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Discover Ashfield celebrates all that is best about living, visiting, learning, working, and doing business in Ashfield.

<div>May 2023 A new café has opened on Low Street, Sutton, in the former Yorkshire Bank which has been renovated by Ashfield District Council. The ground floor of the building was split into two commercial units which have been let to a local entrepreneur, Tricia, who also runs the successful Mill Waters Cafe at Kings Mill Reservoir. The building has received a new lease of life opened as Rendezvous Café and Bar; a café and social enterprise on Friday 2 June. The café will offer training and work experience for learners from Portland College and Vision West Notts College as part of their curriculum. Tricia worked with students from Vision West Notts College to design the menus and to upcycle the furniture for the café. She has taken on three hospitality students from Portland College who will be gaining valuable real-life experience in the café working on food preparation, customer service, and waiting tables. The café offers a range of contemporary breakfast and lunch options including loaded open sandwiches and rainbow pizzas, with a focus on healthier meals as well as more traditional food. This is the first of the two Future High Streets Fund projects on Low Street, with the renovations to 9-11 (the former YMCA shop) starting soon. Tricia Ironside, owner of Rendezvous, said: “I am so happy to be able to open another business in Ashfield, working with the Council. They have been a great support and I can’t wait to welcome you all to my new café. We are hoping to offer something a little bit different in Sutton and I am proud to be able to work with students from Portland College and Vision West Notts College to give them valuable opportunities.” Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “The first of our Future High Streets Fund projects is now officially completed and it’s great that the building will be back in use so soon. </div>
<div>“Rendezvous will be a fantastic new addition to Sutton and the fact that Tricia is able to offer real life experience to the learners from the two colleges is just the icing on the cake. The Council is proud to support this project and we are extremely pleased that the former Yorkshire bank will once again be a key part of the high street in Sutton.”&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Rendezvous at the new café on Low Street

<div>July 2023 Families flocked to Hucknall Leisure Centre on Saturday 15 July to celebrate the official opening of the new £2.7million family pool. Ashfield District Council and facility operator Everyone Active threw a pool party which was attended by dozens of local residents and Ward Councillors. There was also free face painting and balloon modelling on offer. The Council has now spent £5.5million on Hucknall Leisure Centre, as part of a £22.5million investment into the District’s leisure centres, which has transformed Hucknall Leisure Centre into a fully equipped, modern facility. The second pool is specifically designed for swimming lessons with a warmer temperature and a Poolpod for accessible entry. Cllr Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “The Council has invested a huge amount of money into Hucknall Leisure Centre and we know that the residents of Hucknall are going to enjoy this new addition. We are extremely proud to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our residents and we’d love for families to try out the new pool.”</div>
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<div>Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “The learner pool has been a big hit with the local community so far. The lessons that are taking place in the pool are enabling children and adults to have fun and be active, while teaching a skill which will prove invaluable throughout their lives. </div>
<div>"We offer award-winning lessons for all ages, with child classes starting at four months, and would encourage people to contact the leisure centre for more information if they are interested in increasing their water confidence.” For more information on swimming lessons call Hucknall Leisure Centre on 0115 956 8750.  <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Pool party at Hucknall Leisure Centre to celebrate opening

<div>July 2023 Ashfield District Council is celebrating after 7 of its parks received a coveted Green Flag Award for 2023 including a new award for Kings Mill Reservoir. Six further parks across the district have also retained their Green Flag status - they are Portland Park, and Kingsway Park, Kirkby; Brierley Forest Park, and Sutton Lawn, Sutton; Selston Country Park; and Titchfield Park, Hucknall. The Green Flag award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Over the past 4 years the Council has invested over £2 million into parks and green spaces, improving play facilities, footpaths, accessibility and enhancing natural environments. Recent work at Kings Mill Reservoir includes the installation of 2 accessible pedestrian entrances, footpath improvements, restoration of the viaduct, refurbishment of the café and visitor centre, new signage, removal of old fencing, and creation of wildlife areas. Kings Mill Reservoir is also home to one of the Council’s £62.6 million Towns Fund projects. Work has now started to extend the car park to create an extra 136 spaces to accommodate more visitors. The car park will complement the brand new purpose-built boathouse which will feature space for water sports equipment as well as a restaurant and function space. Cllr Samantha Deakin, Executive Lead for Parks and Environmental Services said: “Ashfield’s green and open spaces are important to our residents as places they can enjoy in their leisure time, visit with their friends and family or to exercise. Often a retreat away from the busy and demanding world, we are proud that seven of our parks have received these awards so a huge thank you to the teams for all the work they put in every year to maintain such high standards.” </div>
<div>Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Ashfield District Council in achieving these Green Flag Awards. </div>
<div>“These parks are vital green spaces for the community in Ashfield, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events held at parks in Ashfield at our What's on page</a></div>

Seven Ashfield parks awarded coveted Green Flag Award status

<div>August 2023 Ashfield District Council has revealed artist impressions of a new destination pub and function space near Kirkby train station. The pub would be situated on the land next to the car park at the train station. Plans for the site will help regenerate the west side of Kirkby by introducing new modern facilities and opportunities for business which will encourage more external investment into the town. The pub will provide much-needed outdoor seating areas in that part of town, as well as seating inside. The design of the building reflects the industrial heritage of the site, celebrating the history of the railway and its workers, whilst creating a modern space that welcomes people into Kirkby. The plans are just one of the Council’s 16 projects being funded by their £62.6million Towns Fund. Other Towns Fund projects that have already been released include the boathouse at Kings Mill Reservoir, the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory, redesign of Portland Square, and the Enterprising Ashfield project. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “This project is a unique opportunity for the Council to kickstart the regeneration of Kirkby. The location of this project will allow us to create a destination building that provides a gateway entrance to Kirkby town centre for people entering from the West. </div>
<div>“The Wyvern Club currently call the site their home, and the Council is in conversation with the club about this project which supports the continued social and railway heritage the site adds to the town. They are supportive of our plans, and we have been looking at options to support the future of their club at the site, or at a new venue. Later this year we will be running an open tender process for a tenant to run the new pub which will be open to anyone who is interested. </div>
<div>“Our Towns Fund projects all centre around the Council creating a new identity for Ashfield, creating new opportunities for the residents, and allowing our town centres to prosper.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Artist impressions revealed for Kirkby gateway site

August 2023 More than 60 residents took on the Discover Ashfield Photography Competition for 2023, with three categories, including What You Love About Ashfield, Ashfield at Work, and a category for Under-16s.
Each winner received a £50 Arc Cinema and a £50 Love to Shop voucher. Ashfield District Council and the Discover Ashfield team would like to thank everyone who entered this year’s competition, the creativity on show has been inspirational. The judging panel found it hard to pick a winner this year because each photo showed what a great place Ashfield is to live, work, and visit. Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to the winners for 2023. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Discover Ashfield Photography Competition 2023

Discover Ashfield Photography Competition

August 2023 Ashfield Food and Drink Festival returned to Hucknall High Street in August 2023, for its fourth festival celebrating the best food and drink producers in the East Midlands. Visitors were treated to a huge variety of street food from around the world, independent beers and ciders, fresh cheeses, as well as gourmet cakes, brownies, and cookies. Festival-goers were also able to watch, interact, and try vegetarian food cooked live by a healthy eating chef. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Ashfield Food and Drink Festival 2023 photo gallery

August 2023 Not even rain could stop the party on Sutton Lawn for Ashfield Day over a weekend in August 2023. Thousands of visitors showed true British spirit as they wrapped up in raincoats and wellies, armed with umbrellas and a positive attitude, to support the event. Despite the classic summertime weather and mud, stallholders lined the central path through the park, and the visitors enjoyed the funfair and the adult and children rides.
The event closed with tributes to George Ezra, Taylor Swift, and ABBA on the main stage whose performances were enjoyed by hundreds of residents. The final act on the stage, Ibiza Nights, truly brought the party spirit to the lawn. The night ended with wet, but happy, visitors dancing in the mud to classic Ibiza anthems. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Ashfield Day 2023 photo gallery

