CHAPTER 12 - CENTRAL AREAS

12.1    General Introduction

12.1.1 The Local Plan policies promote the further development of the District's three town centres; Mansfield town centre, Mansfield Woodhouse centre and Warsop centre as centres for shopping, business and leisure. They are major employment centres and also provide homes for a significant number of people. They are the historic centres of the District and contain a large number of buildings of historic and architectural significance. The future health and prosperity of the three town centres is vital to the economic regeneration of the District. This chapter makes detailed proposals for the development of the centres over the Plan period.

12.1.2 The District Council takes an extremely pro-active role in town centre development. The Council's own action programmes in the three centres include a major environmental improvement programme, derelict land reclamation, conservation grant schemes and, a 'living over the shop' initiative. The Council has also taken a direct role in leisure developments in the town centres and has carried out a number of industrial developments on the fringe of centre sites. The District Council has received strong support from the European Union, the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, English Partnerships, English Heritage, the Housing Corporation and Nottinghamshire County Council in implementing these projects.

12.1.3 The Council is committed to working in partnership with the private sector and housing associations in town centre renewal. The Council actively pursues an enabling role, particularly through its powers of land assembly.

12.1.4 In certain key areas of the town centres there is a need for concentrated action over a short period of time to bring forward sites for development. These areas are designated as Action Areas in the Local Plan and will form the focus of public and private sector urban renewal activity during the Plan period. Detailed implementation schedules for Action Areas are found at the end of each Central Area section.

 

12.2    Introduction

12.2.1 A healthy and prosperous Mansfield town centre is vital to the future well being of the District as a whole. In the topic Chapters that have preceded, the various roles that the town centre fulfils for the District have been individually described. The importance of the town centre is emphasised below together with a description of how these various roles interact with each other. Clear objectives for the town centre are defined, against which the policies and proposals can be judged over time, in terms of their achievement.

12.2.2 The Chapter then goes on to state policies that are specifically relevant to land use issues in the town centre. These are followed by detailed development proposals for sites in the area that offer a diverse range of opportunities for growth. The Chapter provides for the designation of four Action Areas at Clumber Street, Rock Valley, White Hart Street and Station Street.

12.2.3 Mansfield town centre serves as a sub-regional centre for West Nottinghamshire and the north eastern part of Derbyshire. As a comparison shopping centre its catchment area encompasses almost 300,000 people in the Mansfield/Ashfield conurbation and surrounding settlements. The centre contains approximately 93,000 m2 (1 million sq. ft.) of retail floorspace in nearly 400 units.

12.2.4 Mansfield town centre has the following key roles to play in the future development of the District:-

- providing opportunities for economic diversification and growth;- the expansion of its role as a comparison shopping centre;- the attraction of investment and people by the development of a high quality and vibrant town centre offering a wide range of business services, retail outlets together with diverse cultural, leisure and other entertainment facilities;- to aid tourism development.

12.2.5 Mansfield town centre is clearly of great importance to the District in terms of creating employment opportunities particularly as some of the town's traditional industries have been eroded away almost into extinction since the early 1980's, especially coal mining. This decline has not significantly been offset by growth in other sectors. Consequently, Mansfield has been left with an extremely serious level of unemployment. However the town centre has great potential for job creation through the development of service sector industries. During the 1980's and 1990's growth in services has unfortunately been small when compared to some neighbouring towns. Chesterfield, Derby and Nottingham have all experienced major growth in retailing over the past ten years. The Plan continues to encourage service sector growth through the identification of suitable sites for such development in or close to the town centre. These opportunities complement the portfolio of industrial land sites promoted across the District. The development of this industrial land will itself give rise to an increased demand for business services and other town centre facilities. Town centre office sites are equally promoted with a view to attracting service sector companies.

