THE owner of Nottingham's Broadmarsh Centre is today due to sign a Best Offer clearing the way for a £150 million redevelopment - and these are the first images of how it could look.
Work looks likely to start late next year on the scheme after owners Intu revealed hurdles preventing a development deal have been overcome.
The firm's boss, Mike Butterworth, was this morning due to sign the contract to redevelop the shopping centre with city council leader Jon Collins.
The deal will be followed by public consultation over the plans this summer, a planning application in the autumn and work potentially starting in late 2015.
The news brings to an end a saga lasting more than a decade after previous owners Westfield pulled out of plans for a £500 million redevelopment and rebuilding of the centre..
The new £150 million scheme would see new shops, restaurants and a cinema open in an extended and remodelled version of the existing structure.
But at the same time the road network around the centre would be drastically altered, with Collin Street pedestrianised and traffic re-routed.
The council has been desperate to get Broadmarsh redeveloped as part of a wider strategy to improve the appearance of the dated southern entrance to the city.
Mr Collins said: "This agreement means that a key component of our plans to reinvigorate the city centre for visitors and shoppers can move forward with the transformation of the Broadmarsh Centre."
Intu says the deal means that both of Nottingham's main shopping centres will now be refurbished, with similar plans for the Victoria Centre.
"Intu now has in place investment plans that will extend and upgrade the city's two favourite shopping destinations, introduce new brands, restaurants and leisure spaces and create new and improved gateways to the city," said Mr Butterworth.
The Newark-based international architect Benoy - which redesigned Birmingham's Bullring - has been working on designs for the Broadmarsh and Mr Butterworth said these would soon go on show in the centre.
He added: "As well as considering what the local shoppers want to see, it's important that the redeveloped centre provides the right space and environment for modern retailers and leisure operators to attract the best UK and international brands.
"So Intu will also be embarking on discussions with retailers to make sure the designs cater for their needs as well."
Council proposals to close off and alter streets around the Broadmarsh are also being finalised. But they are part of a wider push to create better links through Nottingham's main retail areas from the Victoria Centre in the north to Broadmarsh in the south.
Mr Collins said: "The redevelopment of the Broadmarsh and surrounding areas will significantly enhance the southern side of the city, linking with the station and tram developments.
"In due course, we are looking to carry out improvements to Milton Street, Parliament Street and Clumber Street around the Victoria Centre, which will boost the northern side of the city and help complete the transformation of the city centre's retail core."