<div>August 2023 The refurbishment of a grade II listed mill in Sutton has been completed by Ashfield District Council. Lindley’s Windmill on Prospect Place, Sutton, is Ashfield’s last remaining mill out of the nine that were built across Sutton centuries ago. The windmill dates to 1823 and was in operation as a flour mill until 1895. Over the past seven weeks, the Council has replaced the flat roof for a conical roof to help prevent water damage, replaced the floor inside the mill, and cleaned the building to ensure the hidden gem can be preserved for years to come. There will be a new information board produced, detailing the history of the mills in Ashfield. There will be an open day for the public to visit the mill, details of which will be announced soon. Sutton Heritage Society who previously ran visits to the mill, will be facilitating public visits again. Cllr Sarah Madigan, Ward Councillor for Leamington, said: “We are over the moon with the restoration works to the windmill, it’s a very special and interesting historical building that we are lucky to have in Ashfield. We are proud to preserve it for future generations.” </div>
<div>Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “The Council is keen to celebrate our rich industrial heritage, whilst looking to the future of the District; Ashfield as a place of innovation, technology and prosperity.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Lindley’s Mill restoration is complete

September 2023 Kirkby Leisure Centre has been named “Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year” at the Insider Media 2023 Property Awards. Ashfield District Council’s £15.5m project was praised for “having a big positive impact on the town’s health and wellbeing, providing its first-ever swimming pool and being a project that has not only regenerated derelict land, but has re-energised a community.” Kirkby Leisure Centre was built by Kier Construction and officially opened in August 2022. The project has created 27 new jobs and the centre has seen over 300,000 customer visits in its first year. The Centre boasts a four-lane swimming pool with a splash-pad for younger children and a Poolpod for accessible pool entry; a multi-use sports hall that converts into a community cinema to provide regular film screenings; an 85-station gym, a soft play area and fun climbing wall, a sensory room to support children and adults with learning and behavioural support needs and a health hub. Leader of the Council, Jason Zadrozny, said: “We’re immensely proud of what we have achieved in transforming Kirkby Leisure Centre. At a time when other councils are closing leisure centres, Ashfield District Council has done the opposite. We promised the people of Kirkby a swimming pool and state-of-the-art facilities and have delivered that and more. Kirkby Leisure Centre is an incredible facility that is a huge asset to the community to improve health and wellbeing across the District. We’re delighted that our hard work has been recognised in winning this award.” Contract manager of Everyone Active, who manage the Centre, Lorenzo Clark, said: “It has been fantastic to play our part in the success of Kirkby Leisure Centre so far. For Kirkby to win this award is just reward for the hard work of colleagues, who have done a brilliant job supporting people from across the community to be more active.” Martin Williamson, Operations Director for Kier in the Eastern and Midlands, said: “Kirkby Leisure Centre has already made a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the local community and we are delighted that this has been recognised. We are proud to have built a state-of-the-art leisure centre that will continue to support an active and healthy community for many years to come.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Ashfield District Council wins leisure centre award

<div>September 2023 Work has begun on the purpose-built boathouse and leisure building at Kings Mill Reservoir following the completion of the new car park. Visitors to the reservoir will soon be able to see the new building rising from the ground, on the edge of the water. Builders are on site and have started the construction, the foundations have been dug and the concrete will be poured in the coming days. The building will provide modern and accessible changing facilities for water sports, and a meeting/training room on the ground floor, whilst the first floor will be home to a restaurant and function space with views over the reservoir. The plans for the leisure building will allow more residents and visitors the opportunity to access water sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and open water swimming. The car park extension forms an integral part of Ashfield District Council’s plans to build a new boathouse with restaurant space at the reservoir. The newly finished car park can now hold an additional 136 cars, bringing the total to 260 spaces at the reservoir. The new car park will be open for use from October once a barrier has been installed to restrict access to the car park overnight. Native hedging and trees will be planted to increase the biodiversity on site and a permeable surface has been used to mitigate flooding impacts. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, said: “This is another fantastic project that will make a huge difference to Ashfield and the broader area. The reservoir is already a well-loved and well-used open space, and our plans will turn it into a destination park. We want everyone to be able to access water sports, and this project will open this opportunity up for more people, not just in the local area but further opening up Ashfield as a destination for visitors from further afield. “Nature will always be at the heart of Kings Mill Reservoir and the Council is committed to providing more habitats for the birds, insects, and mammals that live here.” Work is expected to be completed on the new facility by late 2024. This project is just one of 16 being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal, which will regenerate Ashfield and create a District where innovation thrives, and residents are proud to be from. The Council’s plans, and extended car park, complement the rapid expansion and development of the Mill Adventure Base, to offer a larger variety of activities for visitors from across Nottinghamshire and beyond. Lindum Group site manager Malcolm Cousins said the project was progressing as planned: “We are currently excavating the foundations for the new boathouse and restaurant space. If all goes well, we will be pouring the first foundation later in the week. There has been lots of interest from members of the public as they walk by. They've been asking questions about how work is going and seem to be excited about what's happening here. "Most of the activity so far has been groundworks and the team we have employed live predominantly within five miles of the site, which is great for the local economy and for the environmental impact of the project." <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Next stage of project begins at Kings Mill Reservoir

Next stage of transformative project begins at Kings Mill Reservoir

<div>September 2023 The development of a new £100m innovation and technology park in Ashfield has moved a step closer after Ashfield District Council confirmed a preferred location for the project. The site on Lowmoor Road, Sutton in Ashfield, opposite Sutton Parkway is the proposed site for the development which will include the construction of the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC). The location was chosen due to its size, strategic location, transport links, proximity to Vision West Notts College technology campus and neighbouring industrial clusters in the area. Ashfield District Council has agreed in principle to purchase the land from Nottinghamshire County Council. Funding has been secured from Ashfield District Council’s Towns Fund Deal, as a part of the investment to create nationally and internationally recognised centres, mirroring UK’s existing Catapult Centres. The whole site will be a £100m+ development attracting inward investment and create higher economic growth opportunities for the residents of Ashfield. The £30m ADMC is a circa 4000m2 purpose-built, multi-function centre, with space allocated for research and development, new product development and testing, education and skills development, technology showcasing, networking, collaboration, and event hosting. It will encompass technical experts, engineers and researchers who will be able to assist businesses of any size from across the East Midlands to understand and adopt automation technologies and to train their staff up into these higher skilled jobs. The ADMC is ideally located in Ashfield because of its central location in the county, great transport links and our strong manufacturing base in the area. The site is well placed to support distribution companies in the region and the new Free Port coming to East Midlands Airport. Market engagement has shown significant potential for benefits to local businesses. The location is close to the A38 and M1 and near major cities. Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning at Ashfield District Council, Cllr Matthew Relf said: “The development of the innovation and technology park and Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre will play a key role in bringing economic growth and new investment opportunities that will benefit businesses and residents of Ashfield and create higher paid jobs and education and learning opportunities. These developments are part of our broad range of regeneration projects that we secured funding for that are changing the face of the local area. These projects are central to achieving the Council’s ambition of making Ashfield a great place to live, work, study, play and visit.” </div>
<div>Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support the ADMC Board in this Towns Fund initiative, as part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. This will help to bring high skill job opportunities into areas where such opportunities have not always been available. </div>
<div>“As the cabinet member for economic development I was in an ideal position to combine the economic benefit with the land we owned at Lowmoor Road, and I am delighted that we have been able to come to a fair conclusion which is a win, win for both councils. I look forward to continuing to support the ADMC Board so that we can maximise the full potential of the site.” </div>
<div>The construction of ADMC is due to start in 2024. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Location confirmed for £100m Innovation Park

