A vibrant Nottingham area is set to become officially recognised as a LGBTQ+ district in a huge move described as a "powerful statement of who we are and what we stand for" as a city. Streets around Hockley will make up the newly-formed 'Rainbow Quarter' area, in a style similar to the popular Gay Villages in Manchester and Birmingham.

The bustling area is already known as an important part of the city for LGBTQ+ people, having a high density of gay-friendly bars and venues and a proud history of gay activism dating back to the 1990s. But campaigners, business experts and politicians say the area officially being known as the Rainbow Quarter will bring new visitors and investment into Nottingham and put the city "up there with the greats" of gay-friendly areas in the UK like Brighton.

The area will cover Broad Street, Carlton Street, and Heathcote Street around Hockley and the project will officially be announced on Saturday (July 26) at the annual Notts Pride event. The initial proposals will be outlined by Sam Harvey, director of The Pastel Project charity which is spearheading the scheme, with the backing of It's In Nottingham and other local organisations.

"The area is unofficially known as Nottingham's queer district anyway, but this will officially recognise that," Sam exclusively told Nottinghamshire Live ahead of the announcement.

"Historical plaques will be put up in the area, the maps will be updated, and we'll be looking at a collective image for the shops within the area. I've long said Nottingham is a brilliant LGBTQ+ city and it just doesn't seem to be recognised - this will put us on the map alongside the greats across the UK like Manchester and Brighton.

"We'll get recognition for the amazing local talent we have and this will be an official stamp for the city - I'm really proud". The project is set to be complete in time for the following pride event in 2026.

Sam Harvey is the director of the Nottingham Pastel Project charity, which has spearheaded the project(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)

The East Midlands Chamber predicts the new quarter will increase footfall and tourism into the historic area of the city. "It’s encouraging to see Hockley taking positive action in promoting diversity," the chamber's Director of Resources, Lucy Robinson, said.

"Our own research into Equality Diversity and Inclusion, produced in conjunction with emh Group, has shown 7 out of 10 East Midlands businesses embrace EDI and have a policy in place but that still leaves a few that haven’t yet. Hockley’s good example will hopefully inspire other businesses."

After Saturday's official announcement, members of the public will be invited to take part in an official consultation via an online link giving their views on the project and what they want to see from the area. Hockley is steeped in LGBTQ+ history, dating back to the early 1990s, when The Health Shop, a centre which offered sexual health advice to gay men, opened.

Three years later, Sir Ian McKellen visited Broadway Cinema to launch The GAI Project, a gay and bisexual men’s HIV prevention initiative in Nottingham. Broad Street was also home to the Mushroom Bookshop, which at the time was only one of a handful in Nottingham that openly sold gay and lesbian literature and newspapers, including the Gay Times.

Nadia Whittome, the Member of Parliament for Nottingham East, which covers the Hockley area, says the Rainbow Quarter marks "a very proud moment" in the city.

The MP added: "It is a powerful statement of who we are and what we stand for. Spearheaded by the Nottingham Pastel Project, this vital initiative creates a dedicated safe space for our LGBTQ+ community, supports businesses and honours the queer history that has shaped our city.

Hockley has a proud gay rights history and hosted the yearly Notts Pride event for years(Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)

"At a time when visibility and inclusion is more important than ever, the Rainbow Quarter is a necessary symbol of unity, and of the progress that those before us bravely fought for".

Up until 2024, Hockley also hosted the annual Notts Pride event until it was moved due to concerns around overcrowding. It's In Nottingham, the local Business Improvement District (BID), confirmed it is fully onboard with the project.

Councillor Corall Jenkins, whose brief at Nottingham City Council covers neighbourhoods, waste and equalities said: "We welcome initiatives that celebrate our city’s diversity and that promotes inclusion.

"Nottingham is a city that prides itself on being inclusive, and we believe everyone should feel safe and welcome wherever they are right across the city. We look forward to further discussions with the Nottingham Pastel Project and local stakeholders to understand more about their initial proposal.

"We remain firmly committed to being inclusive and to creating an environment which welcomes and supports our LGBTQIA+ community. We want everyone to feel valued and confident to be their authentic selves. Nottingham is and will always be a city for all".

Matt Shannon, the local representative for the Castle Ward on Nottingham City Council, added: "This is a fantastic initiative and I’ve been very happy to support it.

"It’s a privilege for me to represent an area with such diversity and with so many businesses who are eager to show that they are a safe space for everyone who wants to enjoy our city. I hope The Rainbow Quarter sends a loud and clear message to LGBT+ people that they are safe, welcome and wanted in Nottingham."

The last time a UK city gained an official LGBTQ+ zone was in 2021, when Liverpool's Stanley Street Quarter was rebranded as the Pride Quarter.