Traders have welcomed the £1.8million refurbishment of the indoor market at the Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, which was part-funded by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The project has seen completion of a new layout for the indoor market, improved accessibility and better lighting introduced. A new ramp and signage have also been created at the Market Street entrance.
Project costs were met by Ashfield District Council, with the aid of £375,000 from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocation. This is funding awarded by the UK Government to D2N2 and the other 37 LEPs in England, to part invest in infrastructure projects in their areas which directly promote economic growth.
D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary services which promotes economic and jobs growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Samantha Scothern, of indoor market trader Geoff Webster Bakery, said the refurbishment had made for a better environment for traders and shoppers.
She added: “It is now a cleaner, fresher and more appealing place to be for all age groups. Overall we are very impressed at how it is looking and are very excited to be part of it”.
Samantha is pictured above (right) at the market’s Geoff Webster Bakery store, with (L-R) Ashfield District Council Councillors Don Davis and Cheryl Butler.
New businesses are also set to arrive at the market.
“This is a great opportunity for new and existing traders and businesses to develop their retail offer,” said Councillor Don Davis, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Place and Economic Growth. “With great transport links and state of the art facilities, there’s no better time to get in touch with the team and see how you could make your business thrive at Idlewells.”
Sajeeda Rose, D2N2 Senior Manager (Growth Deal and Capital Programmes), added: “Strong retail centres and markets at the heart of town centres across the D2N2 LEP area are vital; to create great places to live, economic growth and to support the creation of more jobs.
“As the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership we recognise this and are making significant investments in supporting town centres, enabling them to maintain their attractiveness to customers and businesses.”
For more on how the D2N2 LEP is using its Local Growth Fund allocation to help its area’s economy see its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Local-Growth-Fund/Projects
Media needing more information about the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can contact D2N2 Communications Manager Sean Kirby on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
