Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams has reflected on 2024 in Mansfield by saying it has been a significant year of regeneration and crowned by amazing events.
The Mayor said:
“There is one word that encapsulates 2024 for me and that is ‘investment’. With multiple projects now underway, we are starting to see the results of years of formulating a vision and securing the funding being transformed into reality.
“Mansfield began the year by learning it would receive a further £20m in government funding for various projects around the district. This came on top over £50m of funding already committed to this area from other government funding streams.
“These millions of pounds of investment are now starting to make a difference with one of the first results being the opening of the Warsop Health Hub in June.
“This fantastic £9.1m facility now teems with activity every day of the week and has immeasurably improved the quality of life for families in this part of our district.
“Progress is happening on other projects too, including the £16.5m redevelopment of derelict land in the White Hart Street area into housing and the multi-million project to repurpose the moribund former Beales building into a modern civic and community hub. A planning application for this is set to be submitted, ready for consideration in the spring.
“Both these courageous schemes will transform long-term eyesores and, together with crime cutting initiatives such as Safer Streets, will continue to help bring footfall to the town centre.
“They also demonstrate the kind of can-do confidence, boldness and ambition in the leadership of this district that encourages more inward investment in the future.
“Elsewhere, work has started on the creation of the £8.8m Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange to train West Notts College students for careers in emerging industries and help businesses adapt to new technologies.
“Construction has also begun on 22 energy-efficient council homes for rent as part of a £7.7m scheme which is transforming the heart of the Bellamy Estate.
“This project will provide much needed affordable new homes while the work itself is also boosting the local economy by providing jobs to local people and millions of pounds of supply chain orders with companies in the area.
“More council housing is being planned in the coming year with the third phase of the Centenary Road scheme.
“Meanwhile, a stunning programme of funded events and a series of amazing world class cultural experiences at our museum and theatre was made possible through continued National Portfolio Organisation status provided by Arts Council England funding, and through the invaluable support from our partners, such as Mansfield BID.
“It allowed us to help expand our visitor economy with the launch of our two-year Destination Mansfield project.
“Its inaugural event was our first ever Light Night spectacular which brightened up four days of February and attracted an estimated 15,000 visitors to Carr Bank Park with dazzling creative displays.
“This was followed by the world-renowned inflatable Luminarium sculpture landing in Chesterfield Road Park for ten days at Easter, attracting almost 8,500 people, many from outside the district.
“Our Market Place became alive with more 5,000 people at Party on the Market in June, followed closely by Mansfield Carnival and another day of joyous inclusive fun.
“September saw the Full Shebang festival and the return of the Mansfield 10K and in November we remembered our fallen at the annual parade to mark Remembrance Sunday.
“And finally, our business, cultural and community organisations came together this year to ensure Mansfield had a Christmas brimming with festive spirit and activities for all ages.
“This investment pays off with figures showing increasing footfall in the town centre and a growing visitor economy which is recovering well following the massive shock to its system as a result of the Covid pandemic.
“I remember well from that terrible time how Mansfield showed its heart and I remain incredibly proud of how our community continues to support those most in need to this day.
“Our council is believed to be the only authority in the whole of the East Midlands to have run a Christmas appeal this year to ensure every family that needed help this year received it and had a gift to open on Christmas Day. This is Mansfield at its best and long may this caring side of our community continue.
“Looking forward to 2025, and with our newly elected MP and with a new council CEO by our side, we will see further tangible results from all this investment.
“We will see more new affordable and energy efficient council housing being built. We will see more progress in growing our local economy and I will remain confident and committed to ensuring Mansfield is a thriving vibrant place where everyone can prosper.”