Mansfield District Council confirms major milestone for flagship £30M town centre project
The first phase of a £30 million pound project to design and redevelop a landmark building in Mansfield town centre is complete.
Mansfield District Council has confirmed the major milestone for the Mansfield Connect project that will see the redevelopment of the long vacant former Beales department store and parts of the former Co-op building into a modern multi use civic and community hub.
The contractor Kier has completed the first phase of work, with the removal of the former pedestrian link bridges, the asbestos safely removed and the former department store building at Stockwell Gate and Queen Street has been stripped. Kier’s contracted works conclude on May 29 and the building will be returned to the Council’s management.
The next phase will include work to improve the facade along the Four Seasons and One Beyond where the bridges once were and, completion of the design and continuing the preparations for a planning application for the Mansfield Connect building.
Mansfield’s Elected Mayor Andy Abrahams commented: “We are really pleased that the work on Mansfield Connect has reached another critical stage.
“This has been a complex task, at a site in a busy town centre location, and maintaining public safety throughout has been our priority. Our partnership with Kier has been of the highest standard and we thank Kier for their positive engagement throughout, with us as a Council, with local businesses and with members of the Mansfield public.
“I’d also like to thank the businesses in the immediate area for their patience particularly when Stockwell Gate was temporarily closed during the bridge removals. I’m looking forward to the next phase with much excitement. It will transform the town and make it a better place to work and live.”
Tony Shenton, Acting Managing Director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands added: “This marks a key milestone for the Mansfield Connect project, and Kier is proud to have supported the Council in preparing the site so they can move forward with securing planning permission for the next stage.”
Mansfield Connect forms a key part of the council’s ambitious regeneration plans, bringing public, education and community support services together in the centre of the town. Mansfield Connect is supported by funding from the UK Government.
It is being paid for with £20m from the Levelling Up Fund and £5m from the Levelling Up Partnership, with the rest from "partner contributions" and anticipated council capital receipts.