A number of major regeneration projects across Newark and Sherwood are continuing to make progress, including key developments in Newark, Ollerton and Clipstone.
At a Newark and Sherwood District Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 9 June, councillors will be asked to approve recommendations in a report outlining the latest position on the Council’s £45 million Local Regeneration Fund programme, provided by the UK Government, which must be spent by 31 March 2028. The update will focus on the progress being made to bring forward improvements that support town centres, create new opportunities for residents and businesses, and deliver long-term benefits for local communities.
Projects already completed
Completed regeneration projects delivered through the programme so far include the Air and Space Institute, the YMCA Activity Village, the 20 Minute Cycle Town with the introduction of Brompton Bike hubs and the Construction College, all of which are already helping to improve local facilities, create new opportunities and support communities.
Funding for the newly opened Southern Link Road in Newark was also secured by the Council through the then Government’s Levelling Up Fund. While this sits outside the Local Regeneration Fund, the Council, alongside partners, secured £25 million through the UK Government's Levelling-Up Fund towards the new road, helping to address traffic congestion and unlock new homes, employment land and the Country Park.
Projects nearing completion
The update at Cabinet will highlight continued progress at 32 Stodman Street in Newark, where work is nearing completion on 29 new town centre homes alongside retail units intended to strengthen the local economy and attract more visitors into the town centre. The site experienced delays in the early stages of construction due to archaeological finds, but the development is expected to open in autumn this year.
The Castle Gatehouse project, where restoration work is continuing, is one of Newark’s most important historic landmarks. The project is designed to secure the future of the Gatehouse, improve access and visitor experience, and protect the surrounding gardens and green space for future generations. It remains one of Newark’s priority regeneration projects.
During the project, a number of unexpected archaeological discoveries of significant historical importance were uncovered, including walls and foundations dating back to the original 12th century fabric of the castle, and a well inside the Gatehouse. Each discovery has been carefully assessed and, where possible, incorporated into the design to ensure these important features are preserved and can be appreciated in the future. This approach reflects a commitment to protecting and enhancing the site’s heritage, creating a richer and more engaging experience for visitors.
Alongside this, detailed inspections of previously inaccessible areas of the Gatehouse revealed a greater need for essential conservation work, and significant additional masonry work to support the roof structure.
The archaeological findings, additional masonry work, other challenges on site including traffic management and the resulting programme delays have resulted in anticipated costs of up to a £1.5 million which Cabinet will be asked to approve. The final budget will be dependent on detailed costings and interlinked funding streams, including a potential new funded opportunity to develop the hidden spaces within the castle and expand the visitor experience with unique tours and immersive audio-visual events which is currently being explored.
Including all potential funders, the estimated contribution from Newark and Sherwood District Council to this project remains at just a third and will deliver a flagship destination attraction for the region with dedicated learning space for schools and groups to experience a wide range of events and activities, volunteering opportunities and re-imagined, biodiverse gardens, which remain free to access. The investment ensures the continued sustainability of this historic and important monument for people to enjoy for decades to come.
Projects nearing a start date
In Ollerton, the regeneration project continues to move forward, with work focused on creating a new ‘heart’ for the town centre. This will include new outside space, 2-screen cinema and cafe, retail units, office space and affordable housing. A cinema operator has now been secured, and full planning has now been approved, with a construction contract expected to be signed later this summer, and works due to start on site in Autumn.
In Clipstone, regeneration plans are continuing to move forward on Mansfield Road, with proposals set to create new jobs, support local businesses and expand leisure opportunities for residents. The wider scheme includes up to 30 new commercial units, a new sports and leisure facility, and the potential for an improved education and visitor offer at Vicar Water Country Park. Work on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, with further updates on the next stages of the project due to be considered by Cabinet next month.
Plans for Newark Cultural Heart Market Place Improvement Scheme, which aims to create a more flexible and attractive public space for events, markets and community activity, are progressing well. Two public consultations have gathered feedback from residents and businesses with plans set to be revealed soon.
There are a number of enhancements that could bring significant benefits to Newark Market Place, including an improved public realm that retains its market feel, accessible and inclusive space for all, enhanced lighting, better seating and greening, while retaining its conservation status and the quality of the surrounding historic buildings.
Recently, trial hole work was carried out in the market square to see what lies beneath the top surfaces. The results will help to inform the plans before awarding a construction contract.
Until plans are finalised and a contractor awarded, it is not yet known what the impact on the town centre will be or how local businesses may be affected during the construction period. Once plans are complete, the Council will work with market traders, businesses and residents to keep them updated and explore how disruption can be kept to a minimum wherever possible.
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The past few years have seen £45 million of investment come into Newark and Sherwood, helping us to build a better, brighter future for the whole area. Whether it is funding educational opportunities like the ASI, Construction College and YMCA, or helping to regenerate our town centres through projects such as 32 Stodman Street, Newark Market Place and Ollerton town centre, we want our communities to thrive.
“I’m pleased to see the progress being made across these projects, and over the next year we expect to see some completed and others move into the construction stage.
“It has been a real challenge to get these projects moving forward. The war in Ukraine, rising building costs, rising oil prices, conflict in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and many other factors outside our control would place any project under pressure and cause delays, but we are determined to get these projects over the line to support our communities.
“I have seen first-hand the positive impact facilities like the ASI, Construction College, YMCA Activity Village and Southern Link Road are having across our district, and I hope we can continue to support residents with more projects being completed soon.”
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The Newark Castle Gatehouse project is more than ten years in the making, and we are committed to delivering it. We are custodians of the Castle; it is an iconic entrance to Newark, an important destination and once open, will be a brilliant attraction for our community, visitors and schools. To not protect it for future generations would be irresponsible and we need to do what we can to increase visitors and to regenerate the Newark economy.
“There are lots of challenges and this is to be expected when working on a scheduled ancient monument like Newark Castle. There is a huge amount of heritage and conservation work that needs to be undertaken to complete the project in the right way and we will do what we can to make sure this iconic landmark is protected.
“The discovery of archaeology finds and the deterioration of some elements of the Castle means we have to do what we can to preserve it and make sure it is here for future generations to enjoy.”
Where the funding comes from
The Local Regeneration Fund was introduced by the UK Government in September 2025, bringing together existing local growth capital funds, including the Levelling Up Fund and Towns Deals, into a single programme intended to support delivery and provide greater local flexibility. Newark and Sherwood District Council continues to use this programme to support regeneration projects across the district.
