Mansfield’s Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams has welcomed the final retail unit tenant at the refurbished Old Town Hall.
Seamstress Suzanne Rawlinson, who specialises in bridal alterations and sewing classes, fell in love with the council-owned premises when relocating her business, Oh Sew Suzy, from White Hart Street.
She believes the Grade II* listed Old Town Hall is a stunning location that will provide a perfect experience for any bride-to-be or budding seamstress.
Suzanne joins Robins Return, an independent family-run business, selling personalised, unique and unusual gifts and interiors products, at the Old Town Hall, along with R&R Permanent Make-up Studio and Beauty Training.
Mansfield District Council’s Town Centre Management team and Halo Recruitment are also based inside the building, while Victoria Hallam Hair Boutique has an exterior unit.
Mayor Andy said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Oh Sew Suzy to the Old Town Hall which has attracted just the kind of unique independent traders we want to encourage to Mansfield.
“We hope Suzanne’s business will go from strength to strength in its new place at the heart of our historic town centre.
“It will be a great place to learn new skills, too, which could help people up-cycle old clothes or even make their own.”
Suzanne’s background is in bridal wear, and design and development for children’s and ladies’ wear, making sample garments to a high standard. Initially, she was working part-time in her business but went full-time after being made redundant from a local menswear company. She said: “I’m very excited to join the other businesses already here in the Old Town Hall. It will be a wonderful place for bridal parties to come for their fittings, ready for their big day or people starting on their creative journey with sewing classes.
“The classes have been small for the last couple of years due to distancing restrictions but the space I now have, will mean that we can have more sociable classes where people can work together and share their ideas while they`re learning something new.
“As I have come from an industry background I wanted to pass on my knowledge to make sure people can finish their garments to a good standard and have a nice fit. It`s so lovely to make a garment that you’re proud to wear.”
The Old Town Hall regeneration
D2N2 is delighted to have contributed £700,000 from the N2 Town Centres Fund towards the £1.4m redevelopment of the Old Town Hall in Mansfield.
All the internal units at the Old Town Hall are now fully let, bringing the 185-year-old premises back into full use for the first time for more than 30 years.