<div>September 2023 Excitement is building as ground has now been broken on site ready for the creation of a new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory, Sutton. To celebrate the occasion, Sir John Peace, Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council; Theresa Hodgkinson, Chief Executive of Ashfield District Council; Martin Rigley, Chair of Discover Ashfield; and Liz Barrett OBE joined members of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society at Sherwood Observatory on Friday 22 September for a ground-breaking ceremony. Initial works started at the end of August and the new centre is planned to be completed late 2024. The construction of the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory is one of the 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the Council from the Government in 2021. Plans for the site are ambitious and aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. The observatory, on Coxmoor Road, sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir which will be sympathetically transformed into an education and exhibition space. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, will be kept, preserving the history of the building. The Planetarium will be built on top of the reservoir and will immerse visitors in space with a wraparound experience. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS), who own and run the observatory, currently deliver outreach programmes with local schools, group visits for adult and children’s groups, public open events and night schools and the new building will allow them to expand this valuable work in Ashfield and beyond and to cover a broader range of STEM subjects. Schools, clubs, groups, businesses, and individuals will all benefit from having a cutting-edge facility in Ashfield; it will broaden horizons, educate and inspire, and add to the District’s visitor economy. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We are over the moon to see the official start of work on this project. The observatory is already a great asset to the District, but with the new centre and planetarium it will become world-class. The importance of having access to a purpose-built science facility locally can’t be underestimated; allowing children and adults who can’t necessarily travel to London or Birmingham or Leicester the chance to experience the magic of space on their doorstep. </div>
<div>“This is just one of the twenty projects being funded by our Towns Deal and Future High Streets Fund in the District, which will transform the area, drive regeneration across our towns, and give Ashfield a new identity. We want Ashfield to be known as a place of innovation, somewhere people are proud to be from, and people want to visit, and the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre will certainly put us on the map.” Dr Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said: “Sherwood Observatory is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap within our community. We will do this through an ambitious outreach programme that uses astronomy as a means of inspiring people of all ages to take an interest in STEM subjects and careers, particularly for disadvantaged young residents, through extracurricular activities and a world-class visitor attraction. Recognising that we can inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs, we would love more businesses to get involved. The project team have developed a pledge list for those who share our vision, so please get in touch and add your name to this fantastic project.” Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “This incredible facility will provide an immersive and unique visitor experience for all ages in the heart of the Midlands, and G F Tomlinson is proud to be delivering it alongside Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and other key stakeholders including Ashfield District Council. </div>
<div>“The Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre will play a key part in inspiring young people on both the wonder and science of space, and along with the increase in footfall of visitors to the new facility, will be a place of learning and enjoyment for many years to come.” In January 2023, it was announced that £3.1million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund had been awarded to the project. Since then MSAS have been working to secure additional match funding and they have now secured contributions from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and National Lottery Heritage Fund that total £850,000. The £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund invests in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport, and investing in cultural and heritage assets. The Town Deals programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure. As of July 2021, DLUHC have offered Town Deals to all 101 places that submitted proposals, committing over £2.35bn of investment across c.700 projects nationwide. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Construction starts at Sherwood Observatory

<div>October 2023 Kirkby in Ashfield has been allocated £20million Government funding as part of a national ‘Plan for Towns’ programme.   Ashfield District Council has confirmed that Kirkby is one of 55 towns across the UK to receive up to £20 million funding, to be paid over a period of 10 years.   Funding will be available to spend on key local priorities such as reviving the high street, tackling antisocial behaviour, improving transport and growing the local economy. Ashfield District Council CEO Theresa Hodgkinson said: “We’re pleased to receive news of this funding for Kirkby. Once we receive further guidance, we will be holding detailed consultations with local stakeholders, businesses and residents to start to develop plans. </div>
<div>!Since 2019 the Council has secured over £100 million in funding for 20 major projects which include ambitious plans for the centre of Kirkby and the western gateway to the town around the train station. In Sutton the new Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC), the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory and a new water sports centre and restaurant at Kings Mill Reservoir will help transform the area. "In Hucknall we have recently launched grants to improve the southern end of the High Street and we are seeking funding to create a new transport hub at the tram and rail station. These really are exciting times for Ashfield.” Under the Plans for Towns programme, Ashfield District Council will work with residents and business to help change Kirkby’s long-term future. This will include setting up a ‘Town Board’ to bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities to deliver the long-term plan. This will build on the successful Discover Ashfield partnership that the Council has already established.    <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Kirkby Town Centre allocated £20 million investment

November 2023 Improvement works have started on tennis courts at Sutton Lawn and Huthwaite Welfare Park as part of plans to ‘serve’ a grand slamming £214k investment into the facilities. Ashfield District Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are working together to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts in Sutton and Huthwaite. As part of the major investment, eight tennis courts will receive court resurfacing and colouring, and with new fencing and access gates installed. Ashfield District Council will be investing £55k as part of the Green Ashfield initiative, funded by their £62.6million Towns Deal, to provide new LED floodlighting at Sutton Lawn. This is on top of the investment of over £159k from the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation. The Council is working with Sutton in Ashfield Lawn Tennis Club to upgrade facilities at the park, including the pavilion, to support the club to attract new members. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield Council said: “It will soon be Game, Set and Match for the work being completed. It is fantastic to see the transformation on these tennis courts as we know how much our residents value access to modern, fit-for-purpose sports pitches, courts, and leisure centres. The Council remains committed to continuing to provide quality leisure and sports facilities to ensure that our residents can live a healthy and happy life in Ashfield.” The courts are scheduled to reopen early 2024 with temporary lines in place until a full repainting can take place in the spring once the weather has improved. Ashfield District Council will also work with an operator and the LTA to deliver a range of activities across the park sites. This will include weekly organised free tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience, where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.&nbsp; All courts and sessions at Sutton Lawn and Huthwaite Welfare Park will be available to book online via the LTA website. Sessions at Kingsway Park, Kirkby, will also be bookable on the LTA website. Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ashfield District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with the council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.” The project is part of a £30million nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Work begins to ‘Ace it’ on Ashfield’s tennis courts

<div>November 2023 Ashfield District Council have completed the renovation of the former DWP building on High Pavement, Sutton. The finished building, now named High Pavement House, was transformed by the Council, and is the second project completed as part of their £6.27million Future High Streets Fund. The former DWP building was previously renovated in 2019 by a private investor but following the pandemic, the building was left empty until 2022 when work started. The top floor of High Pavement House now houses 14 modern office units which are ready to be let to start ups, established businesses, and people looking for a professional workspace. To help businesses flourish at High Pavement House, Ashfield District Council are offering a rent relief grant to offset the first three months rent. The grants, funded by the Council’s £3.2million UK Shared Prosperity Fund, range from £250 - £960, depending on the size of the unit. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said: “We are extremely pleased to have completed another Future High Streets Funded project that will make a real difference to Sutton, and the wider District. We are investing time and money into supporting local businesses because we want them to succeed in Ashfield. High Pavement House is perfectly suited to cater to a range of business needs.”</div>
<div> High Pavement House also benefits from 24/7 access for members and the office units, as well as a shared social space with kitchen facilities on the ground floor. High Pavement House will also be home to Ashfield’s Makerspace, which is set to open in spring 2024. The Makerspace is a unique workshop space for like-minded people to get together and share tools, equipment, and skills. The Makerspace will be kitted out with top end machinery and equipment for woodworking, metalworking, CNC, laser, 3D printing, screen printing, ceramics, textiles, digital embroidery, a podcast studio, electronics, and a variety of other crafts. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration, Growth and Local Planning said: “Everyone knows how excited I am to see the Makerspace for Ashfield, it’s such an interesting concept, one that will benefit so many people. It will allow people to access tools, equipment and skills that they wouldn’t have at home. Whether you have a DIY project that you need specialist equipment to complete, you’re a complete beginner and want to learn a new skill, or if you’re a making pro, everyone will be welcome. “The completion of the building works marks the next stage of the project. We can now start to bring in the machines and equipment and begin to create the space. We will be able to open the doors for an open evening in the Makerspace in the new year, keep your eye on the Makerspace Facebook page for the date.”</div>
<div>For enquiries about letting any of the office units please email <a href="mailto:commercialproperty@ashfield.gov.uk">commercialproperty@ashfield.gov.uk</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Transformation of High Pavement House is complete