12.2.6 The further development of the town centre's role as a sub-regional comparison shopping centre is vital given that shopping is the principal reason for many visits to the District. Proposals are made in the Plan that will allow a major expansion of comparison shopping. The White Hart Street Action Area represents a commitment on the Council's behalf to achieving this objective as it should include a substantial increase in retail floorspace. The Plan also promotes the development of new leisure, cultural and other entertainment facilities which will also prove an important source of job creation and service sector growth. There is a particular strong link between leisure and shopping trips and the Plan seeks to exploit this in order to attract more visitors to the town.

12.2.7 In addition to the promotion of new facilities, the District Council will continue its efforts to enhance the environment of the town centre which will encourage more visitors to the town as well as enhancing shopping conditions for local people. Since the late 1970's major pedestrianisation schemes have been implemented in and around the Market Place together with the improvement of shop frontages. These works have greatly improved the image of the town centre. Similar positive action is proposed for upper Leeming Street, Clumber Street and Bridge Street during the Plan period. In this way, the Council working in partnership with local businesses, other local authorities and public bodies, the Government and the European Community has strived to reverse the town's historically poor image to outsiders. The Plan puts forward other policies and proposals which will further assist the development of a positive image demonstrating a quality environment and opportunities for dynamic growth. Such action attracts more visitors, aiding the growth of local businesses leading to service sector expansion as a whole, consequently creating new employment opportunities. Environmental improvements can additionally help to attract investment into the town.

12.2.8 The Plan also aims to attract more visitors through the inclusion of proposals that will improve the town centre's accessibility by car and public transport. At the end of 1995, passenger rail services were re-introduced to the District through the Robin Hood Line which connects Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield. A station is in operation in Mansfield town centre. It is hoped that the existence of the rail service will increase the number of visits made to Mansfield each day and enhance the attraction of the town and District to business investors. In association with the station, increased car parking provision will be made, forming part of a transport interchange that will provide bus connections, taxi services and car passenger drop off / pick up facilities.

12.2.9 This development forms part of comprehensive proposals set out in the Station Street Action Area that will promote office, leisure, retail, hotel and parking developments. Town centre accessibility was radically enhanced by the completion of the final stage of the Inner Ring Road in 1994. Proposals are made too, for increasing car parking provision in the town centre. This is of great importance in terms of attracting new businesses, shoppers and other people looking to take advantage of leisure facilities available in the town.

12.2.10          The town centre will play its role in increasing the supply and range of residential accommodation available in the District. The Rock Valley/Bridge Street Action Area development site will provide the main source of new residential accommodation in the town centre, which will be specifically developed to suit the needs of single and elderly people and couples without children. This location is ideally suited for these particular groups because of the very close proximity of shops and services. Proposals are also made to support the use of upper floors of shops for residential accommodation, making the best use of existing resources. By increasing the numbers of people living in the heart of the centre, its vitality will be enhanced.

12.3    Objectives

12.3.1 Reduce unemployment levels by encouraging the creation of new employment opportunities in the town centre for all sections of the community.

12.3.2 Assist in the diversification of the District's economy by encouraging growth in the town centre's service sector.

12.3.3 Conserve and enhance the essential character of the town centre whilst accommodating necessary change and development.

12.3.4 Aid tourism development within the town centre.

12.3.5 Extend the range and quality of shopping facilities in the town centre and so promote the further development of Mansfield as a comparison shopping centre.

12.3.6 Maintain and help expand existing businesses including enterprises in the manufacturing sector in the town centre.

12.3.7 Encourage the development of new and the enhancement of existing cultural, leisure and community facilities in the town centre.

12.3.8 Improve town centre accessibility by public and private modes of transport.

12.3.9 Increase the resident population of the town centre and enhance the housing and environmental conditions of existing housing areas.

12.3.10          Improve pedestrian networks and further encourage travel into the town centre by cycles.

12.3.11          Assist in the creation of a safer, more welcoming, attractive environment encouraging greater numbers of people to visit the town centre.

 

POLICIES AND PROPOSALS

12.4    Employment

12.4.1 The Local Plan identifies an area in the town centre which the District Council considers appropriate for the consolidation of office uses.

