• Lindum Group will work on two site in Sutton in Ashfield as part of plans to create a flexible outdoor space
  • The projects are being funded through the Future High Streets Fund and Towns Deal
  • Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of the year 

Lindum Group has been appointed to carryout improvements to Sutton in Ashfield town centre.

Initially work will start on a derelict site in Fox Street site in mid to late April. Ashfield District Council plans to create a flexible outdoor space that links pedestrians from ASDA to the town centre and can accommodate markets and events.

The site is located behind Lloyds bank and is currently a disused wasteland. The transformative works will see a 41-space car park created with new lighting, CCTV and native trees and hedging planted to enhance biodiversity.

The river Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned, and restored, providing a natural focal point. The works to Fox Street are being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £6.27million Future High Streets Fund.

Area planned for regeneration

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We can’t wait to see this project begin. The Fox Street site has been an eyesore for a long time and our renovation works will breathe life into it, creating a space that can be used for events and markets – capitalising on the natural footfall in this part of Sutton.

“Ashfield District Council’s plans for the entire District are revolutionary and will create a lasting impact on Ashfield; a great place to live, visit, work, and play.”

The next stage of the regeneration of Sutton town centre will start shortly after Fox Street, with ground being broken on Portland Square in May. The Council’s ambitious plans for Portland Square will create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre, funded as part of their £62.6million Towns Deal.

Disused land on Fox Street

Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning said: “It is exciting see another of our regeneration projects moving forward to construction. Our plans to transform Portland Square into a new green heart to the town are to support our aim to reimagine our town centres from places purely for shopping but places also for socialising, studying, working and living.

“This project with our ongoing regeneration of Low Street, the opening of High Pavement House, and the upcoming Maker Space and Cornerstone Theatre projects means Sutton’s future looks very bright.”

The new-look Portland Square will feature two raised lawns with inbuilt seating, ambient lighting, planting and semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting. Alongside the planters will be CCTV cameras, streetlighting, a new level flooring and more room outside businesses for outdoor seating.

Lindum Group Managing Director Edward Chambers said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the council through this scheme at Sutton in Ashfield. Our previous projects together have included the creation of Moor Market in Kirkby and construction of more than 60 new energy-efficient homes across the district.

“We’ve been working with the authority on this scheme since mid-2023 to help find the most cost-effective way to deliver the works, which will make a huge difference to the town centre, and ultimately provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

Disused land on Fox Street

Both sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Lindum will be calling on the expertise and skills of local businesses to deliver this project, including Townscape Products, based in Fulwood Road South, which is one the UK’s premier street furniture manufacturing companies.

Townscape Products Head of Sales, Jess Fergusson, said: “Townscape is very pleased to be working with Lindum Group and Ashfield Council to help realise this Town Centre improvement scheme. The raised platers and seating will provide a vibrant focal point for the local community enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the square and adding a much-needed green space for all to enjoy.’’

The project was procured through Pagabo‘s Medium Works framework. David Llewellyn, Head of Construction and Infrastructure at Pagabo, said: “We are delighted to see this transformational project taking place in Sutton in Ashfield. Ashfield District Council were able to compliantly appoint Lindum via a direct award through our Medium Works Framework. We are excited to see the positive outcomes which come from this regeneration project.”