Master plan reveals ambitious vision for downtown – Mansfield District Council
Ambitious plans have been unveiled for the transformation of downtown Mansfield with the launch of a masterplan.
The Mansfield District Council’s Downtown Masterplan Project provides a vision and delivery plan that will guide new development over the next 15 years, while preserving the city’s industrial history and heritage assets.
The council aims to work with partners and alongside developers and private investors to create a mixed-use city center with more food and drink, workspace, jobs, cultural uses, leisure and educational activities that would increase the number of visitors. There is also an emphasis on providing quality housing for all ages, more greenery and new open spaces and a strong independent retail scene.
The 100-page document provides guidance for the future redevelopment of 16 key locations, with various exciting and forward-thinking options that would completely transform Mansfield into a vibrant place where more people want to spend time and money.
The master plan examines potential options for each neighborhood in the city as well as for specific buildings, including The Town Mill, Beales and the Four Seasons Mall.
In the Market and West Gate area, major projects could include student accommodation at Clumber House and the redesign of Mansfield Market Square into a garden plaza suitable for a variety of uses including markets and events , as well as a new green public space for the city.
In the Church Street area, plans show how the sensitive redevelopment of White Hart Street could potentially create quality townhouses and new parkland on Toothill Lane. The plan breathes new life into the Old Town Mill for commercial purposes.
The station district could be redeveloped to create a real sense of arrival for people traveling by bus or train and shows how Beales could be transformed into a hub of public services.
In Stockwell Gate and Four Seasons, the paper explores options for the long-term future of retail for the mall, Rosemary Street and Stockwell Gate, which would bring a combination of retail, entertainment, homes and offices.
The master plan explores adding activity to the iconic viaduct arches, creating alfresco dining as well as new play and exercise spaces, and the use of lighting and art installations.
Each scheme and potential project could be further considered for short (1 to 5 years), medium (5 to 10 years) or long term (10 years +) delivery. They would be subject to funding and obtaining a building permit and all future road works would have to be approved by Nottinghamshire County Council as the motorway authority.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: âThe master plan is the most important planning document that the people of Mansfield will have seen in generations. Our vision and aspiration for the city is ambitious, and rightly so.
âIt is also controversial to present various options that would fundamentally transform spaces and reposition Mansfield as a quality place to live, work and visit. We want to see a cleaner, greener downtown with new open spaces where people and businesses can thrive.
âThe historic fabric of the city center will be preserved and visitors and residents will be better connected with safer access and circulation in the city.
âThe Masterplan is our best version of Mansfield, it values ââpublic space and heritage while providing what future generations need. We hope our residents and businesses will be inspired and see a bright future for Mansfield. “
The master plan will support the work already underway on the Towns Fund investment plan and the preparation of future funding requests for the Leveling Up Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It also establishes a master plan for the development and investment of the private sector.
Consultants Allies and Morrison in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield (deliverability and sustainability specialists) and Urban Flow (transport specialists) were appointed to prepare the master plan on behalf of the board.
The blueprint will be presented to members of the Board’s Review and Review Committee (location) at a meeting on September 28 and portfolio holder Cllr Stuart Richardson will then be asked to consider approving a six-month public consultation. weeks, which should start in mid-October. The master plan would then be considered by the full Council in December, before its expected adoption in the new year.