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Your views and comments
"I have waited until now to
voice my opinions on 'the new Market Square' to give it a fair chance of making a place of itself. I
was disappointed to see the short listed designs, dis-heartened by the overall 'winning' design, especially
because these 'finalists' were supposed to be landscape architects at the forefront of their profession
and worthy 'international design competition entrants'. I have lived in Nottingham all my life, and
travelled most of mainland Europe where design for open spaces is regarded with high importance for
social events and meeting places. I'm afraid to say tha, the new square lacks any sort of character
seen on the continent; it is bland, the detail and choice of materials are poor, there are sure to be
problems with the water feature, although watching the people play and enjoy it are good for now. The
levels will support large events which will be good for the city no doubt, but the thought of detail
and reference to history are non evident. I believe the best part of the new square is the retention
of the lions, 'up-roar' if they had been removed. I was in the square just yesterday, the sun was shining,
but I could only find one spot to sit in the shade, not good in such a large space. where are all of
the trees? Nottingham has always done so well in 'Britain in bloom' with the square proving a central
display. Now we are left with narrow strips of un-inspiring planting. A centre piece of the new vibrancy
of a city on the up-turn? I'm not so sure. It almost un-does the good work going in pedestrianising
Hockley, the tram network and the new Trinity Square proposals. Alas, I will give it more time to grow
on me, the last square lasted 50 years plus, with a 6 million pound price tag, this one needs too!"
Paul Jukes, Nottingham
"Please repair the fountains - make them all work."
Clive
Allen, Nottinghamshire
"What has happened to the Water Feature in the square? Today I took my wife to see the new square in all its
glory ,but alas no water feature. Has the drought struck early?"
Cliff
Carlin, Eastwood, Nottingham
"Horrible.
The few benefits over the old Old Market Square are outweighed by some utterly stupid mistakes and failings.
The auditorium-like seating alongside Long Row should have been raked more and extend less far into
the square; there's nowhere to sit if you have an artificial hip and can't bend it more than 80 degrees,
nowhere to sit if you're too old to get up from a low bench whether your hip is artificial or not, nowhere
to sit if you can't stand cold stone, no way to cross the square north to south without climbing over
flower beds and FAR FAR too many trip hazards. The supposedly slip resistant granite is slippy when
wet - I alone have already seen two people land on the ground as a result of this
and all these things could have been fixed at no extra cost."Stuart
Holmes "The
Square does look smashing but I am disappointed by the lack of communication from the Council regarding
the failure of the main water feature. You have managed a very high profile campaign in the run up to the opening of the Square but now that
something isn't going to plan you have become disturbingly quiet. Please be open and honest with the residents of this fantastic city." David "Why
is the main water feature not working? This looked great when it was first turned on but has been out
of use for several weeks now. People who have not seen it working now think that there is just a large
block at the front of the square." Anonymous "I
think the new square is OK, but not madly different from before. I also think the water feature is a
bit pointless and I still haven't seen any water running off that big black chunk of concrete! Has it
packed up already!?"Nicky, Stanford On Soar "Why
couldn't local or UK stone have been used? Who is paying for the constant cleaning? That was a rhetorical question by the way! The money
could have been better spent - perhaps more police might have been a worthwhile option for some of the
budget - after all, some of the financing of the Square project has been made by Nottingham council
tax revenue. Also, the length of time that it took to complete was appalling - it didn't seem to matter
that the Nottingham public was inconvenienced to such an extent. All in all I think it has been a high
price to pay for a less than astonishing design and I am now waiting for the first sighting of blue-green
algae in the fountain and the first compensation claim when someone goes flying whilst 'playing' in
it!"Patricia Ford "I
think that the
Old Market Square was a waste of money."Rourke Connelly "Love
the new ‘slab square’. I lived in Sandiacre for 11 years from 1991, and I used to visit the city often
and spent many happy hour wondering around slab square. I watched the progress of the change on the
web, and the finished product is very impressive. We are coming down in September for a visit, my husband
was born in the area, and we are looking forward to seeing it in the flesh. Well Done!" Jean Hallam, Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria "Words
to describe The Old Market Square: Vibrant, Welcoming, European, User Friendly, Modern, Maintains part
of its history by retaiing original features, adaptable for any occasion, a Destination in its own right.
