Mansfield District Council has submitted planning applications for the redevelopment of the former Beales and Co-op building into Mansfield Connect, a multi-use civic and community hub in the town centre. The plans are now open for public comment.
The council's structural engineers have recommended full demolition of the vacant building due to its poor structural condition. This decision was made following detailed surveys during the early phase of the project.
Why demolition instead of refurbishment?
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said initial surveys had underestimated the extent of the building's damage. The council explored all options to continue with refurbishment, but concluded that a new building would be more functional and offer better value.
Abrahams stated: "Although we initially wanted to refurbish the building, it became clear during our early work that its overall condition was much worse than initial surveys had shown. We explored all options to continue with the refurbishment, but the new design offers an exciting addition to the town centre and presents a much more functional building."
What Mansfield Connect will offer
The new civic and community hub will bring together council services, learning, community support and enterprise in one location. The project aims to increase footfall in the town centre, create employment opportunities, and improve access to vital services and support.
Progress to date
The £3.2m first phase of the project was completed earlier this year by construction contractor Kier. This phase included extensive asbestos removal and removal of the former pedestrian link bridges on Stockwell Gate. Kier is continuing to work with the council on the new plans and is contracted to complete work on the façade of the Four Seasons Shopping Centre where the link bridges were once connected.
The council purchased the former Beales building in 2021 for £2m after it closed in 2020.
Design and next steps
The designs have been developed in keeping with the Mansfield Town Centre Design Code and align with the adopted Town Centre Masterplan, which highlights the site as a key project.
The full plans are available on the council's planning application web pages. After the public consultation period closes, the plans will be considered by the Council's Planning Applications Committee.