Clipstone Headstocks group asks for Welbeck meeting

A group hoping to see Clipstone Headstocks saved from demolition and developed has called on the land’s owners to meet with them.
Clipstone HeadstocksClipstone Headstocks
Clipstone Headstocks

Clipstone Headstocks Regeneration Group has put forward an ambitious plan to restore the iconic 200ft structure and see it transformed into an adventure park.

Meanwhile, the surrounding land would be host to affordable self-build housing and start-up business units.

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The group is currently in the midst of applying for funding grants from various bodies including the Heritage Lottery Fund but a vital letter from site’s owner, Welbeck Estates, confirming its willingness to sell the land had still not been provided.

Project manager Denise Barraclough said: “We have been asking Welbeck to come to the table and talk with us about how we can work in partnership.

“This is a very important part of our industrial heritage.

“This project meets the key strategic objectives of Newark and Sherwood District Council.

“We are targeting tourism because there is a need to encourage people to stay over night.

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“In Nottinghamshire the big attractions are Sherwood Forest and the Robin Hood attractions but if we provide more attractions there will be more reason for them to stay over and spend money in the local area.”

Ms Barraclough said meetings had also been held with local enterprise partnership D2N2, which paved the way for European funding.

But their grant application with the Heritage Lottery Fund was dependant on agreement from Welbeck Estates.

A Welbeck Estates spokesman told Chad the company was sceptical of the scheme’s ability to attract funding.

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“We do not want to write a letter for comfort to this group and then see the headstocks caught up in grant applications for the next five years,” he said.

“I think the best thing is to have the headstocks demolished and have a business park and housing there.”

But he confirmed a meeting had been scheduled in October for further discussions with the group.

Clipstone Headstocks Regeneration Group will have a stand at Vicar Water Fun Day on 7th September between 12-4pm to hear and discuss people’s concerns.

For more information about the group CLICK HERE

For more background to this story CLICK HERE

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