Steelwork is up on Arnold’s new market building
TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY FOR TOWN CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT
SHOP owners in Arnold say the multimillion-pound market redevelopment that is currently under way is good news for all traders because it will attract more visitors to the town.
A new two-story building is being built between the existing Methodist Church and King George V car park.
Work on the steel frame is now up and the next phase of construction includes brickwork, stairs, windows and the installation of the roof.
Teresa Burkin, 49, owner of Button Moon, in Market Place, thinks the new building will have a positive impact in the area.
She said: “It’s all very exciting. Change is good and the units are for start-up businesses which is positive.
“People need a hub to go to and this might be it.”
A topping-out ceremony took place at Arnold Market Place yesterday afternoon.
The event was set to include representatives of Gedling Borough Council and the Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Meredith Lawrence.
The borough council acquired the market site back in 2018 and is scheduled to be completed by spring next year.
A new public space will be created in front of the building as a central focal point while the building will also provide seven small units for local independent businesses.
Joe Morris, 48, owner of Stoppard’s Sandwich & Deli, hopes the new public space will attract visitors.
She said: “I think if it’s done right, it’ll attract more people to the area.
“The market place used to be thriving but because of rent increasing, less people come here. I hope this will be good for us.”
The original purchase was funded from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund with a successful bid of £1.25 million and the construction project is funded by the council’s capital programme budget.
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, portfolio holder for growth and regeneration, said: “It’s so exciting to see the site taking shape, it’s really starting to come together.
“Until now most the works have been on the grounds preparing the site, but now the structure is up you can really see the size of the project.
“The developers, G F Tomlinson, are doing an incredible job and I can’t wait to see the next stage of the project.
“The development will bring so much to the area. It’s already created a number of jobs through the construction and the new outlets right at the heart of the market will be a draw for local business.
“A priority for the council is to create thriving and vibrant town centres and this development really does lay the foundations for some exciting opportunities for the town centre and beyond.”
Sudheer Bunem, 26, who works at a stall on the high street had mixed views about the market building.
He said: “We can’t move the shop and the new building being down the street, no-one will come here.
“But it’ll be good for weekends and hopefully it’ll help local business.”
Arnold market will still take place every Tuesday.
It’s all very exciting. Change is good and the units are for start-up businesses which is positive Teresa Burkin