12.4.2 This area is now substantially in office use through conversions and is well defined. There is a continued demand for small, low rental space which should be accommodated in the town centre.

12.4.3 There is much under-used space within the shopping centre which could be put to good use. This would provide valuable space for those office uses which prefer to be in the shopping centre in order to attract customers and to be accessible, but who do not necessarily require window frontage.        

12.5    Environment

12.5.1 The District Council will seek to improve the town centre environment, in particular the conservation areas by the effective utilisation of Town Scheme and Facelift Grants in association with English Heritage and the County Council.

12.5.2 Town Scheme Grants and Facelift Grants supported by the District and County Councils and English Heritage provide incentives for owners to improve their properties and make an important contribution to the character of Mansfield town centre.

12.5.3 The Environment Chapter described the qualities and the role of the town centre conservation areas at Bridge Street, the Market Place and along West Gate in terms of preserving and promoting buildings and areas of historical and architectural importance. These add to the interest of the town centre and so encourage tourism development and an environment that local people can relate to and enjoy.

12.5.4 It is important that new developments in the town's central area have regard to, and help preserve, its traditional character and maintain/enhance the quality of the street scene. The District Council will expect proposals to demonstrate an awareness of the height, scale and mass of nearby buildings. The policy will, therefore, contribute to the attraction of the town centre for visitors and investment.

12.6    Movement

12.6.1 Proposals for limiting vehicular traffic within the principal shopping streets of Mansfield town centre will continue to be promoted. The removal or reduction in traffic during the main shopping hours provides improved safety and convenience for shoppers and adds to the overall attractiveness of the town centre. The town centre pedestrianisation schemes that have been implemented in and around the Market Place have greatly improved conditions for all pedestrians by limiting vehicular access. Such improvements will be extended to Clumber Street, upper Leeming Street and White Hart Street as part of a comprehensive renewal scheme.

12.6.2 Following completion of the final phase of the Inner Ring Road, there are opportunities to consider the re-routing of bus access into, out of and through the town centre. As outlined in the Movement Chapter, measures to maintain and promote the bus services, e.g. bus lanes/gates, information systems, etc. will be encouraged.

12.6.3 The programme of co-ordinated paving schemes will continue to be implemented in Mansfield town centre in order to increase use by pedestrians and enhance the attraction of the town centre. Fully paved and pedestrianised streets create a more attractive town centre for shoppers, business people and other visitors. They also encourage increased investment in the town centre by businesses. The first paving schemes were introduced in the 1970's along lower West Gate and Stockwell Gate. The programme has been greatly advanced during the 1990's with the completion of Market Place, Leeming Street and Regent Street which have been pedestrianised together with Market Street and improvements to Queen Street. A pleasant river walkway has been created at Rock Valley, which was formally opened by the Princess Royal in November 1991. Future paving schemes are planned for Bridge Street, upper Leeming Street and Clumber Street.

12.6.4 The District Council will attempt to ensure the development of a network of safe and pleasant pedestrian routes linking facilities of the town centre and adjoining areas. Opportunities for improving pedestrian routes are likely to occur as a result of major renewal schemes such as that proposed at White Hart Street. The removal of through traffic from the Clumber Street/Leeming Street area offers an opportunity to greatly improve conditions for pedestrians.

12.6.5 As outlined in the Movement Chapter attention will be given to measures which would make cycling safer and more enjoyable. This is particularly relevant for routes to and within the town centre. Measures such as cycle only lanes, shared access with buses (i.e. along bus lanes and through bus gates) and cycle parking facilities will be considered favourably.