Words to describe the negative people of Nottingham: Ignorant, people who dont appreciate anything,
sad. Fact: The Old Market Square was a dump before it was re-developed. Fact: Disabled people and families
couldnt use it. Fact: A place you didnt feel safe. Fact: Cluttered with rubbish and homeless drunks.
Fact: Not a waste of money, if any of the idiots who think it is a waste of money and that it could
have been spent on better things then ask yourself: "would i rather see the money been spent elsewhere?
Say Derby or Birmingham?". Fact: the supposed £7m spent was made available to improve the Old Market
Sqaure, if it had not been accepted then Nottingham would not had received the money, the money would
not had been made available for anything else. Why cant people appreciate that we now live in 2007 and
not with robin hood and his bunch of tramps who lived in trees and mud huts." Calcio
Jack "In principle I feel that any development
which is going to generate interest in the city is a good thing, and the Old Market Square renewal has
certainly achieved that. What does concern me is the so called 'water feature' which languishes like
a great grey sarcophagus at the end of the square. I have seen this working once and must consider myself
amongst the fortunate few to have done so. When does the council propose to get this up and working?
To my knowledge it has been out of action for the past 5 weeks - what a waste of public money. While I'm about it I do feel that the scheme was ill advised, I just wait for the first 'binge drinker'
or teenager to drown in this (always supposing that it ever gets filled) to make the council aware of
the folly they have created."Stephen
Marriott "Your
Council put on a fantastic show and the organisation was first class. Thanks for a great night." John
McMann, T4 Projects Team Leader, Heathrow Airport "You're
telling me THIS is what we waited ALL this time for? It is just like a big empty blank place! Reports
saying over seven million and it still ran over budget! Atleast in the old square there was something
to look at. The old square should of just been revamped and stuck to what people knew and not to try
and look like other cities (disappointed)." Kevin "Flat,
featureless, boring, uncharacteristic/generic, unecessarily modernised now with a slightly clinical
feel to it. It wasn't broken so why waste money and time "fixing" it?" Anonymous "The
initial design seemed quite promising but the end result seems to be a diluted representation of the
original. On the whole it's just incredibly grey. The slabs, although no doubt expensive are still just
slabs. There is no focus of interest in the centre of the square. Where there was supposed to be a water
course there is instead just a covered drain, and the water feature, although apparently symbolic, is
visually very boring. The square would have been much improved with more grass and space for flowerbeds.
A good idea might have been the addition of a large television screen such as those in other English
cities of a similar size." Robin "I
thought the new square was supposed to be "disabled friendly". I have a long term illness called M.E. which means that I have very low energy. When I visited the square last week I was
dismayed to find that there are no proper seats. Perching on a concrete wall is not restful. I need
to be able to sit down in a normal seat with a back that I can lean against. There were plenty such
seats in the old Square. PLEASE put some in the new one. Surely, out of £7 million, some money could
have been found for some proper seating. Also, are there any toilets? I didn't see any. If there aren't,
that is another reduction in the facilities of the Old Square." Linda
Francis "I was moved to tears on seeing the new Market Square.My heart sank when I saw the mottled slabs,a sad reminder of all the gum that is stuck
to every path leading into the square. Then I stared at the jets of water as they swilled the litter along the rills. I feel very sorry for the people of Nottingham, who must be so disappionted
that within days of the grand opening, the square is already being abused.Hopefully, the trees and flowers
will survive bringing pleasure to all those citizens who still care and respect their environment regardless of whether
or not they approve of Gustafson Porter`s design."Anonymous "I
really like the new look Old Market Square. I'm from Nottingham and live in Birmingham now and will be visiting Nottingham soon so will get a chance
to get to see it for real. Looks like you've done a good job of creating a spacious outdoor area suitable for many events. I liked the old square, but the new one looks great. I just hope you manage to keep the chewing gum litter bugs from spitting their unsightly waste onto
the streets!"Lacy Whatson "The
square is incredible, beautiful, modern and relaxing to be around, i enjoy being there on the weekend
with my friends and there is always a good atmosphere around there, also it looks amazing for when tourists
come to see out city which we needed as i believe we are the best city in the midlands, we needed a
centerpiece to display our city and now we have it in its full glory." Adam "All
I can say is that I am disappointed. I like the extra width, that is sensible. However in the age of
people claiming for injuries left right and centre - there are too many different levels jutting out
that people could trip over. As for the fountain, the jets look nice but it's asking for people to get
in there and fall over. The raised fountain area just looks like it's leaking." Liz "I
am so upset by what you have done to the Market Square. What was once a beautiful, filled with history square, you have turned it into nothing more than a open
space of slabs with a few ornamental lights and a fountain which will cause you nothing but trouble.
