Gateway development ‘offers more reasons to go into town’
‘EXCITEMENT’ OVER NEW FOOD OUTLETS – BUT SOME QUESTION NEED FOR ANOTHER HOTEL
SHOPPERS in Mansfield said they are “excited” about the redevelopment of a former bus station and car park into a new hotel and restaurants.
Developers will soon move onto the cleared car park site as work starts on a 100-bedroom hotel, as well as a Taco Bell, Tim Hortons coffee shop and Domino’s Pizza.
The £12 million council-backed Stockwell Gateway scheme, which is being provided by Mansfield-based ARBA Group, is expected to inject £5 million into Mansfield’s economy.
Aaron Hamilton,
31, who lives in Mansfield Woodhouse, thinks the scheme will give the town “more to offer”.
“In the long run it’s going to be really good for the town,” he told the Post.
“The car park was an eyesore and was only that way because the bus station closed and moved.
“It will give it a better appearance and there are loads of car parks in Mansfield anyway.
“It is also good that two big chains are moving into town.
“Tim Hortons is a really exciting one because I don’t know anywhere else locally that has one.
“It will make people more likely to travel here if they’re interested in having it, and will give the town centre more to offer.”
Brogan Parkes, 28, who was out visiting the bank on the first day of eased Covid restrictions, had similar views.
She told the Post: “I’m really excited by it, it’s going to give the town centre more reason for coming in.
“I think Taco Bell will do really well once everything opens. The only fast food options in the town centre are Mcdonald’s and Subway.
“It’s something a bit different, and so is Tim Hortons.
“I would have liked it to be something other than Domino’s because it’s already in the town.”
However, others in the town raised concerns about the hotel plans given the recently-completed Travelodge nearby.
“Two hotels in the town centre is a bit unnecessary; I don’t think there’s demand for it,” said 58-year-old Jon Wilson, from Shirebrook.
“There isn’t enough to do around here apart from going for nice walks, but even then they’re not actually in Mansfield itself. “One hotel is probably enough for the town.
“I’d be interested to know what brand it’s going to be.”
Similar concerns were raised by readers on the Mansfield Live Facebook page.
Nigel Ian Ball commented: “Just what we need, a 100-room hotel and a Travelodge.
“People are going to be so disappointed when they turn up and there no shops to walk around.
“At least they will have a nice coffee and something to eat at Taco Bell.”
Developers behind the scheme have confirmed that the hotel, which will be six storeys, will also be nationally branded but it has not been revealed which operator will be running it.
In the long run it’s going to be really good for the town.
Aaron Hamilton