Severn Trent hits key milestone in £76m makeover for Mansfield as first rain garden is now complete

The completion of the first town centre rain garden is the first of thousands of sustainable drainage systems set to be installed across the town in a bid to reduce the risk of flooding for up to 90,000 local people.

Adam Boucher, from Severn Trent, said: “This is a key moment of the project, as our first rain garden in the town is now complete.

“We are really excited those living in Mansfield will soon benefit from the rain gardens and it makes us excited about what we can achieve over the next couple of years.

“When all the plants are in full bloom, this area of the town will look greener and be a place for people to enjoy visiting.

“While the rain garden has a very real purpose of reducing flooding and protecting businesses from flooding, it will also improve how the area looks and boost the biodiversity in the area and make Mansfield a nicer place for people to spend time.”

Coun Andy Burgin, Mansfield Council portfolio holder for environment and leisure, said: “These gardens bring endless benefits to our communities, alleviate the growing risk of flooding and also make Mansfield cleaner and greener.

“This location is perfect, right in the heart of town, and will bring a sense of calm and enjoyment to the Market Place.

The new Memorial Garden is also just a stone's throw away, giving residents and visitors another relaxing and green environment to enjoy and reflect.

"We are pleased that our urban greening project works are under way. Most recently, the Pocket Park near Walkden Street car park is now fully open for use, and planting 3,200 trees in our award-winning parks is under way too.

“I am confident that ,as the roll-out of these rain gardens continues, it will help to make Mansfield more attractive and encourage people to spend more time in the town centre for the benefit of the local economy, our residents and visitors.”