A new urban play space for families and children has been completed, transforming a four-lane road into a fully pedestrianised area.
The Collin Street play zone, which is in the Broad Marsh area to the south of the city, features specially designed swings, a play trail with timber stepping blocks, balancing walkways, a seesaw and green planting. It connects to a new green public space next to Nottingham College, which features a mini amphitheatre, a skateable space and a multi-use games area.
The improvements form part of the Playable Cities Initiative to create child-friendly spaces in the city centre, which supports Nottingham’s journey to become a UNICEF child friendly City. Local school children were consulted on the design, creating the swings and seating so the space can be somewhere families can gather and spend time together.
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It is the latest piece of the Broad Marsh public realm redevelopment, following the opening of its £10.5m Central Library in November. The city’s plans include a ‘green heart‘ and a green infrastructure network connecting Nottingham Castle to the city’s £1.4bn Island Quarter project. Leading multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard collaborated on the project, working alongside project partners including Willmott Dixon and Townshend Landscape Architects.
Oliver Hatton, Director at Pick Everard said: "Our involvement in the Broad Marsh regeneration has been a collaborative effort that is breathing new life into a central part of Nottingham, as well as reshaping the way we view our towns and cities.
"Combined with our work to deliver the new Central Library, we’re proud to be helping shape the area into a destination offering, with a vision that blends Nottingham’s iconic heritage with modern design. We’re looking forward to continuing our work and the momentum it brings in building a key part of East Midland’s economy."