<div>November 2023 Renovation works have started at 9-11 Low Street, Sutton, the second empty shop to be given new life by Ashfield District Council. Ashfield District Council have purchased the former YMCA shop on Low Street, as part of their £6.27million Future High Streets Fund. In May this year the Council completed the transformation of the old Yorkshire Bank on Low Street, from a dilapidated eye-sore, to a modern café, bringing vibrancy back to the high street. Plans for 9-11 Low Street include refitting the interior of the shop unit to bring it back to a useable commercial space, installing energy efficiency measures, and renovating the first floor into modern, quality accommodation. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration, Growth and Local Planning said: “It is fantastic to see work starting on another of our Future High Streets Funded projects. When all our 20 plus projects are completed, they will work together to transform our town centres and how people shop, visit, and do business in Ashfield. </div>
<div>“To some people it may just be repurposing a long-standing empty unit, but in conjunction with the Makerspace and business hub at High Pavement House, the redesign of Portland Square which will start in the new year, and work in the outer edges of Sutton at Kings Mill Reservoir and Sherwood Observatory, you can start to see our vision for the District. A place where businesses and aspirations can grow and succeed.”</div>
<div> Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council commented: “Ashfield District Council are transforming Ashfield, as a District but also as a place to visit, start a business, receive an education, and make a home. The future of Ashfield is truly bright thanks to the hard work of the Council. We have secured over £120million external investment to allow us to fulfil our ambitions for Ashfield, so keep watching for our progress.”&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Work begins on empty shop on Low Street

<div>November 2023</div>
<div> The new 136-space car park at Kings Mill Reservoir is now open and ready to welcome the first visitors. As part of Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal, the Council is building a new boathouse with restaurant and function space at Kings Mill Reservoir. The car park has been created on former wasteland, to accommodate the increased visitors to the site and to the new leisure building, once it is open. The building works on the new facility are progressing well with the external walls now visible. Construction started on site five months ago and is on track to open late 2024. The building will house modern, accessible changing facilities for water sports, a meeting/training room, and on the first floor a restaurant and function space. Native hedging and trees will be planted on the car park to increase the biodiversity on site and a permeable surface has been used to mitigate flooding impacts.&nbsp;&nbsp; Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration, Growth, and Local Planning said: “The expanded car park is an excellent addition that will allow even more people to enjoy visiting Kings Mill Reservoir. We want everyone to be able to access the great facilities here and the new building and car park will open this opportunity up for more people, not just in the local area but for those further afield, marking Ashfield as a destination for visitors from around Nottinghamshire and beyond.” </div>
<div>This project is just one of 16 being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal, which will regenerate Ashfield. The Council’s plans, and extended car park, complement the rapid expansion and development of the Mill Adventure Base, to offer a larger variety of activities for visitors from across Nottinghamshire and beyond. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

New car park now open at Kings Mill Reservoir  

December 2023 Ashfield District Council brought the festive spirit to Kirkby in Ashfield, Hucknall, and Sutton town centres for Christmas 2023.&nbsp;
Hundreds of people gathered for the annual Christmas celebration event in each area, with live musical entertainment, Christmas light switch on of the tree, town centre lights, and 3D feature lights.&nbsp; <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Christmas 2023 photo gallery

December 2023 Ashfield District Council has revealed the initial artist impression for the refurbishment and upgrade of Sutton Community Academy’s theatre. Ashfield District Council secured the funding to upgrade the theatre, which will be rebranded and opened to the public as Cornerstone Theatre, as part of its £6.27million Future High Streets Fund.
The Council is working with Sutton Community Academy on the plans for the project. As part of the improvement work the theatre will be completely renovated and reconfigured to create a new multifunctional community space that will accommodate a wider range of high-quality performances and acts. The new theatre will allow residents and visitors to watch professional theatre performances, cinematic experiences, music and comedy nights, as well as other community uses.
New dressing rooms and a green room, toilets - including a changing places room, foyer, and box office will be created to accommodate the improved theatre. Inside the theatre itself the auditorium will be completely refurbished with new flooring, ceiling, acoustic wall treatments, and doors. A new retractable seating system will provide around 200 seats, and specialist lighting will also be installed. &nbsp;
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We are incredibly pleased to be able to release the details of the last of our Future High Streets Fund projects. So far we have delivered the renovation of the former Yorkshire Bank in Sutton, the old DWP building on High Pavement, and we are currently transforming another long-vacant unit on Low Street. The Cornerstone Theatre project is the cherry on the cake, it will allow more residents to access quality cultural events and productions, without having to leave Ashfield.”
A planning application will now be submitted to the Council in the coming days before work can start on the refurbishment. Work is expected to start in summer 2024, with a finish date of early 2025.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “This project will help us achieve our goals of creating a vibrant and safe night-time economy in Ashfield. As the new Planetarium will connect young people to space and raise their aspirations, Cornerstone Theatre will ignite their creativity and broaden minds. We are so proud to be investing in arts and culture, to allow more people of all backgrounds, young and old, in Ashfield and beyond to experience the magic of cinema, live theatre and music in an easy to access place.
“All our regeneration projects, funded through over £100million external investment, have the common aim – to create an Ashfield that is a great place to live, work, play, study and visit.”
Simon Martin, Vice Principal at Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) said: "ATTFE is hugely excited to be involved in the inception and the future running of the Cornerstone facility. Sutton-in-Ashfield and the surrounding area has long needed investment in and opportunities for cultural experiences of all sorts, and Cornerstone will provide these for the direct communities, neighbourhoods, and families that we serve." <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Introducing Cornerstone Theatre in Sutton in Ashfield

<div>December 2023 Ashfield District Council have released an artist impression imagining how the new Portland Square could look for Christmas 2024. One of the Council’s regeneration projects is the redesign of Portland Square, Sutton’s town centre focal point, from drab and outdated to modern, attractive and usable. The plans form part of the Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal which is funding 16 transformational projects across the District. The new-look Portland Square will feature two raised lawns with inbuilt seating, ambient lighting, planting and semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting. Alongside the planters will be CCTV cameras, streetlighting, a new level flooring and more room outside businesses for outdoor seating. Work is expected to start on site in spring 2024, with the completion around autumn 2024. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning said: “It’s exciting to start to imagine how the very near future of Sutton town centre could look. The plans for Portland Square are ambitious, not just with the physical changes but how we aim to create a cultural shift towards a thriving night-time economy. In combination with the development of Cornerstone Theatre, Sutton’s future looks bright.” </div>
<div>To complement this, the Council are also redeveloping the derelict Fox Street site (behind Lloyds bank) to create a flexible outdoor space. The site will house a new 41-space car park which will host the regular markets, events, and special markets. The river Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned and restored, providing a natural focal point. The improvements to Fox Street will be funded by the £6.27million Future High Streets Fund, with work expected to start in March 2024. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

