A TOWN centre dubbed a “long forgotten eyesore” is set to undergo a massive £65 million transformation.
The vision is to build a “stunning” landmark building in the left-behind area.
AlamyThe town centre has been dubbed a “long forgotten eyesore”[/caption]
Ashfield District Council has revealed major plans for what it calls the “North Kirkby Gateway”.
The project will redevelop the Pond Hole site in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, as well as the former factory shop on Ellis Street.
The old factory will be turned into a “striking landmark building” that will be home to 24 town centre apartments and business units along Kirkby Plaza.
New parking spaces will also be introduced as well as 55 units providing retirement living for Ashfield residents.
The council plans to submit a planning application in Autumn 2025 and is currently in the process of appointing a contractor to deliver the project.
Work could get underway as soon as early 2026 with the view of completing the redevelopment by Spring 2027.
The plans are just one of the Council’s projects being funded by the £62.6 million Towns Fund.
The Towns Fund has already seen the completion of the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory as well as a redesign of Portland Square and upcoming West Kirkby Gateway project.
Councillor Warren Nuttall, who represents Greenwood and Summit on Ashfield District Council, said: “This site has become an eyesore and is in desperate need of transforming to create a stunning gateway into Kirkby.
“We are excited to be able to share these plans for North Kirkby Gateway, offering desirable town centre living, community space and business opportunities.
“We are committed to developing these sites that appear to be long forgotten into somewhere Ashfield can be proud of.
“It is being funded by the council’s £62.6 million Towns Fund.”
The council has said the demolition of the old factory shop building later this year will be the first milestone.
Work on the derelict Pond Hole site is already underway and is being carried out by Langcroft Developments.
Spokesman for the company, Craig Cameron, announced work was now underway in what is “a big step forward in bringing this exciting regeneration project to life”.
He said: “This marks a key moment for the Ashfield Town Fund programme and we’re proud to be playing our part by delivering much-needed, high-quality and affordable provisions designed with older residents in mind – promoting independent living in a safe, accessible setting.
“We’ve appointed CPMG Architects to lead the design and planning process and we’re working closely with Ashfield District Council to make sure the scheme ties in with the wider vision for the area – from housing and skills to enterprise and community infrastructure.
“We’ve had great support from the Council, the UK Government and the local community so far and with grant funding in place, we’ve already started the remediation and enabling works to help move things forward quickly.”
Separately, Ashfield District Council also lodged a planning application last October for the redevelopment of a new school.
The Outwood Academy, formerly known as Kirkby College, has a capacity for about 700 pupils with students potentially moving into the new building by September 2027.
Kirkby-in-Ashfield isn’t the only area to see a major redevelopment either.
Leicester City Centre is to undergo a huge £8 million transformation to make it “fit for the 21st century”.
Sweeping changes to Leicester Market are on track to be completed by the end of next year.
Elsewhere, Croydon’s centre is finally set to undergo a major redevelopment.
From retail and housing to new public spaces and improvements to the train station, the London borough is set to see a whopping £5 billion invested into the area.
Ashfield District CouncilWork could be underway as soon as early 2026 and completed by 2027[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
