By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Worksop will receive nearly £20m in ‘Levelling Up’ cash to transform parts of the town centre and build new community facilities.
The town’s Priory Centre will be redeveloped into a new family-focused leisure facility, including tenpin bowling, indoor soft play, a trampoline park and a cafe.
It will lead to existing occupiers in the building being retained and aims to bring in new tenants for its empty units.
The Government-funded Levelling Up project will also lead to a new green footpath and towpath link along the Chesterfield Canal, utilising canal boat traffic and improving a “green corridor through the town centre”.
A footbridge over the canal will also lead to improved connectivity into the town from residential areas in north Worksop, described as “one of the most deprived areas” in the district.
Two sites for town centre living will also be brought forward for development, using “underutilised space” for apartments and townhouses.
And a multi-functional market area will be brought to the town centre, which is also likely to include a food court.
It follows the Labour-run Bassetlaw District Council narrowly missing the deadline for the first round of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021.
A second bid was put in last year and now the Government has confirmed £18m will be provided to the district council in the fund’s second round.
Councillor James Naish (Lab) is the council’s leader.
In a statement, he said: “We have a long-term vision for the regeneration of Worksop town centre.
“The Levelling Up funding is key to attracting further investment and unlocking the town’s potential.
“Our immediate focus will be the redevelopment of the Priory Centre with new leisure facilities, encouraging people into the town centre and giving visitors a reason to stay.
“This builds on the recent investment in the town centre through the Bridge Skills Hub and the new Middleton’s Yard development, creating a growing sense of confidence for Worksop.”
The council has revealed it will contribute an extra £2m alongside partners to bring the overall investment up to £20m.
Other projects in the town include a new cycle hub with a cafe, changing facilities and bike lockers.
There will also be works on road surfaces to improve access to the shopping centre.
The news has been welcomed by Brendan Clarke Smith, Bassetlaw’s Conservative MP.
Mr Clarke-Smith told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I welcome this great news for Worksop.
“This will transform our town centre and it is now vital that this funding is used to spearhead change to attract further funding, both public and private in Bassetlaw.
“As local MP, my job will be to continue our campaign to ensure this project is delivered on time and on budget.”
