Academy plans in doubt for Mansfield brewery site
NMAC11-2227-2.jpg Mansfield Brewery Site
THE long-awaited development of Mansfield’s former brewery has moved a step closer - but plans for a food and drink industry academy seem unlikely.
Mansfield Brewery Gate Ltd is in ‘advanced negotiations’ to buy the Great Central Road site but has insisted it will only seek tenants with ‘commercially viable’ plans.
Chad reported last year how Ron Kirk, a former managing director of the brewery, was looking to create a new brewery with a visitor centre, restaurant and culinary college for thousands of students.
But Bristol-based Mansfield Brewery Gate Ltd, which is in talks with administrators KMPG to purchase the site, need to ensure the site makes money.
Director Peter Caldwell said they are working closely with Mansfield District Council to produce a planning application before purchase of the land can be completed.
He said: “Ron Kirk’s idea for a culinary college is really exciting, it’s really newsworthy, but it wasn’t really going anywhere. I can’t see it happening.
“We have got an agreement with KPMG to work up a planning application. We need to get tenants in there.
“We are open to all offers and proposals, providing they are commercially viable.
“It is a very important site, we’d like a landmark development there. It’s a six-acre site just outside the town centre.
“We will be working closely with Mansfield District Council to move things forward.”
Mr Kirk said he still hopes to put a proposal on the table.
“The bit that is positive for us is that the site has come out of the administrators hands,” he said.
“We want to put together the best possible plan which will be a game changer for the town - something that can make a difference to the future of Mansfield all together.
“If someone comes in with a better plan that’s fine but we believe ours can regenerate the town.”
Coun Kate Allsop, portfolio holder for economic regeneration at the council, said: “We welcome the private sector interest in this important regeneration site and look forward to working with Mansfield Brewery Gate to help facilitate a new use for the site that will create opportunities for local people.”
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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