Full Breakdown
Nottingham’s Old Market Square Set for £3.5 million Revamp
By Drooid · · How we work
Project Overview
Nottingham City Council has approved a £3.5 million transformation of the city’s flagship public space, Old Market Square (locally known as “Slab Square”). The redesign will replace the non-functional fountains that have been out of order since 2022, add a new central water feature, increase tree cover with drought-resilient planting, install new lighting, and improve seating and pedestrian routes. The changes aim to retain the square’s capacity to host major events while providing a greener, more family-friendly environment year-round.
Funding and Timeline
The project is financed through a combination of the Government’s Pride in Place fund and investment from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). Approval is pending the council’s Executive Board meeting in November. Demolition and construction are scheduled to begin in January 2027, after the seasonal “Winter Wonderland” attraction closes.
Design Elements
- Water feature – A permanent installation will replace the old fountains, with design inspiration drawn from local legends such as Robin Hood or Sherwood Forest’s oak trees.
- Green infrastructure – Additional trees and drought-resilient plantings will address the urban heat-island effect and support Nottingham’s “Forest City” target for 2030, mirroring initiatives seen in Paris.
- Lighting and public realm – New lighting aims to enhance safety, while expanded seating and a re-routed pathway will better connect the Broad Marsh’s Green Heart park area with the Victoria Centre.
Official Statements & Responses
Council leader Cllr Neghat Khan emphasized the need for a “permanent solution” to the faulty fountains and expressed a desire to restore historic greenery: the council plans to flatten the current fountain area, incorporate public input on greening, and install a water feature that complements the square. Khan also linked the redesign to broader city goals, citing Parisian al-fresco dining spaces as a model for a more inviting public realm.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are going to have a water feature. We want some greenery. But we want people to tell us what they want,” — Cllr Khan (Cllr Khan, council leader)