Arnold Town Centre

Arnold is the only principal centre in Greater Nottingham yet to secure Levelling Up or Town Deal funding, leaving the town without the investment needed to improve facilities local people rely on every day.

Willmott Dixon Developments has worked alongside the council from the earliest stages to shape a viable, fundable and deliverable route forward. Acting as Development Consultant from RIBA Stage 0, we led visioning and masterplanning with the council and stakeholders to define community needs, test options and create a clear, viable framework for regeneration.

The proposals for Ambition Arnold include a new arts venue, cinema, leisure centre, enlarged library, civic square and enhanced public realm, creating new places for people to meet, learn, exercise, access services and enjoy arts and culture in the heart of the town.

Creating confidence for investment

Securing funding required more than a vision. The council needed a clear, evidence-based case that showed why Arnold needs investment, how local people would benefit and how the programme could be delivered.

We developed a comprehensive Outline Business Case, supported by analysis of footfall, vacancy rates, business mix, visitor perceptions, retail and leisure demand, transport, parking and land assembly. Our work also helped support a successful One Public Estate funding bid, expanding the scope of feasibility and site appraisal work.

A town centre shaped around community needs

Ambition Arnold has been shaped through extensive engagement with residents, businesses, community groups and public sector stakeholders. Feedback informed the masterplan, helping ensure the proposals reflect local priorities while retaining Arnold’s character and strengthening its cultural and civic heart.

We also developed 11 town centre configuration concepts and phased delivery options, giving the council flexibility to manage funding and land assembly risks.

By combining community aspirations with a robust case for investment, Ambition Arnold provides a clear route towards a town centre that is more vibrant, more sustainable and better able to support local people for decades to come.The project brings forward a long-standing ambition to revitalise the town centre, requiring a viable, deliverable scheme that reflects community priorities and supports long-term economic growth.