Background

The Old Market Square is one of the largest public squares in the UK. It has strong historic and cultural significance for the city of Nottingham and is the point of convergence of key pedestrian and public transport routes in the city. It is also the location of the Council House, which serves as the City Hall.
The square was refurbished after the Second World War to incorporate a processional route and a series of level changes. In recent years it has been increasingly been avoided by visitors and residents, who perceive it as inaccessible and unwelcoming.

The city council recognised Old Market Square as an undervalued asset. Ambitions to redevelop it as part of a wider 'renaissance' programme were brought into focus by the findings of the Urban Task Force in 1999 and by the visit of the CABE/English Heritage Urban Panel to the city in 2001.

Political support for an ambitious and sensitive project depended on strong leadership. A new and enthusiastic council leader, Councillor Jon Collins, championed the redevelopment, making it clear that external support would give the project a high profile.