Wednesday 18 February 2015

Return to Nottingham Island

After reading an excerpt of  Urbanisland - the story of Islanders and their buildings situated on Collin and Carrington Street in Nottingham, I've felt very supported by Nottingham Writer's Studio & the London/Tasmania authors of Transportations: Island and Cities.  It was pleasing at long last to be amongst likeminded writers at this launch of their book at Rough Trade on 8th February. Having shared my project with them, I have decided it's fitting to resurrect Island of Buildings project being spurred further to do this because I've discovered that No1 Collin Street is saved from demolition and to be developed.


The map shows the area now owned by INTU. The North East point is the location of No1 - the building built in 1914 by George Pett - miraculously saved because of its good strategic position as part of the gateway to the city. The giant Westfield out of the picture since 2012,  has helped to move us away from the crippling sense of stagnation that the City Council planners have experienced over the past 10 years or so. So the Owner of the island now becomes INTU...The Broadmarsh car park aka as The Lighthouse or Jumpers Rest is saved also. Looking at the plans and the consultation process in the Broadmarsh, the  planning seems to be focussing on revamping and face lifts rather than replacements and implants... Even the Broadmarsh shopping centre will be remoulded and slightly chipped away at rather than completely demolished. This will be opened up and given natural light so the sense of well being should increase. Also what about adding a green area? We haven't a rest area down this end of town and wouldn't that just give a green space for outdoor coffee bars and slow the restless rush of urban life!

I wonder if the islanders have commented on the new proposals? Will Ocean, the Art Deco dance hall also survive and BCT? The Pagoda hasn't - that came down last year to reveal the view to the castle from Carrington Street and Canal Street. Maybe this time Nottingham City Council has learnt from past mistakes...




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