Beeston Town Centre
Liz Lake Associates wereappointed on behalf of Broxtowe Borough Council to provide the public realm design for the second
phase of this ambitious regeneration scheme in Nottingham’s largest suburb. Working in collaboration with Faithful & Gould and Leonard Design Architects the project comprised of a new cinema and retail units focusing on food and drink situated within a new public space at this entrance point into the area. A 120 residential unit apartment building was also be included within the development.
The scheme responds to the outcome of a significant public consultation process which highlighted the need to revitalise Beeston’s night-time economy and increase footfall to the area. Sitting directly adjacent to the NET tram and local bus services interchange the site has become the new gateway into Beeston. As such a dramatic arrival space now greets visitors arriving by public transport, the centrepiece being a focal steel totem artwork and signage feature. An existing level change across the site has been exploited to create a generous flight of steps down to the commercial frontages and outdoor seating/dining spaces. Between this area and the graded pedestrian through-route a generous zone of ornamental planting and large-scale trees brings a natural character right into the heart of the space, providing opportunities for calm and relaxing public seating spaces set within the planting and creating a soft, green and biodiverse backdrop against which the activities of the public realm can take place.