By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Mansfield councillors will have their say next week on plans to move the authority’s HQ to the transformed former Beales store in the town centre.
The multi-million-pound redevelopment would be a “once in a generation” opportunity for the centre of Mansfield, leaders say.
It’s hoped the new hub for public services and businesses would boost footfall to the high street.
The scheme will be presented to Mansfield District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, November 7.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams (Lab) is expected to make the final decision later this month.
If approved, the 11,000 square metre redevelopment is expected to be complete by 2026.
The Co-op building would be retained, while the remaining parts of the former Beales store would be demolished and replaced with a new build.
The two shopping footbridges over Stockwell gate would also be removed.
The new hub was awarded £20million of government Levelling Up cash earlier this year.
The move would cut a quarter off the authority’s £1million annual operating costs for its current Mansfield Civic Centre, which is expected to become surplus to requirements.
The council is set to be joined in the building by Nottinghamshire County Council, West Notts College, the Department of Work & Pensions and health services.
There would also be a small-scale enterprise hub, focusing on creative, digital and start-up businesses.
Deputy Mayor Craig Whitby, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Finance, said: “Everyone knows our town centre needs a kick-start and new vision.
“In an age of internet shopping, the high street now needs to be a place where people live and work, as well as shop.
“Revitalising a building that had no longer had a commercial purpose or future, and represents the decay of the past for as long as it remains empty, demonstrates considerable civic leadership after decades of decline.
“Mansfield Connect represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to initiate a renaissance of our town centre as well as helping us improve the delivery of our services by being able to work more closely with our partners in a purpose-built one-stop shop.
“This is a key component of a comprehensive approach towards the regeneration for the town centre, steered through the Masterplan.
“These are exciting times for Mansfield town centre. Private plans have already come forward for redevelopment of the Rosemary Centre site; the former bus station site is already partly redeveloped and the White Hart Street area has been acquired for residential redevelopment.
“We are thrilled to see this flagship scheme taking shape from a wish-list to a reality. We believe we have proven there is a business case for this scheme and that it is affordable, but there is still a way to go.”