12.6.6 If major new town centre developments such as shopping centres, retail warehouses or leisure facilities increase the demand for short-stay car parking, then additional car parking may be required. Car parking provided in new developments should be open to the general public during normal shopping hours. The District Council may also seek to negotiate with developers an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to adopt the current Council parking tariff as a minimum price structure. This is to ensure that new parking provision does not attract commuter car parkers who park for long periods and thereby reduce the number of spaces available for shoppers. In some areas within the retail centre, a car park would cause an unacceptable increase in traffic or access to it may become a traffic hazard. In these cases, the District Council may require developers to provide public parking elsewhere or to make a financial contribution to the future development of a car park in a nearby location. Where new car parks are introduced to the town centre they should be designed to include good lighting and the provision of surveillance cameras will be encouraged to further the security of the car park. Development schemes may also offer opportunities for the implementation of public transport facilities. The District Council will therefore seek contributions in appropriate instances from developers towards the improvement of public transport infrastructure.

12.6.7 There is a danger that centrally located car parks, convenient for shoppers and other visitors staying a short time in the town centre will be filled by commuters using spaces all day. It is important for the commercial viability of the town centre that parking spaces within reasonable walking distance of the main shopping streets remain available to shoppers. To this end, the Council has reintroduced a 4 hour maximum waiting period within all the town centre car parks, with longer stay parking available for commuters in the peripheral car parks.

12.6.8 The car parks charging policy will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing shopping and work patterns. In order to implement a deterrent pricing policy consistently, the District Council will normally seek to ensure that car park tariff scales in private car parks are co-ordinated with those used in District Council car parks.

12.6.9 There are many benefits in bringing residential units back into the town centre either by changes of use or new development. However, in many cases, space does not exist to provide on-site car parking. In such cases, the District Council will allow car owners to use public car parks, perhaps on a seasonal ticket basis or assist developers or landlords to hire contract car parking spaces elsewhere in the town centre. Frequently though occupiers of centrally located residential accommodation will be non-car owners.

12.7    Leisure

12.7.1 Mansfield Palace Theatre is a key cultural facility, not only for the population of Mansfield, but for many people who live beyond the District boundaries. The Theatre therefore is an important tourist attraction.

12.7.2 By improving the facilities in the Theatre, its seating capacity and improvements to the stage and back stage areas, the potential to host larger and more popular productions will be fulfilled. This will encourage greater use by local residents and visitors alike, thereby promoting tourism development in the District. The District Council will therefore continue to implement improvements to the PalaceTheatre and Museum complex and resist any proposals for change of use.

12.8    Retailing

12.8.1 It is important to concentrate retail development and investment to within or at the edge of a defined area of the town centre to maintain and reinforce its role as a sub-regional centre. Any uncontrolled expansion of retailing in the town centre would result in fragmentation of the shopping centre and the possible appearance of more vacant shop units.

12.8.2 The Retail Chapter includes policies which seek to direct new retail uses to within or at the edge of defined retail centres. It is important, therefore, that efforts be concentrated on supporting and improving the sub-regional centre and channelling new investment to the existing shopping centre with the aim of achieving a compact centre with a diverse range of activities. Any new developments should not, therefore, have a detrimental effect on the vitality/viability of the sub-regional centre. Shopping uses refer to Class A1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. The types of businesses which fall into this category are:- for the retail sale of goods other than hot food, post offices, travel and ticket agencies, sandwich bars, hairdressers, undertakers, dry cleaners and domestic hire shops. The types of businesses which fall into Class A2, Financial and Professional Services (other than health or medical services) are any other services (including uses as a betting shop) which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area, where the services are provided principally to visiting members of the public. The types of businesses which fall within Class A3 of the 'Use Classes Order' (Food and Drink) are use for sale of food or drink for consumption on the premises or hot food for consumption off the premises.

12.8.3 This policy relates specifically to the following primary areas:-

(i)        West Gate - Odd Nos. 1 - 13. Even Nos. 6 - 46.

(ii)       Four Seasons Centre - All Units.

12.8.4 It is important to maintain the primary shopping area in Mansfield town centre in purely shopping use and to prevent fragmentation by non-shopping uses such as banks, building societies and hot food takeaways. Already the primary area has experienced some infiltration of non-retail uses such as the Yorkshire Bank. To date these have not threatened the vitality, viability or the character of the shopping area which is at the heart of the sub-regional centre. The District Council will not permit any further encroachment by non-shopping uses in this key area. This area is the focus of retail activity and contains the majority of national multiple retailers present in the town.

