Work to transform two areas of Sutton in Ashfield’s town centre will get underway shortly. The works are being funded as part of Ashfield District Council’s £6.27 million Future High Streets Fund and £62.6 million Towns Deal.
Work to create a 41-space car park, a flexible outdoor space for markets and events, and a pedestrian link from Asda to the town centre on derelict land in Fox Street, behind Lloyds Bank, will begin first.
The work, which is expected to begin in mid- to late-April, includes the cleaning and restoration of the River Idle, which runs through the back of the site, as well as planting native trees and hedging. Ashfield Council said that the river will provide a natural focal point, which will be protected by new lighting and CCTV.
In May, work will begin to create the new Portland Square area, to “create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre”, Ashfield District Council said. The new square will feature two raised lawns with inbuilt seating, ambient lighting, planting and semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting. It will include a new level flooring are providing more room outside businesses for seating areas.
“We can’t wait to see this project begin”, Cllr 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.”
Both sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Ashfield Council’s 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 MakerSpace and Cornerstone Theatre projects means Sutton’s future looks very bright.”
The works, which are being delivered by Lindum Group using planters and seating created by Sutton-based Townscape Products, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“Townscape are very pleased to be working with Lindum Group and Ashfield Council to help realise this Town Centre improvement scheme”, Townscape’s Jess Fergusson said. “The raised planters 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.’’
