Old Market Square Nottingham

Old Market Square, Nottingham

I will forever regret that I did not record the 'Old' Old Market Square before works started to modernise this important area at the heart of the City of Nottingham. There has been great controversy over the design of the new look square with many voicing their objections and stating their preference to retain the old square. Unlike some, I never looked upon old design as anything really special, so have tended to reserve judgment on the new one until it was fully completed. The new design is certainly radically different, but now that the work is complete it's growing on me and I definitely think it is an improvement on the old. I particularly like the water features. As to if it is worth the almost £8 Million that it has cost is of course another question altogether. The design of the new square is by architects Gustafson Porter.

The NEW Square was officially opened by HRH The Princess Anne on Tuesday 3rd April 2007

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The four pictures below were taken on the 5th April 2018
Just passing on a beautiful sunny day

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The four pictures below were taken on the 8th August 2015
'Nottingham by the Sea' event is back and as popular as ever with small children and their parents & friends

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The four pictures below were taken on the 24th April 2014
Not a lot has changed but on a lovely sunny day, it's difficult to walk past the square without taking a few shots.

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For the past few years during the summer months, the City Council has transformed The Old Market Square into 'Nottingham by Sea'
The pictures immediately below are of the 2013 event and were taken on the 2nd September just before it ended. It has become very popular with families with small children who perhaps can't afford the cost of a trip to the coast.

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Another year passes by, and whilst it might appear that the eight images immediately below were taken on a mid summer day, they were in fact taken on 20th April 2009 and I think they clearly show that when the sun shines, there just isn't enough seating in the new square to accommodate all those that want to rest a while, soak up the sun or splash in the fountains. The flower beds down either side of the square were very nicely planted but it was impossible to photograph them due to the number of people sitting around them.

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It's now well over a year since the NEW Old Market Square was opened and it appears to be more accepted by the general public and is very well used WHEN the sun shines. The seven images immediately below were taken 15th July 2008

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The four images below were taken on the 12th December 2007 and show the Old Market Square and the Council House all decked out with decorations for the Christmas festivities. In front of The Council House is a temporary ice rink that has I believe been fully booked. Behind this are the stalls of a Christmas Market. The controversial new water features in the foreground are still going strong and really add to and enhance the festive scene. For more pictures of the city centre at night - CLICK HERE

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The four images below were taken on the 17th August 2007. As can be seen all the new water features were working on that date and young and old, but especially the very young, were enjoying them during a rare glimpse of summer sun. Lets hope the technical problems are over. I will leave some of the old notes and pictures on this page as a historical record of the square's construction problems.

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Whilst on the 24th July The Nottingham Evening Post reported the that the water features were working. In today's issue (31st July) they report that they were again out of action for several days over the weekend.

The three images below were taken on the 22nd July 2007

REFLECTION POOL

Just ONE day before the council promised that the water features would be repaired and functioning again and they are still dry. Will they be ready tomorrow ?

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The next six images below were taken on the 23rd May 2007 - over six weeks after the official opening date. As can be seen the public appear to have taken to the new square with many just sitting enjoying the sun.

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REFLECTION POOL NEWS

It has been announced that work will commence next week (18-06-07) to correct the problems with the reflection pool and that these works will be completed on 23rd July 2007. During this period ALL the fountains will be turned off - a very disappointing show for the summer visitors.

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The next seven images below were taken on the 8th April 2007 - shortly after the official opening date.