Posted on 4th Aug
Newark and Sherwood District Council has submitted plans to government to secure nearly £20m funding for Ollerton and Clipstone.
If successful the council would develop the disused site at Clipstone Holdings into space for businesses, make improvements to Ollerton Town Centre and move the library, create new sports facilities in Clipstone, and improve transport links to the area.
The council has applied for a grant through round two of the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF).
Proposals include up to 60 new homes; the creation of retail, food and beverage shops, and office workspaces; and the relocation of the library in Ollerton.
That would bring key public services, for example the Town Council and the library, together in a single, modern and accessible facility.
The funding would also be used to create space for businesses as well as sports and leisure facilities on Mansfield Road, Clipstone.
Investment there would create a site offering training to develop new skills, while also creating employment opportunities together with a modern health and wellbeing provision in the heart of the community.
The project would see the demolition of existing derelict light industrial units on the Clipstone Holdings site and the redevelopment of 30 new units. In addition, mixed-use sports facilities would also be developed, including a 3G pitch, one grass pitch, one stadium pitch, a cricket pitch, and multi-use courts.
These would be accompanied by two pavilions, a main sports hall, and 505 parking spaces.
A new road layout and cycling connections would also be developed that the council said could then be a catalyst for the development of the coal mining headstocks.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of the council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Ollerton and Clipstone and I’m delighted to see our proposals submitted to government.
“They would help to improve employment opportunities in Ollerton and Clipstone, and address some of our key challenges that are set out in our Local Plan and have also been identified through residents’ feedback.”
A survey of residents and businesses showed strong support for town centre regeneration, employment creation, better shops, improved retail and leisure offering, upskilling of the workforce, and measures to enhance wellbeing. Ollerton and Clipstone were identified by respondents as places that are most in need of investment in the district.
Coun Lloyd added: “I would like to thank everyone that contributed to the consultation and had their say on what matters most to them for future development of their local community; I am confident that our proposals to government reflect your aspirations.
“New office and workshop spaces in Ollerton and Clipstone will provide modern facilities for local businesses and attract businesses looking for high-quality and energy-efficient space, which is great news for those who live and work in the district.
“It is also our priority to create high-quality employment opportunities, offer opportunities to increase skills, and improve health and wellbeing by providing the right public services and support at the right place.”
