Town plan to house students
REGENERATION MASTERPLAN PROPOSES NEW USE FOR OFFICE BLOCK
STUDENT accommodation with dedicated facilities forms part of the masterplan for Mansfield’s regeneration.
As part of Mansfield District Council’s masterplan - a document that sets out a 15-year regeneration for the town - there is a proposal to create student accommodation at Clumber House.
Currently an office block on the corner of Clumber Street and Leeming Street, the council hopes refurbishment can add footfall and spending power to the area.
Active ground floor uses linked to student activities, such as a shared study space, student union or exhibition space, are being considered.
The council says this could bring a new type of activity to the area.
Annesley Woodhouse resident Mandy Blackwell, 57, who works in Morrison’s as a catering manager, said: “I think it would work.
“You get people having to rent places all the time and move around but with an accommodation students wouldn’t have to worry about that.
“I think young people need to all be together and support each other.
This is a good way to do that.”
Bill Sunderland, 67, retired, said: “I think it sounds like a good idea.
“This town has enough for young people to do and I think it has enough to attract the young folks here, even though there is a bit more going on in the city.”
As well as hopes for student accommodation, the masterplan also sets out potential options for each quarter of the town and for specific buildings including The Town Mill, Beales and the Four Seasons Shopping Centre.
The 100-page draft masterplan document provides guidance for the future redevelopment of 16 key sites aimed at forward-thinking plans.
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I didn’t know much about it but I don’t think it makes much sense.
“If you think about what the cost will be, I don’t see it being worth it.
“Surely student accommodation would be better in the city.
“I think building homes for people who live locally and need them would be better.
“There are plenty of bars and hairdressers for young people.”
During a recent interview with the Post, Mansfield mayor, Andy Abrahams, said the masterplan could give the town the potential to become a ‘mini Barcelona.’