New-look Portland Square artist impression for Christmas 2024

Looking forward to Christmas 2024 for new-look Portland Square in Sutton

<div>January 2024 The construction of Ashfield District Council’s leisure building and boathouse is picking up pace, as the project reaches the seven-month mark. The new facility, being built as part of Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal, will house modern accessible changing facilities for water sports and a meeting/training room on the ground floor. A restaurant and function space will occupy the first floor, offering views across the water. The construction has now reached an exciting milestone with the installation of the first-floor planks and the staircase. The internal walls are springing up, and the external decorative stonework now reaches the first floor. Visitors to the reservoir can get a real sense of what the building will look like when it’s completed in 2024. As part of the project, a new 136-space car park was built and opened on the former wasteland behind the site of the leisure building. Native hedging and trees have been planted on the islands in the new car park to increase biodiversity on site. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, and Local Planning, said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress of the build here at Kings Mill Reservoir, it’s all starting to feel very real. We want everyone to be able to access water sports and the new building and car park will open this opportunity up for more people, not just in the local area but for those further afield, marking Ashfield as a destination for visitors from around Nottinghamshire and beyond.”</div>
<div> Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of the Council, said: “We are so excited to see how far along the building is, you can start to imagine what the space will look like once it’s completed. This development at Kings Mill Reservoir marks the first of many physical changes you will start to see in Ashfield as part of our plan to regenerate the District.” </div>
<div>This project is just one of 16 being funded by the Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal, which includes the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory, redesign of Portland Square, the Automated Distribution Manufacturing Centre, and the development of a gateway building in Kirkby. Ashfield District Council’s plans for Kings Mill Reservoir complement the expansion of the Mill Adventure Base, to offer a larger variety of activities for visitors across Nottinghamshire and beyond. The Council are now seeking interested operators for the restaurant and function space. All enquiries should be emailed to: <a href="mailto:place@ashfield.gov.uk">place@ashfield.gov.uk</a> <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Kings Mill Reservoir development update

Kings Mill Reservoir development – seven-month update

<div>January 2024 Calling all new and expanding businesses in Ashfield, secure your new business unit today at the newly renovated High Pavement House, Sutton.&nbsp;&nbsp; To help businesses flourish at High Pavement House, Ashfield District Council is offering a rent relief grant to offset the first three months rent. The grants, funded by the Council’s £3.2 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund, range from £250 - £960, depending on the size of the unit. High Pavement House, the former DWP building in Sutton, was transformed by the Council, and is the second project completed as part of their £6.27 million Future High Streets Fund. The top floor now houses 14 modern office units which are ready to be let to start ups, established businesses, and people looking for a professional workspace. High Pavement House also benefits from 24/7 access for members and the office units, as well as a shared social space with kitchen facilities on the ground floor. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We want to encourage new businesses and support existing businesses with these rent relief grants. High Pavement House is perfectly suited to cater to a range of business needs. It’s in a fantastic location for connectivity, and the town centre amenities, which will help any business to flourish and succeed in Ashfield.” </div>
<div>The building was previously renovated in 2019 by a private investor but following the pandemic, the building was left empty until 2022 when work started. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, said: “It is exciting to see high quality, modern, business units available in Ashfield thanks to the Council. We know that one of the factors in the decision to start a business, is having a fit-for-purpose, affordable, office/business space, and these units will fulfil these needs for many people.” </div>
<div>The ground floor of High Pavement House is home to the Makerspace – the first of its kind in the area – a community-led, communal workshop/creative space for members. The Makerspace will soon be hosting open days so potential members and interested residents can have a look around the space, meet the committee, and ask any burning questions. Details will be posted on the Council and Makerspace Facebook social media. Anyone interested in letting a unit should email <a href="mailto:commercialproperty@ashfield.gov.uk">commercialproperty@ashfield.gov.uk</a> to arrange a viewing.</div>
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<div><a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

High Pavement House business units to let

<div>January 2024 Residents in Hucknall are set to benefit from improvement works at a Hucknall leisure facility led by Ashfield District Council. Facilities at the Jamie Brough Pavilion on Papplewick Green have had a major overhaul including the creation of a new multi-purpose studio space which will be available to hire, a new kitchen and new changing facilities. The revamped building will be run by the Council’s leisure operator, Everyone Active who also manage the Kirkby, Hucknall and Lammas Leisure Centres. Following the £100,000 investment, the facility is now able to host indoor classes and activities in a purpose-built space improving access for a greater range of opportunities. Cllr Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: "This is a very welcomed project and welcomed by our community and builds on the twenty two and a half million pounds already invested in Ashfield. So if you have any ideas or you already run a club please contact Everyone Active at email: <a href="mailto:jamiebroughpavilion@everyoneactive.com">jamiebroughpavilion@everyoneactive.com"</a> </div>
<div>Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, said: “The health and wellbeing of the local community is our number one priority and we are really pleased to be given the opportunity to build further on that at this site. The adding of new studio space is hugely exciting and will enable us to deliver activities which meet demand and provide significant benefits for residents’ physical and mental health.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Sports pavilion improvements to benefit Hucknall residents

February 2024 The Discover Ashfield Awards brought Ashfield residents and businesses together at Kirkby Leisure Centre to celebrate the achievements of local people during the past 12 months. Compered by the Chair of Discover Ashfield, Martin Rigley OBE, the annual event was also attended by Chief Executive Theresa Hodgkinson and Director of Place and Communities, John Bennett, who offered their congratulations to the winners. The awards were presented by Discover Ashfield ambassadors including Martin Rigley, Vice Chair Louise Knott, ATTFE College Principal, Liz Barrett OBE, and Pete Edwards.  <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Discover Ashfield Awards ceremony 2023

<div>February 2024 The Discover Ashfield Awards brings Ashfield residents and businesses together to celebrate the achievements of local people during the past 12 months with an evening dedicated to their achievements, held on 2 February 2024. The event was held at Kirkby Leisure Centre, compered by the Chair of Discover Ashfield, Martin Rigley, with entertainment from local artist ‘The Red Hot Band’. Chief Executive Theresa Hodgkinson and Director of Place and Communities, John Bennett attended the event and had chance to speak to those involved and offer their congratulations to the winners. The awards were presented by Discover Ashfield ambassadors including the Chair of Discover Ashfield, Martin Rigley, Vice Chair Louise Knott, Principle of ATTFE college, Liz Barrett OBE and Pete Edwards. Together they form the theme leads for the Discover Ashfield Awards.   Here is our full list of categories and winners from the Discover Ashfield Awards 2023: Very Important Volunteer Winner - Amanda Cooper</div>
<div>Highly commended - Matt Williams</div>
<div>Highly commended - Richard Collins Brilliant business</div>
<div>Winner - ROMO Fabrics</div>
<div>Winner - Specsavers Hucknall</div>
<div>High Commended - ATTFE</div>
<div>High Commended - Little Glow Ashfield </div>
<div>Community champion</div>
<div>Winner - Debbie Halfpenny </div>
<div>Young shining star Winner - Waimi, Mbetmi and Yimi Fongue</div>
<div>Highly commended - Isabelle Newman</div>
<div>Highly commended - Ruth Lamb </div>
<div>Education and skills partnership awards</div>
<div>Employability provider winner - West Nottinghamshire College</div>
<div>Apprenticeship provider winner - Nottingham Trent University</div>
<div>Multiply provider winner - Inspire Learning</div>
<div>Secondary School careers team winner - Bracken Hill School</div>
<div>Outstanding partner winner - ATTFE </div>
<div>Outstanding Organisation</div>
<div>Winner - OT Food Club</div>
<div>Highly commended - Kirkby Woodhouse School Playgroup</div>
<div> Phenomenal Project</div>
<div>Winner - Leon's Legacy </div>
<div>Superhero</div>
<div>Winner - Trevor Clower </div>
<div>Places to Visit</div>
<div>Winner - Felley Priory</div>
<div>Highly commended - Teversal Visitors Centre </div>
<div>Special Recognition Award</div>
<div>Winner - Martin Rigley OBE </div>
<div>Cllr Matt Relf, Executive, Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, attended to show his support and said: "There are an abundant amount of businesses and organisations who work tirelessly to ensure Ashfield has the best opportunities available to all of our residents and I am so proud to support and celebrate them.” </div>
<div>Leader of the Council, Cllr Zadrozny said:“It was an honour to be part of such a special evening at the Discover Ashfield Awards, just as it is every year. We will continue to celebrate all the people who make living, working and learning in Ashfield a extraordinary place to be.”</div>
<div> Chief Executive, Theresa Hodgkinson said: “The Discover Ashfield Awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase and shine a light on people who work hard throughout the year from organisations to individuals. There are so many deserving people in Ashfield and we can’t wait to celebrate more of them next year.“</div>

