The Hucknall Town Improvement Scheme’s primary objectives were to promote the regeneration of the town centre and to create a more attractive shopping environment.
Phase two of the works involved the pedestrianisation of the Hucknall High Street between Baker Street and Watnall Road.
The first phase of works which included the construction of a new road and flood alleviation measures for the town itself was completed in November 2016.
The £625,000 scheme was designed and project managed by Via East Midlands on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.
Tarmac started works on phase 2 in December 2016 and was completed on time and to budget in June 2017. The works were part of a contract awarded through the Medium Scheme Framework 2 (MSF2) available to the County Council via the Midlands Highway Alliance (MHA).
“It had started to go downhill like a lot of markets in the country. But now on the pedestrianised High Street it is more inviting for families.”
Following the completion of the works in June 2017 the existing weekly market (established in 1875) was relocated to the pedestrianised area to take advantage of the traffic-free environment. Within three months Ashfield District Council granted permission to hold a market twice a week because of
the demand for stalls.
The new space has also started to hold special events such as the international ‘The Byron Festival’ and the ‘First Art’ event. Signs of regeneration are already evident with new shops, bars and a number of vacant units currently being refurbished and upgraded. All of the local eateries have invested in infrastructure to create a café style environment along the High Street.
