A health centre in the heart of the city would be better than a 'half dead highstreet', shoppers in Nottingham have said. It comes as the city's once buzzing shopping street Lister Gate could become a health space for residents - filling empty units and taking pressure off the NHS.
It is hoped that the plans would breathe new life into an area of the city centre that has faced a "sad decline" over recent years. Lister Gate, which was once a thriving shopping spot in the city centre, has been described by residents as a 'ghost' street which 'damages the reputation of Nottingham'.
But now, Architects Heatherwick Studio revealed plans for what they've labelled 'Health Street', where public health, local businesses and social spaces would be present in one setting, allowing people access to health services that are different to clinical environments like the GP surgery or hospital. June Peet, an unemployed resident from The Meadows, has welcomed the plans, adding: "This area has become half derelict.
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"It feels like a ghost town. There are so many empty units."
The 50-year-old added: "I think it would be a great idea to have a hospital here, where it is nice and central. There is so much pressure on the NHS at the moment.
"I do not think it is an odd idea. I think it makes sense to have a hospital in the city centre where it is accessible to everyone.
"A lot of people struggle to have appointments. This street was popular, it used to be busy all the time - and now it is just half dead."
Jim Watson, of Beeston, added: "I think it is always good to have more hospitals. It is better than empty units anyway."
The 37-year-old, who is a manager of college service, added: "I think there will be more footfall in the area once the Broadmarsh is done." He looked at the empty units on Lister Gate and added: "It does not look nice for the city centre."
Vanessa Grundy, from Sherwood, commented on the plans, adding: "It is a bit odd.
"I would love this to be open space, but obviously you cannot do that because of the buildings. I cannot picture a health centre here."
The 52-year-old added: "Broadmarsh was here for a long time. It has been a sad decline."
Dave Potter, 56, added: "I was thinking as I was passing by - are they going to do anything with this street? This place is dying.
"I do not know what they would have to do to bring people back. I think we have enough shops, and there is no demand for more.
"I think the shopping scene has reached its natural limit. This street now damages the reputation of Nottingham.
"A health centre would be a better option than just derelict buildings - but we have a young student city. A young vibe to the area would help - like a gaming centre."
Lisa Finlay, a partner at Heatherwick Studio, explained that it was a matter of asking "what matters to you" rather than "what's the matter with you." She said: "We want to create a new kind of place for health that's convenient and welcoming. It's about bringing life back to city centres and taking some pressure of national health care institutions."
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