The search for a master development partner to transform Nottingham’s former Broad Marsh shopping centre has officially begun. Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, confirmed the move at the UKREiiF conference, inviting experienced developers to help deliver a new mixed-use quarter. This phase represents a significant shift from planning and demolition toward the actual construction of a district designed to be vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable.
Preliminary market engagement is now active to identify a partner with the credentials to manage a project of this scale. Homes England acquired the site in March 2025 to resolve previous delays and has since worked with local authorities to prepare the land for its next chapter. Demolition teams remain on-site, clearing the way for a development that will integrate high-quality housing with Grade A office space and leisure facilities.
Timeline of the Broad Marsh transformation
| Milestone | Status/Date |
|---|---|
| Site Acquisition by Homes England | March 2025 |
| Major Demolition Works | Ongoing 2026 |
| Developer Search Launch | May 2026 |
| Market Engagement Phase | Active |
| Green Heart Public Space | Under Development |
Master developer search opens for former shopping centre site
The search for a partner is being conducted in collaboration with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and Nottingham City Council. The vision presented to potential investors involves a district that reconnects the city centre, replacing the monolithic concrete structure of the old mall with permeable streets and green corridors.
Jo Nugent, Homes England Executive Regional Director for the Midlands, stated that the agency is focused on securing an experienced partner who shares the public sector’s unified commitment. The goal is to create a city quarter that serves residents and businesses for generations. The project relies on a Master Development Partner to coordinate the complex requirements of residential, commercial, and public realm construction on the landmark site.
Strategic partnership driving the Green Heart project
This regeneration effort is central to the long-term economic strategy of the East Midlands. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, highlighted that the redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock economic benefits and create beautiful homes. The EMCCA, Homes England, and the City Council are working under a formal Collaboration Agreement to ensure the project meets the high expectations of local residents.
The development surrounds Nottingham’s ‘Green Heart,’ a significant public park area designed to bring nature back into the urban core. This space is intended to serve as the focal point of the new district, encouraging outdoor activity and providing a social hub for the community. The project builds on recent local successes, including the opening of the new Central Library and the nearby college campus, which have already begun to change the character of the southern city centre.
Infrastructure for a pedestrian-friendly city centre
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, described the project as one of the UK’s most compelling city-centre regeneration schemes. Beyond buildings, the plan focuses on improving routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. By removing the barrier created by the former shopping centre, the new quarter will restore historic connections between the railway station and the primary retail areas.
The new district is expected to anchor Nottingham as a core city in the East Midlands, leveraging its geographic position to attract innovation and skills. Developers interested in the project can now access detailed specifications through the official market engagement channels. The next major milestone will be the shortlisting of potential partners and the formal commencement of the procurement process later this year.
Source: Nottingham City Council
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