By Kit Sandeman, Local Democracy Reporter
The Market Place in Mansfield will receive a makeover after a bid for almost £850,000 in heritage funding was accepted.
The Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project which focuses on parts of Leeming Street and the Market Place conservation area will now benefit from £849,100 contributed by players of the National Lottery.
The project aims to help local businesses and property owners in the area to carry out repairs and refurbishments to enhance the architectural quality of the Victorian and Georgian buildings.
Now, property owners will be able to apply for match-funded grants of up to 75 per cent to help with the cost of making improvements which fit with the character of the original buildings.
The project also aims to provide work experience for students and volunteers from the local area to learn about conservation and restoration skills.
Councillor Dave Saunders is the head of regeneration and growth at Mansfield District Council as well as being representing the Sandhurst ward for the Mansfield Independent Forum.
He said: “This is great news for Mansfield town centre, our businesses and residents.
“Thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund for this vital funding and our partners who worked with us to create the successful bid.
“The conservation area around Mansfield Market Place contains some of our unique and historic buildings.
“This Townscape Heritage project will preserve the character and use of these important architectural assets for future generations and improve the appearance and vitality of the town centre, which is part of our long-term vision.
“There will be plenty of opportunities for local residents to get involved, for example, by taking advantage of future training sessions to develop their skills in conservation and restoration.”
The bid for funding was submitted by the Mansfield District Council and the project has had input from a host of other organisations including Vision West Notts College, Mansfield BID, Mansfield Museum and Nottinghamshire County Council.
It aims to provide a five-year programme of conservation, community engagement, and educational events.
