A new project has been launched by archaeologists and historians from the University of Nottingham to make the city’s medieval underground cave network the focus of a regeneration plan for the city. The City of Caves Project that plans to highlight the city’s history as part of the regeneration of the Broad Marsh area is one of the biggest city center redevelopment projects in Europe, according to a press release by the university .
Source: Ancient Origins
There's an interesting article, on the same website ('Ancient Origins'), about the mysterious Margate Shell Grotto, which I visited about 30 years ago. It's a sort of subterranean temple covered in tens of millions of shells, and located a few miles away from the coast underneath a very ordinary looking English suburb. Nobody is sure when it dates from, or what its purpose was (I thought it had a temple vibe).
While they're at it - could they do something about Maid Marian Way? Described once as the ugliest street in Britain - an apt description.
Thanks for posting this Alec.
It's an interesting article and an interesting planned development and of course, these underground caves and their history, some of which are still used today, is fascinating and a great story, the caves are a true part of the heritage of Nottingham.
The Broad Marsh area has really descended into a bit of a disgrace. There was a planned redevelopment just a few years ago, to the tune of several million pounds, of that area, including the actual shopping centre, but the construction company awarded the contract to carry out this extensive work, went bust about a quarter way through the work, all things came to a halt, nobody seemed to know what to do, local councils included. Eventually it was decided the whole lot would be demolished and the entire complex, integral bus station etc, was raised to the ground...It used to be an integral part to the 'flow' of Nottingham, for shoppers, especially those who travelled on public transport...Now this whole area has just sat there, like a wasteland really, with no one seeming to know what to do with it.
While I think the above project is good and worthy, a part of me has a more cynical view. In a way I see it somewhat like putting a sticking plaster on a massive open wound...or indeed, smoke and mirrors.....This area needs some 'proper' redevelopment, as does the whole of the city centre. But it would appear the local authorities seem determined to keep pushing forwards the plans for developing what they like to call 'green-areas', which sound good, but in reality do little, if nothing, to bolster the economy and regrowth of an area..more shops disappearing, less footfall in those areas, less money being spent, continued decline, vicious circle...like I say, a sticking plaster and indeed, smoke and mirrors..just my opinion...But that's it, so we'll see what happens and what true substance it brings to this area.