Discover Ashfield celebrates local people with award ceremony

<div>February 2024 A new adventure-style play area is now open at Selston Country Park in time for the February half-term. Ashfield District Council have installed the new equipment as part of their wider £130,000 investment into Selston Country Park. The timber framed play area centres around a contemporary climbing tree, suitable for ages 6+, which features challenging ropes, bridges, and balance beams to encourage skill development. The other equipment caters to all ages from balancing waterlilies for 2 years +, a double balance beam for 3 years+, a crawling pyramid for ages 4+, springees, seesaw, and swings. Elsewhere on Selston Country Park, the popular Selston Café in the Park is currently under renovation, to allow the business to accommodate more customers. An opening event will be planned for both the café and the new play area, details will be announced on the Council’s social media and website in the coming weeks. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “The new play equipment at Selston Country Park is fantastic and something a bit different to our other play areas. The natural wood and unique shapes allow children to build confidence, and social skills whilst playing. We are proud to be investing in parks and open spaces across the District to allow generations of families, residents and visitors to enjoy Ashfield as a destination." Cllr David Martin, Chairman of Selston Parish Council, said: “Selston Country Park is one of the many jewels in Ashfield’s crown and we are ensuring that it is future-proof. This includes the refurbishment of the café which is testament to the enormous success that Susanne has made of the business in the park.” To complement the new play equipment, a new accessible footpath has been created to ensure everyone can enjoy the country park and play area. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Playmazing new play area at Selston Country Park

<div>February 2024</div>
<div> Ashfield District Council’s Moor Market in Kirkby is set to be home to a new banking hub. Last year, Kirkby in Ashfield was chosen as a location for one of 68 new banking hubs across the UK, owned by Cash Access UK. The banking hubs are shared spaces on the high street that allow customers of multiple banks to deposit and withdraw money, get face-to-face help, and carry out regular banking transactions. They also have a private room available for one-to-one discussions. Ashfield District Council have been working with Cash Access UK to find a suitable location, and now the planning application for the hub in Kirkby has been submitted to the Council. The new banking hub will allow more residents and business access to their money, without having to travel out of Kirkby. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We are delighted that the planning application for the banking hub at Kirkby has now been submitted. We know that so many residents have struggled with the lack of face-to-face banking in Kirkby since the banks closed, and the banking hub will make a huge difference to people’s lives. </div>
<div>“It’s not just residents who will benefit from this hub, our small businesses will also be able to utilise it. This is an exciting step towards the hub opening in Kirkby.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Banking Hub coming to Moor Market

<div>March 2024 It was announced today that Ashfield District Council has secured £9.2million for their Levelling Up Fund Round 2 application for Hucknall. The Council’s ambitious plan to drive economic regeneration in Hucknall has been recognised by the government as being high-quality and ready to deliver. The Levelling Up Fund bid is centred around three main themes – Skills and Economic Regeneration, Cultural and Heritage Gateway, and Access to Hucknall town centre. The Levelling Up Fund investment is part of the Council’s ambitious regeneration programme for the District which will see well over £100m of investment during the next 2-3 years. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Planning, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Council’s ambitious plan for Hucknall has been recognised by the government. We aim to improve the access into the town to attract more visitors, and businesses to reinvigorate the town centre. The cultural and heritage enhancements will celebrate Hucknall’s rich heritage and provide new opportunities for people to learn about this history. This outcome is tremendous and will support the Council’s aspirations for Hucknall to be a modern town centre where businesses prosper, and residents are proud to be from.” </div>
<div>Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said: “This is the culmination of a lot hard work from Hucknall’s Councillors, our administration and Officers from the Council. It will fulfil our vision of creating a vibrant, thriving town centre. Now we have secured money for every major town in Ashfield – our concentration will now be on securing more investment for the Selston Parish and our other villages.”</div>
<div> Cllr Lee Waters, Ward Councillor for Hucknall North, said: “I am overjoyed that Hucknall’s Levelling Up Fund bid has been approved. It is hugely ambitious and will be one of the biggest investments in our town for decades. It will focus on improving the life chances of residents, turbo charging investment, fast tracking public transport improvements – all whilst remembering our heritage. This is our chance to make significant change that will be benefit Hucknall for generations to come.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

£9.2million secured for Hucknall town centre regeneration

<div>March 2024 At a Planning Committee meeting in March, Ashfield District Council approved plans for the refurbishment of Sutton Community Academy’s Theatre. Ashfield District Council secured the funding to upgrade the theatre, which will be rebranded and opened to the public as Cornerstone Theatre, as part of their £6.27m Future High Streets Fund. The Council are working with Sutton Community Academy on the plans for the project. As part of the improvement work the theatre will be completely renovated and reconfigured to create a new multifunctional community space that will accommodate a wider range of high-quality performances and acts. The new theatre will allow residents and visitors to watch professional theatre performances, cinematic experiences, music and comedy nights, as well as other community uses. Following the approval of the planning application, work is expected to start in summer 2024, with a finish date of early 2025. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “This project will help us achieve our goals of creating a vibrant and safe night-time economy in Ashfield. As the new Planetarium will connect young people to space and raise their aspirations, Cornerstone Theatre will ignite their creativity and imagination. We are so proud to be investing in arts and culture, to allow more people of all backgrounds, young and old, in Ashfield and beyond to experience the magic of cinema, live theatre and music in an easy to access place. </div>
<div>“All our regeneration projects, funded through over £100million external investment, have the common aim – to create an Ashfield that is a great place to live, work, play, study and visit.”</div>
<div> Simon Martin, Vice Principal at ATTFE, said: "ATTFE is hugely excited to be involved in the inception and the future running of the Cornerstone facility. Sutton-in-Ashfield and the surrounding area has long needed investment in and opportunities for cultural experiences of all sorts, and Cornerstone will provide these for the direct communities, neighbourhoods, and families that we serve". </div>
<div>New dressing rooms and a green room, toilets - including a changing places room, foyer and box office will be created to accommodate the improved theatre. Inside the theatre itself the auditorium will be completely refurbished with new flooring, ceiling, acoustic wall treatments and doors. A new retractable seating system will provide seating, and specialist lighting will also be installed. Considerations are being made to ensure the theatre will be an accessible space for staff, performers, and the audience. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Sutton Theatre refurbishment given green light