You have taken away a big part of Nottingham's history. We the people of Nottingham didn't want that so how dare you do it." Sandy "For
the amount of time it took I am not at all impressed. I was expecting something a bit more ambitious. If Dubai can build the tallest skyscraper in the world
in less time I think the people of Nottingham deserve something a little more impressive." Ranulph
Pack "The new market square looks and feels
fresh and viberant. After relocating back to Nottingham after 16 years i can honestly say im very proud
of my city."Paula Cope "The
new square looks fantastic, it has made the centre of town look a thousand times better! Will people
ever realise it was not paid for by council tax? It is also refreshing to see money spent on giving
the public something to celebrate, the events planned are superb and well worth the money. Lets not
moan about 'tax payers money', 'waste of money', etc, let's just enjoy the fantastic space we have!
Be proud." Anonymous "I
love the clean lines and modern feel of the new market square."Matt "What
a missed opportunity, now it really is 'slab square'. I would go as far and say it is boring. The fountains
will be full of rubbish and drunken revellers on a saturday night. The best plan I ever saw for the
square, was to dig down and create an avenue of cafe,shops and bars, tables on the top. It may have
cost more, but it would be unique and a good attraction for Nottingham." Craig
Scothern "What
a waste of money! I left Nottingham in 1999 and moved to Australia. I returned for the first time last
year and saw the end of the renovations to he market square. Looking around at the amount of homeless
people, litter and general poor state of the rest of the city centre I'm sure the local community would
have been better able to spend the 7 million pounds spent on the square. For my vote it doesn't really
look any different than I remember it, other than a couple of pointless water features. Just goes to
show how 'out of touch' the council is with the needs and requirements of the community!" Adrian
Booth, Perth, Australia "I
remember seeing a glass cafe in the model for the new market square opposite debenhams - we were told
we were getting that, where is it or are they going to install it after the opening events?" Steve "There
is no information regarding toilets for the Market Square. Was the idea to provide a flat surface for
more of the Fairground Rides that the majority of Nottingham residents detest? On a positive note it
looks better, but I cannot understand why it cost so MUCH money." V
Hodgson "Is that all you
get for £7 million
pounds - a few slabs and a fountain? Wow." David "What
a waste of money." Kim "It
looks very plain and grey. Where are the colours, the vibrancy, the life that a social space should
encompass?" D.H. Lawrence "I
think it looks great - a nice wide open space with a lovely water feature that reflects the council
house. I thought there might be more trees on the South side of the square though." Stanley "It
looks a very impressive design. The water feature has turned out better that I had thought it might
and it will be great when the trees are out and Nottingham in Bloom is about. The layout – in terms
of traffic flows and uses - is excellent. My only slight concern is that some of the minor items – e.g.
the wooden surround to the water feature do not look that resilient against vandalism – I presume that
there will be something placed here, e.g. something telling people about the square, etc, that will
complete this feature." B Ward "I
think it's great but not half as good as this website." Stephan "It
looks OK, but I think far to much money was spent on it that could have gone to a more worthy cause." Anonymous "Beautiful!!
Thank you!" Anonymous "I
think that it is very nice. It is about time they did something with Nottingham because it looks beauitful." Rebecca "I
thought it looked better than I anticipated with the wide open space across the square. Also liked the
planting and seating features, although a bit more of each would have been nice. Not sure about the
fountain as it was not working but the taped notice to the wooden barrier/seat telling you to mind out
as it was slippy, is a bit of a giveaway to the fact that accidents are anticipated. But the slabs are
basically bland and there is no character to the area. Seems expensive for what it is." Ruth "The
new Market Square looks cold & clinical, ideal large areas for skateboarders & graffiti artists.
