Big Place Issues
Nottingham's views on tall buildings
The city is growing at speed. With growth comes height but some of us are still not comfortable with taking Nottingham to a new level. Whilst some claim Nottingham is not traditionally a city of tall buildings, others argue if we go back enough in time, there were no buildings at all and that height is an inevitable consequence of growth that reflects economic health.
We would like to begin a debate by exploring housing density:
You don’t have to build up or move out to tackle urban density
and the psychology of urban change:
Here’s how we can learn to fall in love with shocking buildings
If you would like to continue the dialogue please get in touch, if there is public interest for this discussion we could set a debate forum or a dedicated event
Historic buildings and Nottingham's place character
Nottingham takes pride on its eclectic, mixed age heritage and although Heritage Action Zones Strategies recently helped retain and restore a huge amount of historic fabric, many buildings are being lost during this period of rapid growth.
We would like to begin a conversation on the value of heritage:
Understanding the value of heritage in defining the identity of place
and how context can be better understood and respected:
Fast tracking beauty: Nottingham's take on design quality
The British Government has introduced the idea that beautiful buildings could achieve planning consent faster than ugly buildings, but not many Local Authorities are comfortable with the idea of implementing this in practice. Here is some context:
Is a Fast Track for Beauty a Good Idea? The Problems with the Government's Big Planning Idea
In Nottingham, the city council has opted for controlling the quality of design overall through a series of design guides and best practice examples, and by scrutinising quality during the planning process.
If you would like to continue the dialogue please get in touch, if there is public interest for this discussion we could set a debate forum or a dedicated event.
Green Spaces Strategy
Nottingham City Council Parks and Open Spaces team are currently working on a new 25 year Green Spaces Strategy for Nottingham. The document is likely to be out for consultation towards the end of 2022.
We would like to begin a debate on the issue of green spaces that remain closed to the public in the city:
If nature is so good for us, why aren’t all public green spaces accessible?
If you would like to continue the dialogue please get in touch, if there is public interest for this discussion we could set a debate forum or a dedicated event.