £2,040.44, was used for administrative and monitoring purposes, leaving £177,020.21 for allocation.
Without timely commitment or expenditure of these funds by March 2028, the Council would face the risk of repayment if requested by the developer.
Key Developments
The plan, approved by the Corporate Director of Communities, Environment and Resident Services, involves creating recreational spaces and enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal. Specifically, it will include:
- A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA): A versatile space for sports and activities to encourage active recreation for young residents.
- Planting and Maintenance: A three-year landscape establishment contract worth £34,000 to ensure the long-term viability of the new planting.
- Standing in This Place Sculpture: Though located slightly outside the immediate Sussex Street area, the sculpture contributes to the cultural vibrancy of the Broadmarsh redevelopment zone.
The enhancements are expected to deter anti-social behaviour and provide positive opportunities for young people in the area.
The council’s legal advisor confirmed that the expenditure complies with the terms of the Section 106 agreement, which restricts use to public realm improvements within the Sussex Street/Cliff Road area. The Council’s legal team also highlighted the necessity of adhering to public procurement regulations when awarding contracts.
The improvements align with Nottingham’s draft “Greener, Happier, Healthier Green Space Strategy” and the Broadmarsh Master Plan, which envision a revitalised urban core. The Broadmarsh area, once dominated by outdated infrastructure, is undergoing a transformation to become a hub of sustainability, culture, and recreation.