I would'nt like to sit & watch the world go by as I used to in the old "Slab Square".
Sorry but you wont find me enjoying the New Market Square." Pam
Waters "The new Market
Square is brill, bang up to the century, and obviously the best bit has to be the fountains. In the
summer they will be fab. I was there on the opening night but felt a little let down as eveything seemed
to happen a little randomly and slow, but the fireworks were fantastic. I just wish I understood why
Maid Marian was hanging from a crane and Robin was throwing fire around!" Matt "I
think it's brill,Ii really love it. It is better than the old one." Vicky
Bishop "The area near
the Council House is great - more open and really suited to hosting events, such as markets. Shame about
the hideous carbuncle of a water feature. Ugly shape, ugly colour, just ugly." Dr
Bob "It really is of very
poor design. It doesn't seem to be integrated with the Council House in any sense which I would have
thought would have been the first thing that any architect worth their salt would consider. The stone
looks very cheap (although I understand it wasn't) and the lack of any vertical lines leave it shapeless
and uncomfortably slanted. I quite like the water feature, though." Philip
Collin "Looks great. Needs
more nights like Saturday - it was amazing." Adam "Waste
of money. Could have been put to better use. Waste of time and lots of unneccesary disruption." Anonymous "A
wonderful new space for a wonderful city. A city heart in the heart of the city, for us all to be proud
of. Those being negative about the square should be ashamed of themselves! Celebrate the future and
our city's diversity! WELL DONE OLD MARKET SQUARE." Anonymous "We
think it is wicked and the parties are so so so cool. Cannot wait till Saturday, me and my friend are
going to be there from the start till the end. WE LOVE IT and the warter fountains are cool. It looks
a lot better. xxxxx" Heaven Allsopp and Mica Gealy "It
does look really nice, but the surrounding areas look really dirty." Anonymous "At
last! An excellent piece of modern design in Nottingham. In the recent good weather seeing people relaxing
on the seating and the grassed areas and the kids enjoying getting wet in the fountains is exactly what
a large public square should be about. The refurbished lanterns look good with their bright white light
but what a pity that the originals on Smithy Row and Cheapside with their dull glow do not match. Standing
outside Debenhams the difference when you look down Long Row is very noticeable." David
Bradshaw "Simply
to say that I think Slab Square looks fantastic, and to say well done to all who have worked on it.
It's a triumph!" Nick Tegerdine "Mindful
of public safety" but there are ridiculous trip hazards at the point where there are ghastly plastic
barrier with a cardboard sign warning people to mind the step. Why wasn't this considered in the design.
It will be dangerous for blind/partially sighted and infirm people. Apart from that the Council is leaving
itself wide open for a claim from unscrupulous people feigning an injury. Also it would have been nice
to have some grass featured in the square which would have made it have a European feel with a place
for people to relax at lunchtime insted of more concrete. All in all I think the new square is pretty
poor!"Anonymous "Ran
through
the fountain already, it's class!"Michael "I
left Nottingham in 1968 to come to Australia. On looking at your web site, after speaking to my sister,
I think from the photos that the new square looks great. Keep up the good job of keeping Nottingham
'The Queen of the Midlands' (an old title from when I was at school)."Margaret
O'Brien, Queensland, Australia "I
think it's really good! Looks fun...have still yet to go down, but I am going to the opening on 24 March.
I think it's good to have something nice for people from other cities to come and see, and sit in. Yeah,
really good."Daniel "Very
disappointed The surfaces which have been in use for sometime are already gum covered and discoloured.
