- Two sites in Sutton in Ashfield are to be regenerated
- Representatives from Lindum, Ashfield District Council, Melfort and Townscape Products met on site to mark the start of work
- The scheme is being funded through the Future High Streets Fund.
Lindum Group has started work on the transformation of disused wasteland in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
The site in Fox Street is being turned into a flexible outdoor space, which will include a 41-space car park, new lighting, CCTV and trees and hedges.
Lindum is working for Ashfield District Council, which says the finished project will create space to accommodate markets and events and will provide a pedestrian link from ASDA to the town centre.
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. It is the first phase of a wider project which will also see upgrades and improvements to Portland Square in the town centre.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said “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 June. The Council’s ambitious plans for Portland Square will create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre.
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.
Both sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Lindum Construction Managing Director Kevin Damarell said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the council through this scheme at Sutton in Ashfield.
“We’ve been working with the authority 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.”
Lindum will be calling on the expertise and skills of local businesses to deliver this project, including Melfort Construction Services (based 12 miles away in Chesterfield) and Townscape Products, based in Sutton’s Fulwood Road South, which is one the UK’s premier street furniture manufacturing companies.
Townscape Products Head of Sales, Jess Fergusson, said: “Townscape are 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 vibrate focal point for the local community enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the square and adding a much-needed green space for all to enjoy.’’
