Nottingham

Nottingham is a city in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire, England. Its conurbanation is the largest in the East Midlands region of England. In 2006 Nottingham had a city population of 286,400. However, Nottingham City's border is tightly drawn and so this figure excludes many places which most people consider to be Nottingham, such as Carlton, Gedling and West Bridgford. The Greater Nottingham conurbation, which does include these areas along with the large expanse of suburbs and towns on the outskirts such as Ilkeston, Long Eaton and Eastwood, has a population of 666,358. It is the 7th largest urban area in the United Kingdom, ranking between Liverpool and Sheffield. Nottingham is also a member of the English Core Cities Group. At the heart of Nottingham City Centre is the Old Market Square. This 22,000 sq/m open space is the largest square in England and was refurbished in 2007 to include a large water feature, which consists of numerous fountains and gushing rapids. The entire square was also re-surfaced with granite slabs and new trees planted. The reaction to the redevelopment was mixed. Nottingham Council House which overlooks the square can be seen for miles around thanks to its 200 ft (61 m) high dome which rises above the city and is lit up at night. Inside the Council House is the Exchange Arcade, an upmarket shopping centre which houses many high class shops, shopping being one of the main attractions of the City. Radiating out from the central square are the other areas of the city. The Hockley quarter, characterised by a higher proportion of independent retailers and alternative cinema, is situated to the east of the city. Hockley is adjacent to the Lace Market area which is home to many large grand Victorian era buildings owing to Nottingham's importance in the Victorian Lace Industry, the City's history being another main attraction. The Lace Market now has numerous bars and restaurants. To the south of the square shopping streets lead their way into the soon to be totally rebuilt Broadmarsh shopping centre. Beyond the shopping centre lies the canal which is a pleasant area full of cafes and restaurants. To the west is Nottingham Castle and Maid Marian Way which is home to The Tales of Robin Hood along with the majority of the high rise office buildings in the city. Northwards from the square is the Victoria Shopping Centre, numerous restaurants and a cinema complex. The Theatre Royal, Nottingham on Theatre Square and Nottingham Playhouse at the Albert Hall can also be found here.