We released new images of the Green Heart element of the transformation of the Broad Marsh area yesterday. They show an ambitious and exciting area for the city which will introduce green ecologically rich areas and diverse natural spaces providing habitats and food for wildlife.

More green space was by far the most popular response when we asked people what they would like to see happen around Broad Marsh. New urban wetlands putting the ?marsh? back to the Broad Marsh, with paving and seating made from sandstone, will make the area unique to Nottingham.

Work is due to begin this autumn and will complement the improvements that have got underway on Collin Street, linking with earlier improvements, to create a new ?playable? public space. I?m particularly pleased this will be a family friendly space that people can enjoy right outside the new Central Library

Anyone who has visited the area recently will see how much it has already changed, with lots of greenery, pedestrianised areas and seating. The creation of the Green Heart will take the transformation of Broad Marsh a major step further and be a beautiful addition to the city centre.

More here

It was great to join our partners at the University of Nottingham yesterday to view their new Castle Meadow Campus in the city centre.

Just as many graduates will have contemplated their own individual futures over the last few weeks with successful graduation ceremonies taking place, the open day was a chance to think of the future of our city and the importance of the Castle Meadow Campus to that.

It is good to see the emergence of this new city centre campus with 32,500 square metres of space which will feature state-of-the-art facilities and will be a hub for collaboration for the whole community ? from local schools and businesses to academics and industry. It will complement the wider regeneration happening in this part of the city and this sort of investment in our city shows a confidence and optimism in Nottingham?s future.

Don?t forget it?s the Nottinghamshire Pride event tomorrow, celebrating the city and county?s vibrant LGBTQ+ community with a colourful parade, along with activities including market stalls and entertainment from poets, musicians and drag artists in Hockley.

The parade starts at 11am from the junction of Lister Gate and Castle Gate, with more than 7,000 LGBTQ+ people and allies taking part, and ends at Broad Street.

In the afternoon,?educational stalls will weave?their way through the streets of Hockley along George Street and Goosegate. You will find local grassroots community groups, charities, organisations and staff networks who offer services, support and information to LGBTQ+ people.

The celebrations continue throughout the day as a central stage is provided for a host of artists from Nottinghamshire?s LGBTQ+ community.?

Find out more at https://nottspride.co.uk/

We have sadly lost three local sporting legends over the last week. It was announced last week that former Panthers star Mike Hammond had died in a car accident in Canada aged just 33. This week, we have heard of the death aged 69 of Nottingham Forest legend Trevor Francis, whose header famously won the European Cup in 1979, and of the passing of Reds fans? favourite Chris Bart-Williams, at 49. He is fondly remembered for scoring the goal in April 1998 against Reading which secured promotion to the Premier League.

They were all taken too soon and gave local sports fans memories that will live on beyond their sad deaths. I offer my sincere condolences to their families and friends, and to their fans who will also feel their loss.