City's 'slab square' to get £3.5m facelift

A £3.5m project to remodel Nottingham's Old Market Square into a greener and more welcoming space has been unveiled.

The square is the second-largest civic space in the country, after London's Trafalgar Square but is known locally as "slab square" and large fountains, installed in 2007 have not worked since 2022.

A replacement water feature and improved lighting are being suggested along with more trees and seating but the city council said it would be consulting widely on the precise design.

Specialists will be appointed to develop detailed plans, with demolition work expected to begin on site in January after the annual Winter Wonderland attraction has closed.

The post-war square was remodelled in the early 2000s following an international competition, which opened it up for large events by removing flower beds and trees.

Council leader Neghat Khan, said these could return as part of a vision for Nottingham to become a "Forest City" – inspired by Paris – by 2030.

"We are going to have a water feature. We want some greenery. But we want people to tell us what they want," Khan told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"I don't think [Slab Square] suits us for what we want to do.

"Where the fountains are at the moment, we want to flatten that, look at what the public tells us around greening, use some sort of water feature so it compliments the square.

"If you look back to old pictures there was a lot more greenery and I want to bring that back, because that is important."

The water fountains suffered a number of leaks after being installed but when water got into the electrical control room beneath the square, repairs were deemed uneconomical.

Khan said: "Unfortunately the structure as it is, even if we spend money and fix it, there is no guarantee it won't break down again.

"We want to get to the point where we find a permanent solution.

"I think it is safer to have it flat but I want it to be a place that people come to visit. It has to be a water feature people want to come and see.

"So what are we going to put there that makes people think 'Nottingham'?"

The project will be largely funded by the government and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Its mayor, Claire Ward said: "Old Market Square belongs to everyone, so it's great to see local people helping shape its future.

"This investment will help create a more welcoming centre for Nottingham – somewhere people can meet, relax, and enjoy.

"Bringing trees, plants and water back into the square will celebrate Nottingham's identity and bring more nature and life to this iconic space."

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