By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
A new £20m ‘Levelling Up’ deal for Mansfield will bring desperately needed help to some of the area’s most deprived estates, a councillor says.
The regeneration deal was announced yesterday (January 8) with the aims of improving the town centre, restoring services in run-down areas and tackling anti-social behaviour.
A total of £7.4m will be used to regenerate the Bellamy and Oak Tree estates, with hopes of better housing and improved services.
Councillor Paul Henshaw (Lab), who represents Oak Tree ward, is hopeful some of the estate’s community centres could be reopened.
“The estate is really in need of some investment, and has been that way for many, many years,” he said.
“It is showing signs of ageing. Anything we can do to improve the housing stock, whether that’s revamping or building new properties, would go a long way.
“I’m having a meeting with Mayor Abrahams next week to discuss spending the money.
“It would be great to get some of the community centres which were closed by the Mansfield Independents reopened. There are three sitting derelict, and ideally we would get one working at either end of the estate.
“It would draw all sorts of people in – community groups, external groups, not just council.
“It would really bring life back to the estate.”
Mansfield is one of 20 areas which will receive a ‘tailored’ Levelling Up Partnership deal, aimed at authorities most in need, and the area is only the third to have details announced so far.
The funding also allocates £5m towards the Mansfield Connect project to build a new council and public service headquarters in the former Beales building.
A £3.2m youth centre will be built on the Bellamy estate in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour, and £2m will go towards street improvements to make the town centre more appealing.
Long-awaited improvements for the Sainsbury’s junction on Nottingham Road have also been granted £2m.
Andrew Abrahams, Executive Mayor of Mansfield District Council (Lab), said: “Mansfield is set to receive investment that will make a huge difference to communities and help to deliver some of our place-shaping aspirations for the district.
“Through Levelling Up we are investing in people and places to make a brighter future for the residents of Mansfield. These projects will bring life-changing opportunities that will make a real difference in some of our most deprived areas.
“We’re pleased to be able to finally announce the full funding package for Mansfield, coupled with the Town’s Fund and Long-Term deal for Towns, the district is set to benefit from substantial amounts of much-needed funding to help build thriving communities, grow a more vibrant economy and a place where people are supported to be happy and healthy.”
Mansfield MP Ben Bradley (Con), also the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The Levelling Up Partnership represents a chance for us to tackle some long-term and important issues for our area, particularly in disadvantaged areas.
“Major investments in the Oak Tree and Bellamy estates will be a game-changer for our ability to support people and deliver public services.
“Residents will also know that the Sainsbury’s junction has been a personal mission of mine for several years so I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure this funding.
“I’m grateful to the Ministers and the Department for their support in delivering these projects.”
The announcement by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities comes days after Mansfield District Council was force to announce plans for heavy spending cuts.
The authority needs to find £5m in savings over the next three years, and proposes cuts to public toilets, events, markets, museum opening and floral displays.
