Work has begun on a £1.4million revamp of Mansfield’s Old Town Hall – with almost half that cost being met through the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Mansfield District Council-led project will bring the Grade II* listed building back into full use for the first time in over 30 years. It is expected to be completed by spring 2019.
Three ground floor retail units will be created, in a shared space, and two medium-sized offices on the first floor. In addition, two existing Hall retail units will be redeveloped, and the old Council Chamber on the first floor refurbished. Potential future uses for the Chamber include functions, business or weddings hire.
The building’s exterior will remain unchanged, to preserve its character.
Mansfield District Council is contributing £775,000 of the refurbishment costs and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, £700,000. The LEP’s investment is part of a wider £7.6m funding into Nottinghamshire County Council’s ‘Unlocking Growth in N2 Town Centres’ programme, improving and growing the county’s town centres.
D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary services representatives which promotes economic and jobs growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Its funding resources includes an allocation of around £250million from the Government’s Local Growth Fund (LGF); which part-funds infrastructure projects directly benefiting the economy. The Old Town Hall funding is derived from this LGF allocation.
Kate Allsop, Executive Mayor of Mansfield, said: “We are very excited about this project as it is a significant part of the Council’s strategy to encourage Mansfield to be seen as a destination for visitors, shoppers and businesses looking to invest in the district. “This is a prime location and we are expecting it will encourage employers and high end retailers to set up in the town centre, and create at least 20 new employment opportunities.”
Sajeeda Rose, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We are extremely pleased to see the Mansfield Old Town Hall project come forward, as part of the N2 Town Centres programme. “This project is an exciting step forward in the economic development of Mansfield and provides a great opportunity for a heritage asset to be brought back into use. Our aim is to support places to improve their potential for further investment and job creation. We hope that this scheme will help to drive forward economic growth for Mansfield.”
The Hall work is being carried out by Rosslee Construction. The Old Town Hall car park will be out of commission until the scheme is complete.
Media wanting further information about the D2N2 LEP can contact D2N2 Communications Manager Sean Kirby on 0115 957 8749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
