'Hidden gem' Nottingham could become a 'real jewel'. It comes as the city was ranked the most underrated in England by The Telegraph.
We are famed world-wide for our legend Robin Hood, the important contribution to the lace trade and two historic football teams. In recent years, the city has seen a boom in creative and independent venues, meaning Nottingham has a lot to shout about.
Yet, the city has failed to become a key tourist destination as it is only the 18th most visited town or city in the UK, according to Visit Britain. Nottingham falls behinds the likes of Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Newcastle.
Nottingham is a destination that can rival other cities with its central location and key landmarks including our network of underground caves, the grand blockbuster worthy Wollaton Hall and bustling Hockley. So why are we so often overlooked?
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East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “It sometimes feels as if Nottingham goes under the radar in the national conversation, so it’s great to see The Telegraph following in the footsteps of The Times last year in offering such high praise for a city we all love here in the East Midlands.
“It has a fantastic history, headlined by attractions such as the City of Caves, National Justice Museum and Wollaton Hall, while even despite the troubles of Nottingham Castle it has great potential to draw in visitors from far and wide once its future is resolved.
“At the same time, the city has constantly reinvented itself over the years. The Lace Market is a fine example of regenerating a post-industrial area into a vibrant modern-day cultural scene spanning multiple uses ranging from living and office spaces to leisure and creative outlets.
“Along with the Hockley area that has rightly been recognised by both national newspapers along with many others in recent times, this has helped Nottingham to build a reputation for being home to a thriving independent retail, food and drink offering that rivals many other more reputable cities."
He added: “With one of the youngest average ages among the UK’s core cities, aided by two fantastic universities, and a bold city-wide plan to be carbon-neutral by 2028, it is also one of the most forward-looking in the country – making it well-equipped to continue growing as an important UK city economy.
“There is plenty to get excited about in the coming years. The Island Quarter development, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, is making great strides and with an exciting vision for the Broad Marsh area – albeit one that still needs backing from Government – many businesses will be looking at Nottingham as a tantalising future investment opportunity, which ultimately benefits all of those who work, live, study in the city.”
MP for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome added: "It’s no news to me that Nottingham is one of the UK’s most exciting and underrated cities. We have so much to be proud of: our independent creative scene, a vibrant night-time economy, a rich history, unique local businesses, a thriving football culture and, most importantly, an unrivalled sense of community.
"Despite being one of the most deprived areas of the country, our city has plenty to show the world, and a huge amount of potential. That’s also why I’m disappointed that the government has overlooked Nottingham in the latest round of levelling up funding. With proper investment, this hidden gem could become a real jewel."
Nottingham North MP and Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Alex Norris is also full of praise for Nottingham. He said: “Ours is a brilliant city full of brilliant people who come together to make Nottingham so special. It’s great to see this recognised and I hope it’ll act as a catalyst for people to visit, work and socialise here.”
Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see the city being recognised nationally in this way, but it’s nothing that people from Nottingham didn’t know already.
“This is a truly great place to live, work or visit – with everything you need close by. We have Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant cafes, bars and pubs serving fantastic dishes and locally-brewed beers. There are galleries, museums and theatres, independent shops alongside high-street favourites and a fascinating underground cave network to explore, plus some of the best green spaces in the country.
“And let’s not forget two of the oldest professional football clubs – one back in the Premier League and the other top of the National League – elite-level ice hockey and international cricket at Trent Bridge. It’s really no surprise that Nottingham remains one of the UK's top destinations.”
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