Newark Buttermarket renovation readying for Inspire learning space

Transformative work on the Buttermarket in Newark town centre is nearing completion.

The work is part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s commitment to transform the building into a space suitable for the town.

Following the extensive maintenance work by the council to the building’s upper floor, including the strip out, restoration and renovation of the mezzanine, Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries is set to take occupancy in September.

Inspire: Culture, Learning, and Libraries deliver cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire and is set to transform the upper floor of the Buttermarket into a new centre that will offer a range of courses, workshops and events to young people and adults in Newark.

The space will include three new learning spaces and fully accessible state-of-the-art facilities.

Young people and adults will have the chance to learn from tutors through the wide range of courses, including, employability, ESOL (Free English Lessons Online), health and wellbeing, languages, maths, music and work skills and employment.

Rhona Holloway, Newark and Sherwood District Council’s portfolio holder for economic development and visitors, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with Inspire to develop the upper floor of the Buttermarket to create a space to bring this exciting opportunity to the young people and adults of Newark.”

Ian Bond, director of learning at Inspire said: “We are incredibly excited to have been offered the opportunity by Newark and Sherwood District Council to bring a brand-new centre to the Buttermarket in Newark, offering inspiring courses, workshops, events and more.

“We hope to create a lively hub for learning, creativity and exploration and become a valued venue for educational and cultural activities in the heart of Newark town centre.”

In addition to the works taking place to the upper floor of the Buttermarket, the council is exploring the option of co-working spaces in the atrium space to create a safe, flexible, shared environment for communities in Newark.

In addition, the ground-floor of the Buttermarket can boast 100% occupancy with a mix of national chains, independent shops and a popular restaurant.

Rhona Holloway said: “Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to the continued support of retailers to boost the local economy, as evidenced by the works undertaken at the Buttermarket.

“We, along with our partners, have transformed the Buttermarket, a building continuously identified as an important feature to the people of Newark, into a space suitable for the town and can be utilised accordingly. I’m looking forward to watching the continued success of the Buttermarket.”

The town council is investigating the possibility of the its part of the building, the town hall, becoming a Newark museum, while continuing to be based there.