Latest pictures have revealed the progress made in the past few months on a £20m transformation of Bulwell.
Contractors Willmott Dixon moved on to site in October last year to start work on the project, which involves a total revamp of the much-loved Bogs area, new-look Market Place and wider landscaping and improvements.
The works have been funded with a grant secured by Nottingham City Council in late 2023 through the previous Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The upgrading of the Bogs will see a redesigned splash pad, above, and host of new play equipment, below, some of which is now starting to be installed on site.
This will be followed by a refreshments kiosk with toilet and changing facilities to make the park a great place to visit – particularly in summer months. Lighting and CCTV will also be upgraded.
The other work includes:
- Market place: Existing market equipment being replaced with new stalls, along with better access to electrical power on site, supporting both new and existing vendors
- Bus station public toilets: The existing bus station toilets, due to open soon, have been rebuilt and completed modernised
- Wider public realm refurbishment: Paving being renewed across the pedestrianised areas of the town centre along with new seating and landscaping. Connections improved between the Market Place and the Bogs area to bring these separate parts of the town centre together
Parents and carers are reminded that the whole project is due to be completed by the end of 2026, meaning that the splash pad won’t be available for this year’s summer holidays.
However, the recently-opened paddling pool at Victoria Embankment is a short walk from the Meadows Embankment stop on the tram from Bulwell.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s exciting to see the project really taking shape and I know that, when completed, it will be transformational for the people of Bulwell.
“The plans for the Bogs area were fantastic, so starting to see them come to life on the ground is really gratifying after the council worked so hard to secure the grant from Government.
“We spent a lot of time talking to people and businesses in Bulwell to understand where they wanted us to invest the money in their town. The strong response to our consultation has directly shaped these plans, and this significant investment in Bulwell is a clear example of us listening, responding and delivering together.
“We know that market traders, who are so important to the town centre, will really enjoy the new stalls – and we think customers will really notice the difference too. The Market Place will be a much more vibrant place to work and shop.
“I look forward to the project completing later this year and hope that Bulwell residents are as proud of the transformation as we are.”
Remaining money from the £20m funding has been set aside to support community projects in the town. More information on the project, plus details of how groups can apply for grants, can be found here.
Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North and Kimberley, said: “I’m really pleased to see the progress that’s been made on the works in Bulwell town centre and at the Bogs.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our town and I’m grateful for the patience of local people while the works have been ongoing.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to use some of the remaining money from these works to put towards local community projects in Bulwell and Bulwell Forest. If you’re part of a local charity or community group, please do consider applying to the grant scheme.”