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Old Market Square

Nottingham

Evaluation

Old Market Square shows how strong leadership and a well-run procurement process can lead to an excellent development.

Key factors

The project shows the importance, from the perspective of a local authority client, of several factors:

  • committed political leadership
  • good communication and marketing
  • public support and participation
  • a clear and agreed brief
  • a well considered evaluation and selection process
  • provision for developing the skills of those involved in the process
  • reflection and review at key stages, and
  • the vital role of the project manager and officer team.

Client leadership

The dedication and commitment of the officer team within Nottingham City Council, led by Nigel Turpin, contributed heavily to the success of the project. They had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve and expected CABE to help with the mechanics of achieving their goals.

In running the competition and implementing the successful scheme, they focused on achieving the high quality outcomes they had set for themselves at the beginning of the process.

A good brief

The winning team recognised that the brief for the design competition was 'clear and succinct', setting out exactly what was required and making no excuses about the challenge in hand for the designer.

City council stakeholders commented that the CABE enabler's input was very important in 'fine tuning' the brief, adding to its clarity and usability. The accompanying Square One publicity material, developed by Nottingham City Council with CABE's advice, was also praised by competition entrants.

Involving the right people at the right time

The CABE enabler helped with the structure and operation of the selection panel and advised on design matters. This meant that non-technical panel members could play a full part in the process and contribute their own skills and knowledge - including business, local politics and community engagement.

The focus on design and the success of design competition raised public awareness and built support for Old Market Square, leading to greater public participation in the project.

One panel member observed that involving local school children in the public consultation process was particularly worthwhile, also commended by Gustafson Porter.

The role of design in realising a vision

The high quality of the competition entries gave the city council a glimpse of the range of design solutions possible for the Old Market Square. This process raised their aspirations and led directly to the Design Nottingham initiative.

In the view of the client, the CABE design review was very important. The panel felt able to 'applaud the council's aspirations to give Nottingham a world class public space in the centre of the city', reminding members of the original aims of the redevelopment project and reassuring them that the scheme was on track.