<div>March 2024 The steels for the planetarium dome at Sherwood Observatory have now been installed, marking a huge milestone in the build. The planetarium construction is part of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and Ashfield District Council’s development to create a Science Discovery Centre and planetarium at Sherwood Observatory in Sutton. The project is one of 16 being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal. The impressive steels can be seen from as far as Penny Emma Way in Sutton, giving residents, and visitors to the District, a sense of what the finished building will look like. Councillor Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, and Local Planning visited the site and said: “It is incredible to see the steel work for both the planetarium and the Science Discovery Centre in place. We are all getting really excited now that we can see the final footprint of the building. This project is one that will truly benefit the entire District, attracting visitors from across the county and beyond. When combined with the Council’s other projects you can see our vision for the future of Ashfield; a place with a thriving visitor economy, and a great place to work, live, and learn.” </div>
<div>The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. The observatory, on Coxmoor Road, sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir which will be sympathetically transformed into an education and exhibition space. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, will be kept preserving the history of the building.</div>
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<div>Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of the Council, was also blown away by his site visit: “The speed of the progress on site at Sherwood Observatory is fantastic. This project is exciting and innovative and will make a difference to the children living in Ashfield. They will get to experience a world-class educational centre right here on their doorstep, the power of this cannot be understated. One of Ashfield District Council’s aims is to improve skills and employability and having a centre like this here will help inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.” </div>
<div>The Planetarium is being built next to the Science and Discovery centre, that sits on top of and within the reservoir, and will immerse visitors in space with a wraparound experience. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS), who own and run the observatory, currently run outreach programmes with local schools, group visits for adult and children’s groups, public open events and night schools, and the new building will allow them to expand this valuable work in Ashfield and beyond. </div>
<div>Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said:“Sherwood Observatory is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap within our community. We will do this through an ambitious outreach programme that uses astronomy as a means of inspiring people of all ages to take an interest in STEM subjects and careers, particularly for disadvantaged young residents, through extracurricular activities and a world-class visitor attraction. Recognising that we can inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs, we would love more businesses to get involved. The project team have developed a pledge list for those who share our vision, so please get in touch and add your name to this fantastic project.” </div>
<div>In January 2023, it was announced that £3.1million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund had been awarded to the project. Since then MSAS have been working to secure match funding and they have now received contributions from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and National Lottery Heritage Fund that total £850,000. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Construction at Sherwood Observatory reaches new heights

March 2024 Ashfield residents viewed famous works of art in Sutton in Ashfield, Kirkby in Ashfield, and Hucknall, as part of a free mobile museum tour across the UK in March. The Art Explora Mobile Museum was part of a 12-week tour with Tate and MuMo, and featured a unique trailer designed by French designer Matali Crasset with an exhibition called Soup, Socks and Spiders! Art of the Everyday. The exhibition, shown here in Kirkby in Ashfield, included paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, film, digital art, and sculpture by artists including Andy Warhol, Cornelia Parker, Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Dorothea Tanning, Fernand Léger, Nam June Paik, Phyllida Barlow, Roy Lichtenstein, Vanessa Bell, and Wolfgang Tillmans. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Art Explora Mobile Museum tour

March 2024 The countdown is on until the improvement works start on Fox Street and Portland Square, Sutton. Initially work will start on the derelict Fox Street site mid to late April. Ashfield District Council plan to create a flexible outdoor space that links pedestrians from ASDA to the town centre, and can accommodate markets and events. The site is located behind Lloyds bank and is currently a disused wasteland. The transformative works will see a 41-space car park created with new lighting, CCTV and native trees and hedging planted to enhance biodiversity. The River Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned, and restored, providing a natural focal point. The works to Fox Street are being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £6.27million Future High Streets Fund. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We can’t wait to see this project begin. The Fox Street site has been an eyesore for a long time and our renovation works will breathe life into it, creating a space that can be used for events and markets – capitalising on the natural footfall in this part of Sutton. Ashfield District Council’s plans for the entire District are revolutionary and will create a lasting impact on Ashfield; a great place to live, visit, work, and play.” The next stage of the regeneration of Sutton town centre will start shortly after Fox Street, with ground being broken on Portland Square in May. The Council’s ambitious plans for Portland Square will create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre, funded as part of their £62.6million Towns Deal. The new-look Portland Square will feature two raised lawns with inbuilt seating, ambient lighting, planting and semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting. Alongside the planters will be CCTV cameras, streetlighting, a new level flooring and more room outside businesses for outdoor seating. Both sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning said: “It is exciting see another of our regeneration projects moving forward to construction. Our plans to transform Portland Square into a new green heart to the town are to support our aim to reimagine our town centres from places purely for shopping but places also for socialising, studying, working and living. This project with our ongoing regeneration of Low Street, the opening of High Pavement House, and the upcoming MakerSpace and Cornerstone Theatre projects means Sutton’s future looks very bright.” Lindum Group Managing Director Edward Chambers said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the council through this scheme at Sutton in Ashfield. We’ve been working with the authority since mid-2023 to help find the most cost-effective way to deliver the works, which will make a huge difference to the town centre, and ultimately provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.” Lindum will be calling on the expertise and skills of local businesses to deliver this project, including Townscape Products, based in Fulwood Road South, which is one the UK’s premier street furniture manufacturing companies. Townscape Products Head of Sales, Jess Fergusson, said: “Townscape are very pleased to be working with Lindum Group and Ashfield Council to help realise this Town Centre improvement scheme. The raised platers and seating will provide a vibrate focal point for the local community enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the square and adding a much-needed green space for all to enjoy.’’ <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Countdown to works starting in Sutton town centre

<div>March 2024 Renovated tennis courts at Huthwaite Welfare Park and Sutton Lawn are now open for bookings after improvements costing almost £160,000. Ashfield District Council worked with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) who funded the work to install new access gates, fencing, resurfacing, and colouring at both parks, to ensure residents have access to modern, quality sports facilities. The courts will be managed by We Do Tennis and to ensure their long-term future, a small booking fee has been introduced to pay for ongoing maintenance and repairs. Chairman of the Council, Cllr Dale Grounds, said: “We know how much residents value access to modern sports pitches, courts, and buildings, so this work will allow more people to enjoy tennis. If we can encourage more people to take up the sport with these upgraded facilities then it’s fantastic. Working with the LTA is bringing much-needed investment, and will support the Council’s ongoing commitment to providing quality facilities in our award-winning parks and green spaces.”</div>
<div> Andy Moss, Head of Parks – We Do Tennis C.I.C, said: “We Do Tennis’ is a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving, growing, and securing the future of tennis at all levels. We are extremely excited to be working with Ashfield District Council and the residents of the local area to provide a first-class tennis offering including LTA Free Park Tennis, coaching, and other tennis activities. Improving the facilities is a great first step and our role is to activate tennis in the area and get lots of happy people with a racket in their hand.” </div>
<div>For residents who wish to play frequently across the three sites, We Do Tennis is offering annual passes, which allow holders to play at any of the parks all year round. These are currently on an early bird promo rate of £35 per annum for a household (two Adults and four Children), until 30 April 2024. Further details for annual passes, or playing at the Ashfield park courts is available on the We Do Tennis website.&nbsp; Ashfield District Council will also be investing £55,000, as part of the Green Ashfield initiative - funded by the £62.6million Towns Fund programme - to provide new floodlighting at Sutton Lawn tennis courts. The Council is also working with Sutton in Ashfield Lawn Tennis Club to upgrade facilities at the park, including the pavilion, to support the club to attract new members. The courts at Kingsway Park will also be refurbished and reopened later this year. All courts and sessions at Sutton Lawn and Huthwaite Welfare Park will be available to book online via the LTA website. (external link) Sessions at Kingsway Park, Kirkby, will also be bookable on the LTA website. Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ashfield District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and will mean courts are available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with the Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.” </div>
<div>The investment is part of the Parks Tennis Project, a nationwide £30million investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to transform thousands of park tennis courts and open up the sport to many more people. Park tennis courts are vital for getting children and adults active, delivering significant physical and mental wellbeing benefits. Ashfield District Council will work with the LTA to ensure a range of activity is in place for the local community, including a weekly organised free park tennis session for all ages, playing levels and experiences with equipment provided. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Upgraded tennis courts now ready for play