Note-

for a full definition of the Use Classes Order, see paragraph 12.8.2.                                 

12.8.5 This policy relates specifically to the following secondary frontages:-

(i)        Upper West Gate - Odd Nos. 37 - 71, Even Nos. 48 - 66.

(ii)       Stockwell Gate - Odd Nos. 1 - 69, Even Nos. 2 - 26 and including Tesco and Co-op Stores.

(iii)      Regent Street - Odd Nos. 3 - 21, Even Nos. 2 - 30 including Regent House.

(iv)       Lower Leeming Street - Odd Nos. 1 - 29, Even Nos. 2 - 42 and Clumber House.

(v)        Church Street - Odd Nos. 1 - 39, Even Nos. 8 - 36 and Swan Hotel.

(vi)       Rosemary Centre - All Units.

(viii)     Market Place - Nos. 1 - 12 inclusive, 15 - 24 inclusive, 25 - 31 inclusive.

(ix)       Market Street - Nos. 1 - 4 inclusive, 10 - 19 inclusive.

12.8.6 This policy aims to maintain the vitality and viability of important, but secondary, shopping streets in Mansfield town centre. It aims to do this by preventing the fragmentation of shopping frontages due to concentrations of non-shopping uses. Too many non-shopping uses such as banks, building societies or hot food takeaways, in any given frontage or, the loss of a key location, is likely to reduce the overall attractiveness to shoppers. The retail function of the centre, in terms of the vitality and viability of the centre as a whole, is likely to be harmed if the proportion of units in Use Class A1 uses in a particular street falls below 50% and so is not predominantly in shopping uses.

Note-

for a full definition of the Use Class Order, see pargraph 12.8.2.

12.8.7 Outside of the primary and secondary shopping areas, no restrictions will be placed on the number of those non-shopping uses listed above. These parts of the shopping centre generally contain a greater proportion of non-shopping uses but remain largely retail in character. This approach is intended to provide sufficient scope for the location of non-shopping uses, whilst retaining a robust core of shopping areas where retail activity is dominant.

Note-

for a full definition of the Use Classes Order, see paragraph 12.8.2.         

12.8.8 The objective of this policy is to encourage increased and diversified use of upper floors in the shopping centre which will stimulate activity and interest. The potential of upper floors is not presently being maximised. This policy aims to make better use of this major resource.

12.8.9 The Four Seasons Centre, together with West Gate, forms the main focus for shopping in Mansfield. It contains most of the national multiples currently represented in the town. The Centre, is however, at risk of becoming outdated when compared to more recent developments elsewhere. The ideal requirements of current retailers in terms of size and quality of shop units is not achievable within the existing accommodation. Ongoing change and refurbishment of the Centre's facilities during the Plan period would enhance Mansfield's shopping image and so will be encouraged by the Council. The development of the site at Walkden Street would allow for a small scale extension of the Four Seasons Centre, possibly providing a food court to strengthen its range of attractions.

12.8.10          This site consists of an open, landscaped walkway running along the Four Seasons Centre and the Bus Station. This Plan proposes that this site be developed for retail use. The site could be developed to include a food court to complement the attractions of the Four Seasons Centre. The development of this site would have the added benefit of providing a covered walkway between the shopping centre and the bus station. Development of this site could be linked with the proposed redevelopment of Stockwell Gate. Development should not however detract from the character and environment of the Old Meeting House and associated buildings.

12.8.11          The site consists of the bus station, the Tesco Supermarket and a multi storey car park. Although this site was redeveloped in the 1970's, it now offers a major opportunity to widen the range of shopping facilities in the town in an area attractive to national retailers. The development would probably be linked to the Four Seasons Centre via the Walkden Street proposal (MTC9(A)) and provide a covered shopping environment. The scheme should provide an improved bus station with better access to Quaker Way and Rosemary Street. It should also provide an overall addition to the number of car parking spaces on site.

