'Dynamic and vibrant' 22-shop 'retail zone' planned for Mansfield town centre
A key section of Mansfield town centre that has been lifeless for three years could soon be turned into a new, “dynamic and vibrant” shopping destination.
For a plan has been unveiled to revive the large building on Clumber Street that housed the former Wilko store and also the Legacy nightclub.
The idea is to convert it into a three-storey ‘retail zone’ comprising 22 units that could be shops, workshops, cafes or coffee shops.
The new retail centre would be created via the refitting and reconfiguration of the existing building, with the 120-space Wilko car park, which is stull functioning and well-used, retained as part of the plan.
An extra mezzanine floor would be added to the property, which spans 6,107 square metres, and new shop fronts would be designed, with fresh signage.
The property has been vacant since 2023 when the Worksop-based Wilko collapsed into administration, leading to the closure of 400 stores across the country.
Two years earlier, Legacy had also shut its doors after feeling the effects of the Covid pandemic lockdowns and also a burglary that caused about £100,000 worth of damage to its infrastructure.
The company behind the revival project is East India Properties Ltd, registered in Nottingham and headed by Tarjinda Khamba, 39, and Warjinda Singh Khamba, 40.
A change-of-use planning application has been submitted to Mansfield District Council, along with planning statements by the agent for the scheme, Oliver Cammell, director of the Nottingham-based architecture and construction consultancy, DYAD Design.
The statements say: “The proposal is designed to function like a pull-up retail park experience.
"It presents high potential for redevelopment aimed at re-establishing this part of Clumber Street as a vibrant retail destination.
"A dynamic, new retail zone that would complement the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and contribute to the regeneration and economic vitality of Mansfield town centre.
"The footprint, shape, height and scale of the building would remain unchanged.
"Minimal alterations to the building’s facade are proposed, carefully designed to align with the existing architectural character. These changes would be subtle and sympathetic.
"The aims to support the diversity of Mansfield’s retail environment while respecting its established streetscape and heritage.”
If given the go-ahead, the ‘retail zone’ would be open to any number of businesses to occupy the units, of which there would be 12 on the ground floor, six on the first floor and four on the second.
And the applicants feel sure it would attract more shoppers and visitors into Mansfield town centre, while also boosting local business.
The statement goes on: "There would be an opportunity for workshops, cafes and food and drink units, creating a lively, multi-functional environment that encourages longer visits and greater footfall.
"The proposal would revive the loss of activity within this area of the town centre.
“It is an area that has great potential to support expansion of the town’s main high street and form a new retail district which would contribute to the existing character without pulling people out of the centre.
"The proposal demonstrates that modest, well-targeted interventions can deliver significant benefits without unnecessary disruption.”
The council’s planning officers are currently considering the project and hope to make a decision or recommendation by their deadline date of Tuesday, October 6.
THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/