Investing in the heart of Mansfield
Mansfield District Council is investing over £2 million to improve Mansfield Market Place, creating a more attractive, welcoming and flexible public space for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Planning permission has been approved. Work is due to begin in mid October 2026 and will be completed by summer 2027.
The improvements will celebrate the heritage of the Market Place while creating a high quality public space that can continue to support markets, events and community activities.
What is planned?
The project will deliver a range of improvements across the Market Place, including:
- Upgraded stone surfacing
- Improved lighting
- New seating and street furniture
- New information sharing the story of Mansfield’s past
- A new town garden on the western side of the square
- New trees and rain gardens
- A new water feature outside the Old Town Hall
- New planting, lighting and seating around the Bentinck Monument
- Repairs and restoration to the historic Fothergill Watson shopfronts
- Additional CCTV and a new help point
The design will retain space for market stalls while making the square more flexible for future events and community activities.
A new town garden
A new town garden will be created on the western side of the Market Place.
It will include trees, rain gardens and a new water feature, replacing the disused installations outside the Old Town Hall.
The garden will introduce more greenery into the square and create an attractive new setting within the historic Market Place.
Celebrating Mansfield’s heritage
The historic Bentinck Monument will remain at the heart of the Market Place. New planting, lighting and seating will enhance its setting and help showcase its significance.
New information will help residents and visitors learn more about Mansfield’s past. Repairs and restoration will also be carried out to the historic Fothergill Watson shopfronts as part of the wider improvements.
Improving safety
Additional CCTV and a new help point will be installed in the square.
These measures form part of the council’s work to reduce anti social behaviour and improve safety in Mansfield town centre.
Project timeline
Planning approved
Planning permission has been granted for the improvements.
Mid October 2026
Construction work is due to begin.
October 2026 to summer 2027
Improvement works will take place across the Market Place.
Summer 2027
The works will be completed.
We will publish updates on this page as the project progresses.
Mansfield Market
During the improvement works, Mansfield Market will move temporarily to Westgate.
Moving the market will allow trading to continue while work is carried out in the Market Place.
Information about the market’s location and trading arrangements will be provided before the move.
Once the improvement works have been completed, the design of the Market Place will retain space for market stalls.
Access during the works
Access to shops and other town centre businesses will be maintained throughout the works.
The council and its contractors will work to minimise disruption and keep people informed while construction is taking place.
Visitors are encouraged to continue supporting local shops, services and market traders during the improvements.
Funding the improvements
The £2 million improvements are being funded through the Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.
This investment will support improvements to the Market Place, its heritage features, historic shopfronts and town centre safety.
Developing the plans
The plans have been informed by consultation and engagement with:
- Mansfield Market traders
- The multi agency Town Centre Operational Group
- Mansfield BID
- Neighbourhood Policing
- Nottinghamshire Sight Loss Council
This engagement has helped shape the design and consider how the Market Place is used by different groups.
Keeping you informed
We will update this page throughout the project with:
- Construction progress
- Information about upcoming phases of work
- Any temporary changes within the Market Place
- Information for visitors, businesses and market traders
- Photographs showing progress
- Significant changes to the construction programme
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mansfield Market Place Improvements project?
It is a £2 million project to renovate Mansfield’s historic Market Place.
The project will improve the appearance, accessibility and flexibility of the square while supporting surrounding businesses and creating space for markets, events and community activities.
Has planning permission been approved?
Yes. Planning permission has been approved and work is due to begin in mid October 2026.
When will work start?
Work is due to begin in mid October 2026.
When will the work be completed?
The works will be completed by summer 2027.
What improvements will be made?
The project includes upgraded stone surfacing, improved lighting, new seating and street furniture.
It also includes a new town garden with trees, rain gardens, improvements around the Bentinck Monument, repairs to historic shopfronts, additional CCTV and a new help point.
Will shops remain accessible?
Yes. Access to shops and other town centre businesses will be maintained throughout the works.
Will Mansfield Market continue to trade?
Yes. Mansfield Market will move temporarily to Westgate while the improvement works are carried out.
Will the market return to the Market Place?
The new design will retain space for market stalls while also allowing the square to be used more flexibly for events and community activities.
What will happen to the Bentinck Monument?
The Bentinck Monument will remain at the heart of the square.
New planting, lighting and seating will enhance its setting and help showcase its importance.
Will the project include more trees and planting?
Yes. The new town garden will include trees and rain gardens. New planting will also be introduced around the Bentinck Monument.
How will the project improve safety?
Additional CCTV and a new help point will be installed as part of the council’s work to reduce anti social behaviour and improve safety in the town centre.
How has accessibility been considered?
The development of the plans included engagement with Nottinghamshire Sight Loss Council, alongside market traders and other town centre partners.
How is the project being funded?
The £2 million improvements are being funded through the Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.
How can I ask a question about the project?
Project contact details will be added once the project manager has been confirmed.
Contact the project team
Project manager: To be confirmed
Email: To be confirmed
Telephone: To be confirmed
