Mansfield: Contractor named for first phase of £30m project

Parts of the original building will be retained but most will be demolished

A contractor has been named for the design and redevelopment of a landmark building in a Nottinghamshire town.

Mansfield District Council has appointed Kier Group to undertake phase one of the £30m Mansfield Connect project.

The 1930s former Beales building will be turned into a modern, multi-agency and community hub, officials said.

Work is expected to start on site in January 2025, with it being fully operational and open in January 2027.

Phase one will see the overall design and development of the project, then, subject to progress, the council will then tender for phase two - the main construction work - in autumn 2024.

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, the authority said.

'Significantly improve access'

Mansfield Connect is expected to house a variety of public, educational, enterprise, and health and wellbeing services, along with space for private sector investment and the council's new headquarters.

In January, the council announced a package of tax increases, rent rises and service cuts to tackle a £2.1m deficit, but this project is unaffected.

Executive mayor Andy Abrahams said: "Mansfield Connect is a key regeneration project that will transform the long vacant Beales department store into a multi-use, multi-service community and civic hub.

"Its creation will significantly improve access to a range of public services to support our communities; create new opportunities for enterprise and skills development; provide important new town centre amenities; and, by reopening long closed frontages, will support greater footfall and high street vibrancy."

The current building will be both refurbished and rebuilt to ensure "maximum value for money while ensuring important heritage assets are retained", the council said.

It is anticipated the Art Deco facade of the former Co-op building will be kept, but the existing two footbridges over Stockwell Gate will be removed.