Unity Square comprises 2 multi-storey office blocks, to be erected opposite Nottingham train station. The 10 storey and 13 storey buildings, and high-quality public realm, will help to transform the Southern Gateway to Nottingham.
FPCR designed a new plaza to form a link from the offices to the train station and the city beyond. The proposals extend the high-quality public realm, found in front of the station, further south. The character of the wider context of the railway station will be extended into the site frontage, through the use of street trees, tree planters, high-spec paving and bespoke street furniture. The character of the proposals will be unified through the use of 1 tree species throughout the site, and the use of stainless-steel street furniture throughout.
A mix of steps and ornamental planting has been used to avoid retaining walls, where there are changes in level, helping to create an open arrival space in front of the scheme. Planting areas will be bordered by low-level walls, with integrated seating.
The pedestrian link between the pedestrian entrance to the site and the station frontage is highlighted through the placement of trees and street furniture, along with contrasting paving.
The proposals seek to enhance both physical and perceived relationship between the proposed offices and the adjacent public realm. to the site. This will be done by maximising opportunities for creating an active facade and animated frontage.
The ground floor is set back to create a colonnade terrace to the north of the building. This allows access to the proposed Phase 2 building. An additional smaller terrace is provided to the south of the building for the amenity of the office occupier but also providing active use leading up the hill from Sheriff’s Way. A further terrace is to be constructed on the 9th floor.
The scheme has currently been submitted to the council as a hybrid planning application, and FPCR have been retained to produce detailed proposals through the construction phase.