People were running through the water feature on my visit on 21 March."Val
Fisher "The Market Square
looks ok, but they probably could have spent the money on something else."Daniel
Martin "I think it looks
great."Dina "I
remember seeing a glass cafe in the model for the new market square opposite debenhams - we were told
we were getting that, where is it or are they going to install it after the opening events?" Steve "There
is no information regarding toilets for the Market Square. Was the idea to provide a flat surface for
more of the Fairground Rides that the majority of Nottingham residents detest? On a positive note it
looks better, but I cannot understand why it cost so MUCH money." Please note
- Information about toilet facilities can be found on this
website at Event Maps and Information.V Hodgson "What
a waste of money." Kim "What
a great space. A massive improvement over 'Slab Square' and a great focal point for the city."Toby
Neal "I think that it
is very nice it is about time they done something with nottingham because it looks beauitful."Rebecca "Lovely
job. The square looks so spacious and it really goes with the rest of the city. Love the water feature
too."Diane "Cant
wait to see the events. Nottingham Rocks!"Andrea
- Sutton in Ashfield "I
liked the old market and I'm of a view that if it ain't broke dont fix it. HOWEVER! I do very much like
the new look old market square - I think it showcases Nottingham city very well indeed. HOWEVER, the
cynical in me is worried about how long it will take the skateboarders to move in on it now that it
is even more attractive and smooth for them - also - the two fountains that we had before were forever
not working. I cant help but wonder as to how long it will take in order for the current ones to break
and then be waiting years for their repair. I think the water features this time around are crucial
to the "Look" of the square and they should become a priority when maintenance is concerned.
Nothing looks worse than a fountain that the council cant afford to up-keep, it speaks volumes!"Adrian "Really
surprised how good it looks - Congratulations."Peter "I
think the new square looks alright, but for the amount of money and time taken to create it I think
it was a massive waste of tax payers money.You should of spent the money tidying the square; there was
no need to re-do it because everyone liked it the way it was. Yet another waste of tax payers money."Carl
Tunnicliffe Would have been nice to have been
asked this question BEFORE the development. It looks quite nice, but not imaginative and certainly not
worth the money and hassle that the people of Nottingham have had to endure (yet again without being
asked).Simon Chuda "The
pictures look really good and I look forward to having a look at it. It looks more open,modern and practical
for events in the heart of the city. I am really pleased that a water feature was maintained as part
of the design."Anonymous "A
waste of money. The old one was much better-just needed a face lift. I can't see any design in this
whatsoever."Jane "Really
very impresive. I wondered whether the water was for playing in and was very pleased that it is. It
looks very european. Hope we can avoid too many drunken people staggerng around at night and making
it out of bounds for those over 29."Anonymous "I
have seen the new market square in person during both day and night time. I was looking forward to the
unveiling with great hopes of a dynamic and inspiring space. Unfortunately I feel it is exactly the
opposite.The Old Market Square had alot of character and the style fitted well into the general style
and historic elements of the city and while I agree that it did need refreshing I now feel that the
character has been completely removed and has been replaced with an almost barron space with little
points of interest. Thank you for taking the time to read my views."Anonymous "I
personally think its great. The wide open space, the contempory water feature and the fact that you
can step off a tram onto a world class meeting place is terrific. My only concern is that it will become
a giant skatebaord arena so the council will need to consider a by-law to prevent this from happening.
Well done the Council.
