Lindum has begun work on the second phase of a town centre regeneration project in Sutton in Ashfield.
This week, ground has been broken in Portland Square, where Ashfield District Council has ambitious plans to create a modern, attractive and usable 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.
Work is expected to be completed mid-2025. The Portland Square transformation is part of the council’s £62.6 million Towns Deal which is funding transformational projects across the district.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said “We’re delighted that another transformational project is starting. Portland Square is a vital part of our Town Centre and it’s an exciting time for Sutton. The plans for Portland Square are ambitious, not just with the physical changes but how we are creating a cultural shift towards a thriving night-time economy.
“In combination with the development of Fox Street and the brand-new Cornerstone Theatre, Sutton’s future looks bright. Ashfield District Council was the most successful council in the whole UK to bid for this Town’s funding. We are transforming Sutton before residents’ eyes.”
Lindum is also redeveloping the derelict Fox Street site on behalf of the council, having started on site in May.
Funded by the £6.27m Future High Streets Fund, the improvement work will create a flexible outdoor space, providing a new home for Sutton market, events, and special markets, and provide a pedestrian link from ASDA to the town centre.
The site will include new lighting, CCTV and trees and hedges. It will serve as a 41-space car park when not in use for markets.
The River Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned, and restored, providing a natural focal point. Our work in Fox Street is due finish in early 2025.
Lindum Group Co-Chairman Edward Chambers said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Ashfield District Council through a second phase of public realm regeneration work in Sutton in Ashfield.
“We’ve been working with the council since mid-2023 to find the most cost effective solution to delivering these projects.
“The scheme in Portland Square, together with the work underway in Fox Street, will enhance the town centre with improved community spaces that will promote social interaction and help bring local economic growth.”
Lindum was selected as lead contractor by Ashfield District Council via a direct award process through the Pagabo Medium Works Framework.
