Futuristic ‘pods’ to form £100m MediPark

The proposals went before city councillors on the development control committee recently in advance of an outline application being submitted in the coming months.

Labour councillor Cat Arnold said: “I really admire these proposals. I think it is bold, ambitious and innovative. It is the kind of design we should be doing in Nottingham.”

The proposals include extensive tree planting, with car parking hidden underground and pedestrian routes across the site.

“I find it pleasing,” said Coun Arnold. “I really hope it goes ahead.”

Coun Malcolm Wood, another Labour member, said: “As a designated science city, we need to firmly support this sector. I know these designs are only illustrative but I think they are excellent. It is the type of architecture I would like to see in a science park.”

If the scheme was approved, it would be built during a 13-year period. The buildings would be of three storeys, arranged around courtyards. There would be green roofs.

Applicant Nottingham Regeneration Ltd says the cycle routes along the River Leen would be enhanced and the site would be serviced by a new tram line - provided the extension of the tram system went ahead in light of the Conservatives’ refusal to deliver funding from Nottinghamshire County Council.

Coun Graham Chapman, another Labour member, said: “It is an excellent scheme but there are difficulties. A lot of the value will be predicated on the tram going through and if it does not, a scheme like this will fall apart.”

Public consultation generated a mixed response, with some residents saying worried about parking problems the development may bring and others hoping the jobs created would go to local workers.

Liberal Democrat councillor Alex Foster said: “It will be an interesting and exciting place to work. A great advantage is its accessibility by tram and bike.”

There was some concern among councillors about the length of time the development would take. They felt that during 13 years, it may be hard to maintain consistency in the quality of the buildings.

Conservative councillor Georgina Culley said: “Over 13 years the cost of building some of these units will rise. We have to ensure the standards are maintained.”

CITY councillors have given proposals for a £100m MediPark a ringing endorsement. The scheme would provide accommodation for up to 200 science and medical-related businesses on a site next to the Queen’s Medical Centre. The initial designs locate the “futuristic” buildings in pods, each one in the shape of a clover leaf. The glazed structures would be largely covered by white “louvres”, which would absorb sunlight and glow faintly after dark.

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