Mansfield Council to fork out at least £250,000 in car park head-to-head with Tesco

A contract for the job, for an undisclosed sum, was awarded to an unnamed company by council chief executive James Biddlestone on January 5.

Details available to the public on the deal are scarce, due to restrictions listed in the Local Government Act 1972.

This is because the details relate to the ‘financial information of an individual’.

But it is understood that it will cost the council at least £250,000.

A document explaining the issue on the council’s website says: “The Walkden Street Car Park collapse has created a uniquely complex set of legal, structural, commercial and safety issues.

“The council now faces a critical decision-making window in which its statutory building control responsibilities intersect with its leaseholder liabilities.

“To ensure the council is appropriately protected, specialist property advice is required immediately to support high-level negotiations prior to finalising the options presented for decision.”

The Walkden Street Car Park, which was built in the 1970s, collapsed on August 30 after being closed for safety reasons since 2024.

Pictures show a portion of the multi-storey’s top floor caved in, leaving a large crater visible from above.

Weeks later, a decision was quickly made to demolish the structure – after the council had previously earmarked £2.6m to repair its defects in 2023.

But while this was due to start in September, the plans had to be postponed when Tesco – which leases the site from the council as the landlord – launched legal action.

The supermarket company wanted the demolition halted so that they could appoint a surveyor of their own to inspect the damage.

Now the council has done the same.

Mr Biddlestone said: “As part of the ongoing situation regarding the next steps for Walkden Street Car Park, the council is seeking expert advice to support and protect its interest.

“There has been no change in the status of the site, and the council continues to monitor the structure.

"We are working hard to reach a resolution and will provide updates to residents as soon as we are able.”