12.9    Optional Development Proposals

12.9.1 The Local Plan identifies a number of sites in Mansfield town centre which the District Council considers appropriate for the development of a variety of land use options.           

12.9.2 If the Indoor Market closes the Plan puts forward acceptable uses for the site. The Market Hall could be used as a centre for play and nursery groups serving many groups, in particular local businesses, employees and shoppers. Alternatively, the site could be used for retailing or leisure uses.

12.9.3 This site is at the rear of Woolworth's store on West Gate. It has potential for development, whether in isolation or as part of a more comprehensive scheme incorporating properties fronting West Gate. Development of this site could also be linked with development of land north of Clumber Street which comprises the Clumber Street Action Area.

12.9.4 This site forms part of a larger area of land reclaimed by the District Council in 1993. To the rear of the site a permanent pay and display car park was constructed. The site itself is being utilised as a temporary car park. The site is being marketed for the following proposed uses; retail, offices or leisure. The temporary car parking function will cease upon the sale of the land for development.

12.9.5 This site is opposite the Toothill Road site. It is presently used for car parking, part of which is a pay and display car park. The land has, however, the potential for any of the uses proposed above. The District Council will promote the site's redevelopment.

12.10  White Hart Street Action Area

12.10.1          The District Council is seeking the regeneration of the White Hart Street area with a scheme that is primarily orientated towards retailing but could also include offices, leisure uses and, preferably, an element of residential use in upper storeys. The Council will work in partnership with private sector organisations and other public bodies in order to attain the desired development.

12.10.2          The development and refurbishment of buildings in this under utilised area is seen as a major opportunity to positively enhance the town centre and contribute towards the District's economic diversification and regeneration. The prominent position of the site fronting the Market Place and, the location of several historic buildings within the area, present an opportunity to design an imaginative scheme which will make a major contribution towards an improvement in the quality of the townscape of the area.

12.10.3          Increasing the overall retail floorspace of the town centre is a prime objective of the development of the site. There is a lack of speciality shops in the town and any proposed scheme should contain a strong element of small shops to cater for this need. Office use in this area is acceptable and leisure uses such as bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes will be welcomed because they add vitality to such areas outside normal shopping hours. The District Council is keen to see residential accommodation aimed at single persons included in the scheme. This could be achieved by utilising the upper storeys of buildings. It is expected that any redevelopment scheme will incorporate a major increase in retail floorspace. Major retail proposals should provide for additional public car parking within the site to cater for the likely increase in shoppers visiting the town centre.

12.10.4          Because the site rises from Church Street, it has the potential for the redevelopment of a major retail/department store fronting Church Street, White Hart Street and the main pedestrian walkway. Levels are such that underground/basement services and car parking could be achieved and roof level car parking may also be considered. Equally, the site would lend itself to a more limited small scale centred on new development in the interior grouped around courtyards, alleyways and squares.

12.10.5          The District Council will pursue an enabling role contributing its services in terms of land assembly and making applications for funding available through English Partnerships, English Heritage and the European Regional Development Fund. The Council will work in partnership with local companies that have a direct interest in the site and outside development companies that wish to invest in the project. The Council may also assist in aiding the relocation of any businesses elsewhere within the District, if their relocation is required by the proposed development.

12.10.6          A full development brief for the Action Area is available for all interested parties which provides an up-to-date detailed guidance on matters such as design considerations, listed buildings, the future role of the White Hart Street area and land ownerships.

12.10.7          The land assembly process will be complex and so its completion is unlikely to be achieved until the medium term of the Plan period with the implementation of the development proposals in the medium to long term. Nevertheless, the Council regards this as a high priority scheme which is vital to the prosperity of the shopping centre and the overall economic regeneration of the town.

12.11  Clumber Street Action Area

12.11.1          Comprehensive redevelopment of the Clumber Street site will make a major positive contribution to the future prosperity of Mansfield town centre and the District as a whole.

