Does Mansfield really need four new hotels – and will they all get built?
AROUND three years ago, Mansfield was described in a report as an area which stands out as a “large town with very little hotel provision”.
Consultants found that the town’s central position in the country - with close links to tourist attractions like Sherwood Forest and a growing business potential - meant it had “increased demand” for hotel space across the board.
The 2017 report, commissioned by the D2N2 local enterprise, also found that smaller hotels across the Mansfield and Ashfield region were “achieving very high occupancies” noting there was a “clear shortage” of high-end provision in the area.
These calls led to a renaissance in the way the region was viewed as an area of choice for hoteliers, with the possibility of as many as four major hotels now planned within Mansfield town centre itself.
Three years on from the report and budget firm Travelodge is building the town’s first chain hotel, with the hope to open this year, while Hampton by Hilton has also identified a site at Mansfield Town’s One Call Stadium.
Plans have also recently been lodged for a 100-bed hotel at the former Mansfield bus station, off Stockwell Gate, while developers are also seeking tenants for a fourth site at the former Courtaulds Factory, off Quaker Way.
But has this now gone too far in the other direction?
Reacting to the news that the ARBA Group had submitted plans for the 100-bed hotel at the former bus station, Mansfield Live readers questioned whether there was sufficient demand for four hotels.
Amanda Smith said: “I really cannot see the need for a hotel? Shops are already shutting and rent and rates are sky high, you build what you like.
“[This] won’t encourage me to use the town, it’s a eyesore, and will continue to be until drastic holistic measures are taken to change the whole area.”
Jack Liversidge said: “No point building a hotel when there is no reason to stay. We need the attractions first to encourage people to visit us.”
Ben Burrows-crawford added: “100 bed hotel, along with the new Travelodge and the Hilton that the Radfords are building.
“Is there such a demand? I’m all for progress and making Mansfield a better place but this makes no sense.”
Yet business leaders and the council viewed that the hotel plans provide a “missing link” for the town centre economy.
Nikki Rolls, chief executive at Mansfield BID, said: “The development of hotels highlights that Mansfield is a destination place and offers something for everyone. A hotel also provides a missing link between retail and leisure, and the night-time economy. For example, you could enjoy your shopping, visit the theatre and stay overnight.
“The developments also demonstrate a confidence in Mansfield, and could herald a new chapter in the town’s story.”
Andy Abrahams, Mansfield’s mayor, said: “Improving the visitor economy is an important part of the council’s ambitious growth agenda, which aims to make Mansfield a thriving place for investment and opportunity.
“Having more places to stay will not only service local demand for business-related travel, it will also give the town an opportunity to make the most of our proximity to Sherwood Forest and the range of heritage sites in north Notts.”
Yet there is fear that all four hotels may not even come to fruition.
The Travelodge, off St Peters’ Way, is the only site certain to be built in the town - with construction nearing completion at the 63-bed site.
It is likely that the Stockwell Gateway development will be approved, with Mansfield District Council backing the scheme when plans were unveiled in May.
But there is doubt over the remaining two.
John Radford, Mansfield Town chairman, said last summer that the Hampton by Hilton plans hinged on the club securing promotion to League One. That did not happen.
And the firm behind the potential hotel at the former Courtaulds factory revealed plans to extend its use as a car park for a further five years. We have taken a closer look at each development and the benefits they could bring to the town.
TRAVELODGE: ST PETERS’ WAY
Work is almost complete on the 63-bed Travelodge in the town centre after plans approved by Mansfield District Council in July 2018.
The hotel has taken over the former Gala Bingo site, at the junction of St Peters’ Way and Albert Street.
Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman said: “The local economy is growing at pace and with increasing visitor numbers to the area; there is a shortage of good quality and great value accommodation to meet customer demand. Therefore, there is a need for a Travelodge in the heart of Mansfield.”
It is hoped the hotel will be open this autumn, creating around 15 jobs.
STOCKWELL GATEWAY: FORMER BUS STATION SITE
Three restaurants, a 100-bed hotel and more than 100 jobs could be on the way to Mansfield as part of a new £12m regeneration scheme.
The council-backed Stockwell Gateway project has been earmarked since the bus station became vacant in 2013.
Proposals include a six-storey, 100-bedroom hotel with breakfast lounge, along with three standalone restaurants and 52 car parking spaces.
The firm behind the project, The ARBA Group, says around 140 jobs will be created by the scheme - which will also provide an annual £5 million boost to Mansfield’s economy.
Richard Burns, managing director of ARBA, said: “A lot of work has already been done to ensure that the site is viable, transformed and really becomes a gateway to be proud of in Mansfield town centre.
“It has been evident for some time that quality hotel space has been needed in Mansfield, whether that’s for the tourist or the business person.
“Therefore, not only will Stockwell Gateway fill a gap and fit within the local plan for the area, it will help to regenerate the town centre by bringing jobs and investment.”
Plans for the scheme are set to be reviewed by Mansfield District Council at a later date.
HAMPTON BY HILTON MANSFIELD TOWN FC
Mansfield Town FC were granted planning permission for a 100-bedroom hotel at the club’s One Call Stadium in July 2018.
Plans for the multi-million-pound hotel, to be operated by Hampton by Hilton, include a bar and viewing platform looking out onto the pitch.
It is expected to create at least 25 new jobs, including 17 full-time and eight part-time roles.
However work is yet to start, and may not begin until the side wins promotion from League Two. The Stags finished the season marooned in 21st place when football was halted in March - keeping them in League Two.
The club has been contacted for more information about the proposals.
POTENTIAL HOTEL - FORMER COURTAULDS FACTORY
Developers Aldergate Projects Ltd put forward proposals in 2015 to build leisure facilities off Quaker Way in Mansfield - with the potential to “provide a hotel” off Belvedere Street.
Situated next to the new bus station, the site is currently a car park and was previously home to the Courtaulds Factory before its closure in 2000.
However, no movement has been made on developing the land since plans were approved - with Aldergate lodging plans last month to extend the site’s use as a car park for a further five years.
The plans said: “The uncertainty of the economy moving forward and particularly in relation to retail and leisure will cause further delay in delivery of built-form development on the site. Hence, the client wishes the site to continue to be used for car parking whilst commercial partners are secured.”
And Peter Walster, director of Aldergate, said: “I can’t say if its going to have a hotel or not.
“However, I doubt there will be a hotel for two reasons – one, because the Travelodge is being built and two, because ARBA are trying to put one on a site next door. I feel it’s unlikely that Mansfield needs two hotels, so the chance of a third is remote.”
No point building a hotel when there is no reason to stay. We need the attractions first.
Jack Liversidge