Old Market Square

The Old Market Square, Nottingham is the city's guardian space, a safe haven, a place to regain energy, wait and meet friends, be diverted momentarily from one's daily routines and to experience spectacular and well organized civic and cultural events. The Square is one of Britain's oldest public squares, with an 800 year history as a market place, and at 11,500m2, the second largest after Trafalgar Square. The formal 1929 design by T.C.Howitt did not serve the requirements of a progressive European city, and following an international design competition in 2004, the Jury unanimously selected the new contemporary design. The brief was to; provide unhindered access for all, use high quality materials, provide new water features, introduce soft landscaping, integrate street furniture, create flexible performance space, allow people to linger, encourage 24 hour use, enable perimeter activity to spill out into the space, and attract pedestrians by virtue of its design. It also had to create a sense of place and reinforce the distinctive qualities and character of Nottingham. Terraces of coloured granite blocks delineate level changes and hint at the geological strata below the Squares surface. Their tapering forms accommodate rows of benches, planters and water events, set around a large flat and unobstructed surface used for markets and city events. The terraced water feature comprises a reflecting pool, waterfall, rills, jets and a scrim that can be switched off and enables their use as an amphitheatre. All lighting is concealed, except for masts that create a range of lighting moods and support temporary trusses needed for events. New direct, diagonal routes between Chapel Bar and Smithy Row, Long Row and Friar Lane leading to Nottingham Castle, enable access to the centre of the square and at the same time ensure pedestrians easy access to all parts of the city centre. Since opening, the square has hosted some of the largest, and best attended events ever staged in the city. These have included free concerts, firework displays, an ice rink, fine food fair and a bulb and flower market. The day to day impact of the new square has been immediate, and it has already become a well used space at lunchtimes, and early evenings, in addition to a popular attraction for tourists at the weekend. Local public opinion has been very positive and the head of the City Council has said it has exceeded all expectations.