12.11.2          The prominent position of the site between the main shopping area and the Inner Ring Road provides an opportunity for a substantial and imposing development.

12.11.3          The Plan makes provision for a substantial increase in retail floorspace in Mansfield town centre. The Clumber Street Action Area is one of the major sites that could help achieve this increase in retail floorspace. The wide accessibility of the town centre by public and private transport makes it an appropriate location for a major leisure development that could be combined with retailing. Although there have been a number of office developments in the town centre in recent years, Mansfield still suffers from a shortage of good quality, modern office accommodation. This Action Area offers the potential for this type of development possibly in association with other uses. A hotel development would also be acceptable. The East Midlands Tourist Board have identified Mansfield as being deficient in hotel accommodation. The town centre has no large or medium sized hotel. The Action Area offers a good opportunity for a new hotel given the prominent location and its excellent accessibility.

12.11.4          A mixed use scheme incorporating elements of two or more of the above uses would be acceptable. The provision of a public car park is however an essential element of this redevelopment scheme. Additionally, the existing surface car park on Clumber Street contains a public toilet. Replacement public toilets, including provision for the disabled and baby changing facilities should be included within the development. A high standard of design and materials will be expected, as befits a prominent town centre site. Careful attention should be paid to scale and massing of any building(s). The site presents an opportunity for a strong architectural statement. Prior to the construction of the Inner Ring Road there was a large surface car park at Clumber Street. Most of this car park has now been lost and there is currently no large permanent public car park on the northern side of the town centre. The District Council wish to secure the development of a car park of at least 230 spaces through the redevelopment of the Clumber Street Site.

12.11.5          The District Council will work in partnership with the private sector, other public bodies and voluntary organisations to achieve the development of the site. The Council will contribute its services such as land assembly and make applications for resources from Central Government and the European Community for the project. The Council will also assist where it can if existing businesses require relocation to other suitable premises and locations within the District.

12.11.6          It is envisaged that the Action Area proposals will be implemented in the short term, including environmental improvements for Clumber Street and Leeming Street. A full development brief for the Clumber Street site which provides detailed guidance on matters such as design and access arrangements, will be made available to all interested parties during the Plan period until the proposals are complete.

12.12  Rock Valley/Bridge Street Action Area

12.12.1          The comprehensive development of land at the Rock Valley/Bridge Street area primarily for residential purposes will help to regenerate this part of the town centre.

12.12.2          The site is in a prominent location adjacent to the River Maun and the Inner Ring Road. The District Council will continue to work with private sector organisations and other public bodies to provide much needed housing accommodation and improvements to the wider environment.

12.12.3          The first phase of the Rock Valley residential development has been completed to the north of the Action Area boundary providing specialised accommodation for the elderly and single persons. The District Council initiated the scheme by undertaking a major reclamation scheme followed by the residential scheme constructed by East Midlands Housing Association. The second phase of the development will take place on the temporary car park immediately to the south. If the small site currently used for car sales on Toothill Lane is vacated then it too will be promoted for a similar residential use, as an extension to the existing development.

12.12.4          The conversion of 1, 2, 3 Rock Court to provide flats for single homeless people has been completed, east of the River Maun. Again, this was a partnership scheme between the Council and East Midlands Housing Association. The northern half of Rock Court forms the third phase of the Rock Valley residential development involving the same housing association.

12.12.5          A quality river walkway has been established on the western side of the River. The Action Area will ensure that a pedestrian bridge is constructed across the river together with extensions to the walkway, to assist the integration of the proposals.

12.12.6          Rock Valley is ideal for single and elderly people given its town centre location close to all the facilities and services it offers. The increased population will add vitality to the town centre enhancing the demand for goods, services and entertainment. This will improve the profitability and viability of local town centre businesses.

