Transformative plans for Newark have been given the go ahead by the Government.

Newark is to receive £25m as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative.

The funding will support nine projects for the regeneration of the town, with further projects and aspirations spanning the next 30 years.

Projects will support the creation of new educational provisions and pathways, attracting new and better skilled jobs and industries, securing new green and cycling infrastructure and providing greater footfall and vibrancy for Newark town centre through new homes, events, uses and enhanced public spaces.

The application for Government funding involved the submission of Newark’s ‘Town Investment Plan’ (TIP), which was developed by a dedicated Newark Towns Fund Board, which comprises more than 40 private and public businesses and bodies. This includes businesses, educators, the community and voluntary sectors, and town, district and parish councils.

The submission followed a period of public consultation and sets out ambitious plans for regenerating the town centre, boosting business and improving infrastructure.

The priority projects include:

IASTI (Newark)® — an International Air Space and Training Institute, which will create new jobs locally and train the next generation of skills-matched aviation professionals with military and civil partners including pilots, engineers and ground staff
Expanding the YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village by constructing a new state-of-the-art home to sports and leisure facilities, music and art spaces, conferencing, a wellbeing and health delivery service suite, culinary training, the largest outdoor skate park in the East Midlands and an Olympic climbing centre
Working with university partners to develop a Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprise Zone to create a centre of excellence with regional and national significance and to provide access to skills development and career pathways
The Castle Gate House project to enhance the experience of Newark’s foremost historical asset and transform the castle into a major attraction for residents and visitors alike
The redevelopment of 32 Stodman Street (the former Marks and Spencer’s store) to create high-quality town centre residential living and new commercial and office space, creating activity and footfall
Newark Cultural Heart — plans to drive and measure additional footfall and local spend through the repurposing of public buildings and spaces, an ongoing calendar of events and activities, and developing a brand and tone of voice for the Town
The relocation of the current police station on Queen’s Road to Castle House, enabling Newark and Sherwood District Council to work more closely with police colleagues and allowing the redevelopment of the current site
Aspirations to work with a range of partners to transform Newark into a ’20-minute town’, giving people the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 20-minute walk, cycle or local public transport trip from their home

In addition, some projects have already benefitted from a £750,000 Accelerated Towns Fund grant, including the Newark College expansion. Work is well under way to provide new and expanded stone masonry, joinery, gas testing and plumbing courses.

This funding has also helped develop the proposals for 32 Stodman Street in Newark town centre where, following public consultation last year, transformational final plans are set to be unveiled shortly.

Tom Cartledge, co-chair of the Newark Towns Fund Board and chief executive of Benoy, said: “This is an important step in the journey to transform the lives of the current and future generations of Newark residents by creating an ambition that seeks to establish vocational job opportunities for the future of our town.

“I have witnessed the decline of the town in recent decades and this once-in-a-generation opportunity allows us to address our social mobility challenges head on. Our level of ambition is rightly limitless, but importantly deliverable. I am glad the Government agrees. My passion, and that of the Board and our partners, remains strong.

Q”Newark will be a place that showcases the talent, character, diversity and achievements of all its residents and businesses.

“I look forward to the delivery of the projects over the coming weeks, months, and years.”

Coun David Lloyd, co-chair of the Newark Towns Fund Board and leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “I am delighted the Government has acknowledged the scale, ambition, span and transformative nature of the proposals, which have been developed through the Towns Board with input from a whole range of businesses, education, community, and Government partners following public consultation.

“The plans directly address Newark’s visible and unseen challenges and will create opportunities not only for current and future generations of Newark residents and businesses, but beyond the town’s boundaries given the impact of the projects and partners involved.

“The proposals put forward to the Government have been prepared by our local businesses, providing local solutions that not only address Newark’s challenges and residents’ needs but go beyond them.

“Newark will become a destination of choice where people want to live, work and visit. Work had already begun in anticipation of this announcement and will now continue at pace.”

Chief Constable Craig Guildford, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It is great news for the town, and great coming off the back of the very successful Safer Streets campaign currently running in the town, which was praised by the Policing Minister in his virtual visit with us earlier this year.

Further information about each project is at https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/business/newarktownsfund

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