Plans for first hotel in Mansfield revealed
Plans for a first hotel in Mansfield town centre have moved a step closer after a developer was chosen to redevelop the town’s old bus station site.
The preferred bidder for the site on Stockwell Gate North is Arba Group, which has plans to build an 80-bed hotel with roof terrace, restaurant, café, bar and gym. The proposed scheme also includes a piazza, open space and other landscaping.
Local firm Arba Group, based on Broadway, Mansfield, says it is in negotiations with Mansfield District Council and national hotel, food and drinks operators to bring the plans to fruition over the next two years.
A decision in relation to the disposal of the former bus station site is due to be taken by councillor Roger Sutcliffe, portfolio holder for finance on Friday 3 November.
In a report by the director of economic growth at Mansfield District Council, Mike Robinson, he recommends that the site at Stockwell Gate North is declared surplus to the council’s requirements and that it is sold to the Arba Group.
The Council says it has continually looked for opportunities to redevelop the site since the old bus station was relocated in 2013 to address the regeneration aspirations for the town.
In September 2017, the Council asked for expressions of interest from developers to buy the site and develop it in line with the Council’s regeneration aims. This resulted in two formal submissions being received by Colliers, the council’s development agents appointed to help secure a successful developer and end users. The two submissions included one from Arba Group and one on behalf of Mr John Radford, Chairman of Mansfield Town Football Club. The latter was turned down.
The Council says Arba Group’s plans “offer strong links to the town centre” with a direct entrance to the hotel from Stockwell Gate. A statement from the Council added: “The combination of a quality hotel, other leisure uses and strong links to the town centre would significantly increase the number of visitors in this location”.
The chosen proposal also gives the Council the option to buy back the completed development, which could form part of the Council’s long-term investment strategy. Further investigation into this will take place at a later date.
Executive Mayor of Mansfield Kate Allsop said: “We are very excited that our long term regeneration vision for the town centre and desire for a much-needed hotel in Mansfield are moving forward. The redevelopment of this key gateway site will make the town centre an even more inviting and enjoyable place to visit and in turn help to create a thriving, vibrant and sustainable district.”