12.12.7          The Methodist Church on Bridge Street has rationalised the use of its Church buildings. The Church has been retained together with the Stanhope Hall to the rear. The other buildings have been demolished. The Church has constructed a surface car park on land immediately west of the Church. To the north of the Stanhope Hall there are a few small garages used for storage and as workshops. West of these is a private car park. The Action Area proposes that the garages be relocated to a suitable alternative site allowing the land and the car park to be redeveloped for residential use. This development should have a pedestrian link to the other Rock Valley developments which are at a much lower level. The District Council will act as an enabler in the implementation of these proposals working with the Methodist Church and the housing association which will construct the new homes on the back of the site. The Council will undertake a reclamation scheme supported by Derelict Land Grant, to demolish buildings and undertake necessary earthworks to prepare the site for development.

12.12.8          A scheme to improve Bridge Street has been planned for some time. Implementation of the Bridge Street environmental improvement scheme has been delayed because of a major sewer scheme. The aim of the environmental scheme will be to make the street more pedestrian friendly. The scheme will therefore involve the replacement of outdated and unsightly infrastructure including new paving, hard and soft landscaping works. Restrictions on vehicular access and movement will be introduced. This project will complement works undertaken for Church Street and the river walkway. Environmental improvements are also proposed for the buildings fronting Bridge Street. Facelift works will be encouraged and supported by the Council. The proposals will add interest to the street scene and improve its attractiveness which will in turn encourage private sector investment in the area. These proposals are likely to receive financial support from the European Community and Nottinghamshire County Council in addition to the District Council.

12.13  Station Street Action Area

12.13.1          The comprehensive development of land at Station Street, in conjunction with the restoration of a passenger rail service, will contribute to the regeneration of this sector of the town centre.

12.13.2          The District Council in conjunction with the County Councils of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, neighbouring district councils and Railtrack have pursued the restoration of a passenger rail service between Nottingham and Worksop, commonly known as the Robin Hood Line.

12.13.3          The transport interchange will allow rail passengers access to bus feeders that will link the railway station with the bus station at Rosemary Street and the rest of the town. The taxi rank which will also form part of the interchange will allow passengers a choice of transportation mode. Provision will also be made for car drop off facilities and disabled parking.The interchange will be constructed over the 'Co-op Superstore' car park north of Station Street. If resources permit, a three level car park will be constructed which could result in more than 100 additional spaces, this car parking provision will supplement that provided north of Wharf Road.

12.13.4          The town centre station car park off Wharf Road provides spaces for people wishing to use the 'park and ride' facility. The car park has recently been completed and is connected to the station.

12.13.5          The Magistrates Court has relocated to a new site at Rosemary Street/Westfield Lane. It is also possible that a new police station will be constructed in the Plan period. This will produce an additional development opportunity when the existing police station is vacated, together with its car park in favour of a new one.

12.13.6          The fascia to the Magistrates Court which fronts St. Peter's Way is of architectural interest as is the Commercial Street side of the building. Serious consideration should therefore be given to retaining these elevations. A comprehensive development scheme incorporating more than one of the acceptable uses for the site would be preferred by the Council. The District Council will promote the redevelopment of this site when the Police and Court buildings are made redundant. It is unlikely though that the Council will be able to contribute financial resources to the scheme.

12.13.7          The car park between Station Road and Quaker Way has particularly good pedestrian access to the town centre. Redevelopment proposals should include a significant amount of car parking to replace the spaces which will be lost through the scheme. The car parking will be achieved by the use of Section 106 Agreements. A range of uses for the site would be acceptable, including retail, offices, leisure and a hotel. The site also has the potential to accommodate the development of a multi-storey car park. The site is close to the main shopping area and the development of a car park could significantly improve the availability of short-stay, shoppers car parking in the town centre.

12.13.8          Redevelopment proposals should include a significant amount of car parking to replace the spaces which will be lost through the scheme. The car parking will be achieved through the use of Section 106 Agreements. The profile of this site has been raised with the return of passenger rail services to Mansfield. A range of uses for the site would be acceptable, such as retail, offices, leisure and a hotel.

Continue to Chapter 12 - Mansfield Woodhouse Centre