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Transformation of Old Market Square
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal officially opened Nottingham's redesigned Old Market Square on Tuesday 3rd April 2007.
Princess Anne came to Nottingham to give the square - one of the UK's largest market squares - the royal seal of approval, echoing the Prince of Wales' visit in May 1929 to mark the opening of the Council House and earlier square design.
The official visit followed two weeks of events to celebrate the completion of the square's £7m transformation from a multi-level area that had seen better days to a modern, flat space with stunning terrace features, fit for staging major events. Celebrations over the past fortnight included spectacular shows, parades and fireworks displays, as well as a free Live Music Weekend last weekend featuring top names like The Magic Numbers, Just Jack and Beverley Knight, as well as a chance for local bands to be showcased.
The princess Royal's visit was a fitting culmination to the celebrations, with the Princess greeted by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Des Wilson, the Sheriff of Nottingham Councillor Jeannie Packer and shown around the Square by Nottingham City Council's Chief Executive and Director of City Development, Michael Frater and Barry Horne, and the Square's designer Neil Porter.
Princess Anne saw for herself how the square has been transformed in a redesign funded by the European Regional Development Fund, East Midlands Development Agency and Greater Nottingham Partnership, using quality granite flagstones, and providing seating terraces, flowerbeds, semi-mature trees and stunning water terraces - creating a space that's more accessible, stylish and usable for events from markets to concerts.
She unveiled a plaque commemorating the official opening of the new-look square, before being invited to the Council House Ballroom, where she met guests who had been invited to a special Tea Dance to celebrate the opening - many of whom were at the Council House opening 78 years ago and have memories of witnessing the Prince of Wales - later to become King Edward VIII - processing through the square.
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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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