‘University town’ is long-term ambition
DISAPPOINTMENT AS MANSFIELD MISSES OUT ON FIRST PHASE OF £50M FUTURE HIGH STREETS FUNDING
MANSFIELD District Council has vowed to “soldier on” in its bid to turn the area into a university town – just weeks after missing out on millions of pounds in funding.
The council unveiled its ambitious plan to develop the town into a university-led area last year.
It came as part of the town’s overall bid for £50 million in Government money, with schemes including student accommodation and extra university places at West Nottinghamshire College put forward.
However, the plans were dealt a major setback after the council’s bid for the Future High Streets funding was unsuccessful in its first phase.
An announcement was made on Boxing Day that the town’s bid had been turned down, meaning the council now relies on its separate £50 million Town’s Fund bid.
But Andy Abrahams, Mansfield’s Labour mayor, believes residents should “remain confident” and says the council still holds the university town plans as a “long-term aspiration”.
It follows £6.5 million of investment by Nottingham Trent University into the further education facilities at West Nottinghamshire College – a relationship the council expects to expand.
Mr Abrahams said: “While we are disappointed that Mansfield’s Future High Street Fund bid was unsuccessful, residents and businesses should remain confident for the future of the district.
“Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has already committed investment in Mansfield, with £6.5m spent on delivering higher education qualifications in the town.
“Our long-term aspiration remains to establish Mansfield as a university town.
“We already have higher than expected numbers of students commuting from Nottingham to Mansfield and both NTU and the council are committed to working together to achieve this.
“There are funding opportunities such as the Town’s Fund and we are hopeful for a successful outcome to support the economic regeneration of the district.
“We are also in the process of developing a town centre masterplan which sets out ambitions for the future of Mansfield.
“The recent announcement of the three restaurants at ARBA’S Stockwell Gateway hotel development demonstrates confidence from the private sector.
“It is important that we soldier on, be innovative and continue to plan for a vibrant future for Mansfield district.”
Commenting on Mansfield Live’s Facebook page, readers gave their views on whether they think the area could become a university town.
Alice Lucas said: “I lived in a small area outside of Birmingham similar to Mansfield while at uni and the students did wonders for local businesses. There’s enough bars so I don’t see why not. It would be a good thing for the town.”
Kelz Slinn commented: “Would be great for the local economy and businesses to have the large influx of students. But to be honest I don’t think there’s much in Mansfield, so wouldn’t be my first choice.”
Ben Burrows-crawford added: “It would be great for the local economy and hopefully get the town back on its feet. If done well.”
We already have higher than expected numbers of students commuting from Nottingham to Mansfield Andy Abrahams