Mansfield District Council is bringing forward proposals for a major renovation of the town’s historic Market Place.
The plans, subject to planning approval, aim to create a more attractive, flexible and welcoming town centre environment that supports Mansfield Market and surrounding retail activity, brings new life to the square, and enhances its heritage features.
The improvements are being funded through Central Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.
Under the proposals, the Market Place would benefit from upgraded stone surfacing, improved lighting, new seating and street furniture, and refreshed interpretation to help share the story of Mansfield’s past. A new “town garden” is proposed on the western side of the square, featuring trees, rain gardens and a new water feature to replace the disused installations outside the Old Town Hall.
The design would retain space for market stalls while allowing greater flexibility for future events and community use. The historic Bentinck Monument would remain at the heart of the square, enhanced with new planting, lighting and seating to better showcase its significance.
As well as improvements to the square, the Forthergill Watson shopfronts will also be repaired and restored to enhance the look of the town centre. Additional CCTV, including a new help point, will be installed in the square as part of the council’s work to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve safety in the town centre.
Elected Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams said:
“The Market Place is an important focal point for our town, and this investment gives us the opportunity to make it a more attractive, accessible and vibrant space for residents, visitors and local businesses. Subject to planning approval, these improvements to the square, the shopfronts and the additional CCTV will help revitalise the heart of Mansfield while protecting the heritage that makes it so special.”
A wide range of consultation has informed the development of the plans, including engagement with market traders, the multi-agency Town Centre Operational Group, Mansfield BID, Neighbourhood Policing and the Nottinghamshire Sight Loss Council.
The planning application has been submitted and, subject to approval, work is expected to begin in the next few months.