PS - will all those who moaned about the square kindly walk around
it the next time you are in town."Mick Johnson "A
total waste of our (tax payers)money. It's not better than before! It's bland and featureless. The old
square just needed a good clean and new fountains and planting and it would have looked better than
this, at a fraction of the cost. We've paid millions just to slab it!"Simon "I
think it looks brilliant. I hope that there will be enough security to ensure people's safety."Anonymous "Looks
OK, but not much different... and as many people seem to be saying, unbelievable that such a meagre
result took so long and cost so much."Simon "Looks
really good at the mo."Alex "Looks
nice enough. I think the skate kids will enjoy it. I would rather have seen that much money spent on
something more practical, like local policing for example."Anonymous "I
think it looks fantastic. Very modern and clean."Anonymous I
love it particualrly the bit where you can walk on the water. Was there on saturday and just everyone
was loving it."Chryse "I
really like it, very dramatic. However, when walking along one part of the new design we came to some
water! Are we meant to jump over it?It may be needs a notice saying no access .Also, I think there is
potential for accidents."Anonymous "Really
nice. but I think you should clean the outside of the council house."Naomi "It
looks very nice and gives a good impression of the city, but more seating and green areas would be nice."Anonymous "Llike
it, looks bigger, cleaner, is excellent to have the square back."Anonymous "Poor
value for money. The sheer size remains the best feature but was free from the start. The water features
are a nightmare for parents and the many changes of height would be illegal under the working at heights
legislation. An opportunity wasted."Anonymous "Waste
of money, really."Heena "Still
looks like 'slab' square. Not very appealing."Anonymous "It's
always been called slab square, now it really is. One vast area of nothingness. Ideal for skateboarders.I'd
like to see more flowers & comfortable seating. The curbs are to my mind a Health & Safety issue
for the poorly sighted. The water feature looks as if it could be an accident waiting to happen. Why
couldn't we have had one really nice fountain 2/3rds of the way down the square with lighting to enhance
it at night. True it has opened the area up but at such a cost. Why didn't you try keeping it a style
to suit the buildings and Council House surrounding it."Anonymous "Looks
ugly, took ages to complete, waste of money. just go to sheffield to see how it should be done."Anonymous "By
the time its covered in chewing gum it will look just as grotty as it did before. The money would have
been put to better use to protect children from abuse or to be put towards researching cures for fatal
illnesses, or to help homeless people (just to suggest a few things of course)."Anonymous "The
new paving already appears to be very stained. Overall it looks very nice."Andrea
Clarke "Looks like this
some communist capital! So much grey."Anonymous "Sorry
but I don't like it. Not pleasing on the eye. Looks very dangerous, the chances of someone slipping
on it are very high."Anonymous "Absolutely
fabulous!! Our wonderful city just keeps getting better and better...proud to be a now Notts gal! (
moved here 11 yrs ago). Notts has grown from strength to strength over the 11 yrs I have lived here,
cant wait for the 'CCAN' to open, there’s one you could do as a council - is it possible to look at
improvements for the castle - it could be a lot better - but has huge potential!"Jennifer
Francis, West Bridgford Nottingham "I
do think that the new square looks very nice and modern, the water feature is brilliant, I didn't think
that the square needed changing in the first place, but change is always good."Anonymous "I
was
wrong,
I really didn't like
the new design until I saw it reclaimed by Nottingham people on Saturday. The square was absolutely
packed with people having fun. In particular, it was a delight to see children and young people
enjoying playing in the new water feature".Kathy
Smith – City "Although
I've not seen it in real life, judging by the photos it doesn't look much of an improvement on the original
Square. Don't know if it's a worthwhile expense".Anonymous "What
a disappointment. Months of waiting and nothing but concrete slab!!"Sharon
Mullen "Waste of public
money, considering it looks bland and uninspiring. Maybe you should have asked peoples opinions before
the work was done."Anonymous "Granite
is not black by definition - the rock is probably a basalt or diorite. The paving slabs are granite.
It is a pity that the rocks had to be imported from Portugal and China (carbon cost?) "Anonymous "I
was sceptical while it was being built, especially regarding the choice of marble (why
all the transport costs from China, surely there's a good alternative a bit closer to home - even
in the UK?)...though I can say now that it looks good. The water feature is spectacular BUT...on
the lowest tier where it spills over from the fountain, what's to stop somebody with a visual
impairment from walking straight into it?"Steve
Lofthouse – Nottingham "It
was lovely on Saturday to see children of all ages running through and playing in the new fountains
even though it wasn't that warm!"Laura - Nottingham "Excellent!
