Bid submitted by Newark and Sherwood District Council for £20m to level-up Ollerton and Clipstone with new sports, business and leisure infrastructure
A council has today (Tuesday) submitted its plans to secure nearly £20m in funding to level-up two places within Newark and Sherwood.
Newark and Sherwood District Council submitted its plans to government, to secure the funding for Ollerton and Clipstone.
If the bid — for the Levelling Up Fund — is successful, proposals include up to 60 new homes, the creation of new retail, food and beverage shops, new office workspaces and the relocation of the library in Ollerton town centre.
The proposal would bring key public services, including the town council and the library, together in a single, modern and accessible facility.
David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Ollerton and Clipstone and I’m delighted to see our proposals submitted to Government. These proposals will help to improve employment opportunities in Ollerton and Clipstone and will address some of our key challenges that are set out in our Local Plan and have also been identified through resident feedback.”
The council will also create space for businesses to use as well as sports and leisure facilities on Mansfield Road, Clipstone.
The investment there would create a site offering training to develop new skills while also creating employment opportunities as well as 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 brand new units.
In addition, a new modern 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. This could then act as a catalyst for the development of the coal mining headstock.
Before preparing its proposals, the council undertook a survey with residents and other key local people, including local businesses. The survey 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.
David 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. I hope that our bid, like the one for Newark, is successful and I look forward to hopefully sharing positive news with you in the future.”
In July 2021 a successful bid was submitted for Newark during the first round of the Levelling Up Fund for the Southern Link Road. This built on the council’s positive partnership with the Newark Town Board, securing £25m in March 2021 to begin work on transformative projects to regenerate Newark town centre, boost business and improve infrastructure through the Newark Town Fund.
In addition to the Levelling Up Fund, the council has also submitted an investment plan under the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The bid for £3.28m will seek to diversify town centres, improve local skills, improve infrastructure and help to accelerate economic growth across the district.
