Newark Town Centre Masterplan: A vision for the future of Newark Town Centre

Following extensive public consultation in Autumn 2023 - including workshops, focus groups, and an online survey - the District Council, in partnership with Historic England and architects Allies and Morrison, has developed a long-term Newark Town Centre Masterplan. This strategic vision outlines how buildings, public spaces, and activities in the town centre can evolve while preserving Newark’s unique character.

More than 1,550 survey responses and 350+ comments from in-person feedback sessions have helped shape the Masterplan’s key proposals.

The top priority identified by the public consultation was to tackle vacant shops, so as part of the plans new homes and mixed-use developments are proposed near Friary Park and Castle Gate, as well as improving the pedestrian links to Carter Gate and Northgate Station.

Another top priority highlighted by respondents was to improve river front activities and leisure uses, so the new proposals aim to connect public spaces such as the riverside and a redeveloped Market Place. Feedback also highlighted people wanted more  special events and festivals, so upgrading event infrastructure and community facilities is also in the plans being put forward.

The Masterplan has been developed alongside the Newark Town Centre Design Code, which sets out design principles to guide future development.

The District Council is presenting these key ideas to the public through an exhibition in the Newark Buttermarket from Monday 8 September until Friday 3 October 2025. This is an exciting and important opportunity for the community to view the ideas and share any final thoughts before the Masterplan is finalised.

The Buttermarket is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Physical comment forms and comment boxes will be available during this time for residents to share final thoughts with the District Council. Should a resident have any questions about the proposals for Newark Town Centre, Masterplan officers will be available in-person at Newark Marketplace on:

• Friday 19 September, between 9.30am – 3pm
• Wednesday 24 September, between 9.30am – 3pm
• Friday 3 October, between 9.30am – 3pm

If you cannot attend in person, more information can be found on the Newark Town Centre Masterplan website by visiting https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newark-town-centre-masterplan and you can share your comments by emailing economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Newark is a town with a proud heritage and a vibrant community. The Masterplan is about building on what makes Newark special while ensuring it thrives for generations to come. We’ve listened carefully to what people have told us, and now we’re keen to present these final plans to residents to gather closing comments before the Masterplan is complete so that we create a town for everyone.”