It looks much better than before. The fountains are really good."Barry
Flanagan –
Nottingham "We were really
impressed by
the new
market square, the water feature looks fantastic. A little difficult to keep the kids out of the water
but good fun. Well Done."Anonymous "Absolutely
fabulous and about time too! The Market Square has been in need of a facelift for years. Goodness knows
what visitors thought about it before. We are one of the top shopping cities in England but the link
between the shopping centres, the Old Market Square, was a disgrace. We now have a 21st Century focal
point for the city, a 'New Market Square', rather than an 'Old Market Square'."Fi
Cusick - Nottingham "It
looks like a large patio with a water feature at the far end
- what a waste of money! BBC's Ground Force could of done a better job!!"Anonymous "I
think the Square looks fantastic and it's great to
see the beating heart of Nottingham alive with activity again."Duncan
Richmond - Nottingham "Boring
and featureless. How can something that looks
so inadequate have taken so much time and money to complete? Disappointing. Glad
I live in the County and my taxes haven't paid for it. Detracts from Nottingham's image
but then what can you expect from people who replace Robin Hood with a wonky N?????"Anonymous "It's
bland, featureless, and reminds me of the kremlin, or a prison
yard, make a nice skateboarding site for the local yobboes though, and at least the concrete slabs will
make it easy to clean the drunks vomit off. The skip at the end is a nice touch to, tell me will it
be open to the public to dump there rubbish in or will be private tippers only?"Anonymous "The
new square is fantastic. I know you're going to
get a lot of complaints from some saying it's an open space of nothing, that it's a waste of money when
the old square was fine, etc, but I'm astounded at how good a design I thought was good in the first
place has turned out. Its clean, fresh looking and will be great for live events, and the water feature
is excellent. Good work."Adam
Pickering - Nottingham "Unimaginative,
unimpressive, uninteresting, boring, barren, lifeless."Ken "Who
ever designed the new square is weird as the
square looks worse than it did before. They should have left the fountains where they were."Anonymous "The
granite slabs may not be as long lasting as hoped - some of
them near Long Row appear to have wear showing already - unless it is just in the pattern?"Anonymous "Looks-very-nice.-some-flowers-might-be-quite-nice-too,.-give-it-abit-of-colour."Anonymous "Having
seen the square on Friday
lunch, when the sun was
shining and the fountains/water features were in full spendour, have to say how nice and modern and
spacious it all looks - great job well worth it, can't wait to use it at lunch once the weather warms
up a bit."Sue
Davis – Nottingham "It
looks ok, but I think far too much money was spent on it that could have gone to a more worthy cause."Anonymous "The
money spent on it should have been in this country, for example, the stone should have been brought
from a local place or any where in this country."Anonymous "I
live in the City and work for the City Council - as a Council
Tax payer I feel very strongly it has been a waste of money (apart from the toilets which did need refurbishing).
The new paving is not a good choice in colour, it is already stained and marked due to unevenness
of the surface and it highlights how dirty the council house is. I have not spoken to anyone who
actually likes it anymore than the old square. It is a great pity that the money was not fed into
something that would actually benefit Nottingham City residents, to, to make us feel safer in our own
City. The City's Nottingham in Bloom is always a wonderful display and this would probably have
been a better way of putting resources and energy into the more deprived areas of the city to encourage
people to take pride in their own environment."Anonymous "I
think that the new square is a vast improvement, however,
it is a shame that a lot of the money to pay for it has come from taxpayers pockets (I notice council
tax has increased by nearly £100 again). In light of this, did it really need doing to this standard?
I'm sure that some new planters and a renewed fountain would've worked well with the old design."Tim
Thorpe - Nottingham "I
think that the Market Square looks more spaceish and
looks really good in a modern way."Nadya
Weekes - Nottingham "Looks
good, mixing old style lighting with the modern surrounding,
I like it."Anonymous "Very
disappointed was expecting something better for amount
of money and time. The water feature will be misused as were the others. There is no wow factor. There is a water feature in Liverpool town square that is used by children and adults for having fun.
Maybe the planers should have looked at that Our water feature is an accident waiting to happen."Anonymous "The
new square is a great improvement on the old one. Money well
spent."Christine
Moore "I
think the square looks really nice, it's airy and has a clean appeal. The fountain/water feature
is excellent, very impressive and certainly a major talking point in the coming months. I wonder
how many cool down in the summer! The lack of green does somehow make it's point though,
a few more trees would have finished it off to 100%."Jane
Raynor - UK "Saw the
square on Sat 17th March, fantastic, looks huge now
compared to old square. The slab stones are brill."Janet
Rick - Nottingham "Ugly!!! Overpriced!!! Late!!! Waste of money!!! Waste of money."Anonymous "Worth
waiting for."Marie
Mansouri
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Reopening video archive
Capture some of the amazing celebrations that took place at the reopening of the square including three days of live music with local and national bands! View the video diary.
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