FEEDBACK from public consultations into regeneration plans for Sneinton Market reveals that the public is backing proposals, saying they will “bridge the gap” between the city and St Ann’s.

The Sneinton Market & Eastside Gateway Neighbourhood Development Plan was revealed at a series of consultations with the public and business leaders in the summer. The plan looks at a vision for providing physical, social and economic regeneration of the neighbourhood over the next 10 to 15 years.

The plan, which was commissioned by Nottingham Regeneration Limited (NRL), in partnership with Nottingham City Council was carried out by consultants Arc4 in association with renowned Danish architects Gehl.

After the plan was drawn up, and included a new central square for Sneinton and improved amenities, stakeholders and members of the local community were given the chance to give their views.

More than 300 people visited exhibitions and presentations held at the Victoria Leisure Centre, the Broadway Cinema and Smithy Row. At the events, and on line, around a third responded to a written survey of questions about the plans.

Feedback revealed:

• Overall the proposals were well received by many stakeholders and members of the community. A keen area of interest for the public was the plan showed a solution for what was seen as a current disconnection between the city centre and St Ann’s. The new plans would incorporate the first step in stitching the area back together, as well as giving Hockley a boost. 93% of respondents said that the redevelopment of St Ann’s was either a “good” or “very good” idea.

• Respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of creating and building a green network in this area of the city – especially opening up the parks. People were also keen on the idea of affordable housing on the Brook Street site. 91% of respondents said that creating a ‘green ray’ in the city was a good or very good idea.

• The regeneration of the Sneinton Market site received mixed reactions, but there was a strong consensus that any new building should be low to medium rise and provide a new market square that could offer inspiration and act as both a basis for business and culture.

• Opening up the Carlton Road farm was also welcomed and respondents urged stakeholders to support the scheme financially in the short term.

• Plans for Lower Parliament Street and the bus depot brought a mixed reaction, but the proposed idea to use the site as a connection between the market and other areas was positively welcomed. People were in overall support of the planned work, but also feel that immediate problems such as anti-social behaviour and parking should be tackled and the future of the Victoria Leisure Centre secured before further plans are carried out. Respondents said they felt the team understood the area and its unique nature and they were also keen to be involved through the whole process to delivery. 75% of respondents said that the plans for Lower Parliament Street and the bus depot were good or very good.

Marc Cole, Chief Executive of NRL said “We feel that the first stage of consultation has been very encouraging. The turnout and response from both stakeholders and members of the local community has been very positive and we now know which areas of the plans need looking at again and which areas we can plan in terms of delivery and how we now move forward.

“What was clear from the feedback was that people did like that there was an understanding of the unique nature of the local area by Gehl and the design team. It’s hoped by many that this human scale urban design and architecture can guide the future of the area.”

NRL and the city council are now looking at the steps which can be taken to move some of these projects forward. First up will pedestrian improvements from Hockley to Sneinton Market and the potential to create a new public square.

Implementation and action plans will be prepared for all projects, and these will be lead by different partners. The plan provides a vision for the next 10 to 15 years so progress will depend on availability of funding, the co-operation of landowners and opportunity.