Nottingham Post

£4m market plans will ‘transform’ town centre

- By BEN REID ben.reid@reachplc.com @ibenreid

WORK is under way on redevelopi­ng Arnold’s new market.

Gedling Borough Council confirmed that works to build a new two-storey building on the market site started at the end of April.

The council confirmed that contracts were signed with developers G F Tomlinson to begin preliminar­y works on the site.

Plans include the constructi­on of a new landmark building, between the existing Methodist Church and King George V Park.

A two-storey building will frame the new market place as well as create a new eastern gateway into Arnold town centre.

And a new public space will be created as a central focal point for the market.

The new building will provide seven small outlets for local independen­t businesses with flexible space above, which could be used for a variety of commercial options.

Residents said the investment was welcomed and would keep shoppers in the town spending money.

Dawn Thomson, 55, of Arnold, said: “It’s exciting for the town centre. I look forward to seeing how it all looks.

“I think it’ll be a great boost for the area and really help transform Arnold.”

The company, who previously built the council’s Café 1899 at Gedling Country Park, will begin preparing the site by removing old hoardings and excavating the ground to start laying out the foundation­s for the new building.

Up to £4 million has been allocated to the project as part of the council’s plan to revitalise the centre and create a new space that will help boost visitors to the town centre and support local businesses.

“It’s nice to hear of the investment,” said John Marks, 50, of Arnold. “I think it will keep business local and people want to shop here. It’s a thriving town centre. The market is a real hub area.”

Funding for the project will come from the council’s capital programme budget, boosted by a successful bid for £1.25 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnershi­p’s Local Growth Fund that supports town centre improvemen­ts.

It will create around 40 new jobs through business employment and through the constructi­on of the new buildings.

The building has been designed by Maber Architects, who specialise in landscape and master planning services.

The council is also working with local designers on branding and naming the building, which is likely to be announced in the next month.

The building is expected to be completed by spring 2022.

 ??  ?? Diggers are now on site in Arnold town centre
Diggers are now on site in Arnold town centre

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