To identify what people love most about Newark and how the town can be made a better place for all, Newark and Sherwood District Council is working with  teams to understand what people want from their town centre to help shape its future.

Along with Historic England and architects Allies and Morrison, Newark and Sherwood District Council will be holding a number of public consultation workshops and events throughout the next few months. The events will be an opportunity for anyone with an interest in the future of Newark to share their views on the town centre.

Running alongside these will be a series of online surveys to gather information.

A short survey has been launched, asking people how they use the town centre, what they like the most about it, how they think it could it could be improved, and what future ambitions they have for the area.

Information gathered will be used to create a new Town Centre Masterplan and Design Code, which will help shape plans for new buildings, spaces, and activities in Newark Town Centre.

Coun Paul Peacock, council leader, said: “We want to plan ahead for a sustainable future for Newark, it is a great place for people to live, work, socialise and visit, and in the future we want to make sure we keep all that is good and improve on it.

“To do this we are developing a Masterplan for Newark Town Centre, looking at physical structures, our buildings and spaces and how they are currently used and how they could be used over time; we want everyone to enjoy spending time in their Town Centre. To help us achieve this we need to know what you love most about your town and what you think could make it a better place for everyone. It really is important that you share your thoughts so please complete the survey.”

To complete the survey, visit: https://arcg.is/1abjvL

The deadline to submit feedback is Friday 3 November. An additional survey will be shared later in the year to help further shape the plans.

There will be two face-to-face events where people are able to give their feedback in person. A Community Workshop is planned for Thursday 26 October between 6pm and 8pm in the Ballroom at Newark Town Hall. Those who would like to attend should register via the Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-workshop-newark-town-centre-masterplan-tickets-731096287677?aff=oddtdtcreator

The team will also be at a market stall in Newark Market Place on Friday 27 October between 10am and 3pm to provide information about the project, answer any questions, and gather thoughts and ideas for the town centre.

Historic England Team leader Tim Allen said: “Newark is one of England’s finest market towns with an unspoilt medieval town centre framed by historic red brick streets and cutting-edge industry and education opportunities. The Castle stands guard over the crossing of the river Trent, historically the gateway to the North.  Set on the junction of the A1 and A46 and with good rail links, the town remains a key transport node.

“We are very pleased to see this important Town Centre Masterplan and Design Code project underway.  Historic England and Newark and Sherwood District Council have come together with UK Government backing to make better design choices easier to deliver.  A thorough and responsive masterplan for future development will give developers and residents confidence to invest in a shared vision for the coming decades”.

Work on the range of consultations will finish in early 2024. To find out more about the project, go to: https://arcg.is/0ST490