<div>April 2024 The sports hubs are being funded by their £62.6million Towns Deal, which is financing 16 major transformational projects across Sutton and Kirkby that will change the face of Ashfield for generations to come. The exciting plans for Sutton Lawn centre around increasing provision for football at the park, and include creating two new 3G football pitches, improvements to the existing grass football pitches, converting the derelict shale pitch to grass pitches, refurbishing and extending the existing changing pavilion, creating additional car parking, and resurfacing the access road to the park. These improvements to Sutton Lawn are being made in conjunction with the Football Foundation and Academy Transformation Trust Further Education. Plans for Kingsway include building a new, modern, energy efficient changing room facility to support football, hockey, and wider sports at the site. Kingsway Park will see drastic changes which also include constructing a new energy efficient bowls pavilion, creating more car parking, installing energy efficient floodlighting, and creating new grass pitches. John Bennett, Executive Director, said: “The huge investment into both parks marks the next phase of the Council’s transformation and modernisation of sports facilities available in Ashfield. The sports hubs will ensure more residents can enjoy football, hockey, and bowls whether just for fun, fitness, or as the start of a career.</div>
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<div>"One of the Council’s priorities is helping our communities live healthy and happy lives and our long-term investment into sports in Ashfield is proof that we are committed to achieving this aim.” </div>
<div>To complement the wider sports provision in Ashfield, the Council recently worked with the Lawn Tennis Association to fund the refurbishment of the tennis courts at Sutton Lawn and Huthwaite Welfare Park. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Plans submitted for new sports hubs at parks

Plans submitted for new sports hubs at Sutton Lawn and Kingsway Park

Ashfield District Council’s annual summer event programme is bursting with free events for the whole family.
Films in the Park The summer of events kicks off with Films in the Park on Selston Country Park on Saturday 22 June from 12pm – 10pm. The popular park in the heart of Selston will play host to 2 outdoor cinema screenings, the first will be a family film from 1pm, with an evening screening playing from 6.30pm. Throughout the day there will be a bar, inflatables, free face painting, and acoustic acts playing in the café.
Hucknall Fest A brand-new event is coming to Hucknall’s Titchfield Park on Saturday 6 July; Hucknall Fest. The event, running from 11am – 10pm, will focus on the live music stage jam-packed with tribute acts to various bands and artists playing until 9pm. Elsewhere on the park, there will be a huge family funfair, food and drink catering, market stalls to shop, a dog agility course, free face painting, and meet and greet with children’s characters.
Ashfield Show The news that everyone has been waiting for, Ashfield Show is returning to Sutton Lawn for the first time in over a decade. The show will be running across three days, Friday 9 August, Saturday 10 August, and Sunday 11 August, and will be crammed full of activities, performances, and entertainment for the whole family. All three days will feature a huge funfair, street food, three bars serving alcoholic and soft drinks, and the bustling market village. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/news/ashfield-day-2023">View a picture gallery of Ashfield Day 2023</a>
Ashfield Food and Drink Festival Ashfield Food and Drink Festival is back and bigger than ever for the fifth event on Hucknall High Street on Sunday 18 August from 10am – 4pm. With a range of street food, produce, and alcoholic drinks, the festival has something for all tastes. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/news/ashfield-food-and-drink-festival-2023">View a picture gallery of Ashfield Food and Drink Festival 2023</a>

Ashfield Summer Events Programme 2024

June 2024 Sutton in Ashfield’s outdoor market will be temporarily relocated from Monday 24 June, whilst improvement works take place on Portland Square. Ashfield District Council’s ambitious plans for the town centre will be breaking ground next month, to start the transformation of Portland Square. The plans include removing the sundial, replacing the paving to make it level access, and installing two large, raised planters featuring mature native trees, grass, ambient lighting, and in-built seating. Portland Square's redesign is just one of 16 major projects being funded by the Council's £62.6million Towns Deal.  Sutton’s outdoor market, which previously traded on Portland Square every Monday, will be temporarily relocated to Low Street (outside Costa Coffee, next to the Market Place car park) until the works to Portland Square, and the new home of the outdoor market - Fox Street, are finished early next year. Over by Wetherspoons in Sutton, work is well underway to turn the derelict Fox Street Site into the new home of Sutton’s outdoor markets, events, and pop-up markets. The space will also be used as a car park when markets aren’t running. John Bennett, Executive Director of Place, said: “Sutton’s outdoor market is being relocated whilst we get to work on transforming Portland Square, and the market’s new location from 2025, Fox Street. The new temporary location for Sutton’s outdoor market will provide increased footfall due to its proximity to our Market Place car park and Idlewells Indoor Market. “This is a really exciting time as we start to see our plans for Sutton town centre take shape. Portland Square and Fox Street developments will give a new lease of life to Sutton, and will complement our plans for Cornerstone Theatre to provide an enhanced cultural and retail offering.”  <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Market temporarily relocated for Portland Square works

Sutton outdoor market temporary relocation for Portland Square improvement works

<div>Ashfield District Council is bringing a brand-new event to Hucknall this summer, Hucknall Fest will be taking over Titchfield Park on Saturday 6 July offering a full day of live music and fun. From 11am until 10pm on Saturday 6 July, Titchfield Park in Hucknall, will play host the park’s first ever mini music festival. The main attraction at Hucknall Fest is the huge music stage that will feature local acts, Eurovision entry Lindsay Dracass, and top tributes to Rag n Bone Man, Taylor Swift, Blur, Oasis, and Amy Winehouse. The acts will be on stage from 12pm – 9pm.   Elsewhere on the park visitors will be able to enjoy a mega funfair, inflatables, face painting, balloon modelling, a dog show (weather permitting), meet and greats with Disney princess and Paw Patrol (weather permitting), and a bustling market village filled with local businesses and crafters. There will also be ice cream vans, a bar, and a food court with a variety of different cuisines to make sure nobody goes home hungry.  John Bennett, Executive Director of Place, said: “We are really pleased to be bringing the first ever Hucknall Fest to Titchfield Park, it’s going to be a fantastic day for the whole family. This is just one of Ashfield District Council’s fabulous free events that we are hosting this year. Keep your eyes on our social media and website for more details of upcoming events.” </div>
<div>There are a few spaces available for traders who want to stand at this event. </div>
<div>Email <a href="mailto:traders@outoftheboxevents.co.uk">traders@outoftheboxevents.co.uk</a> for an application form. Hucknall will be treated to a second event on Sunday 18 August when the hugely popular Ashfield Food and Drink Festival returns to Hucknall High Street for the fifth event. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a></div>

Hucknall Fest live music event added to the summer calendar

Hucknall Fest live music event in Titchfield Park

<div>May 2024</div>
<div> Work has begun on the transformation of the derelict Fox Street, Sutton, into an event and market space. Ashfield District Council plan to create a flexible outdoor space that links pedestrians from ASDA to the town centre, and can accommodate markets and events. The site is located behind Lloyds bank, and is currently a disused wasteland. The transformative works will see a 41-space car park created with new lighting, CCTV and native trees and hedging planted to enhance biodiversity. The river Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned, and restored, providing a natural focal point. The works to Fox Street are being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £6.27 million Future High Streets Fund. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We can’t wait to see this project begin. The Fox Street site has been an eyesore for a long time and our renovation works will breathe life into it, creating a space that can be used for events and markets – capitalising on the natural footfall in this part of Sutton. Ashfield District Council’s plans for the entire District are revolutionary and will create a lasting impact on Ashfield; a great place to live, visit, work, and play.” The next stage of the regeneration of Sutton town centre will start shortly after Fox Street, with ground being broken on Portland Square in June. The Council’s ambitious plans for Portland Square will create a modern, attractive, and useable town centre, funded as part of their £62.6 million Towns Deal. The new-look Portland Square will feature 2 raised lawns with inbuilt seating, ambient lighting, planting and semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting. Alongside the planters will be CCTV cameras, streetlighting, a new level flooring and more room outside businesses for outdoor seating. Both sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Lindum Group Managing Director, Kevin Damarell, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the council through this scheme at Sutton in Ashfield. </div>
<div>“We’ve been working with the authority since mid-2023 to help find the most cost-effective way to deliver the works, which will make a huge difference to the town centre, and ultimately provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.”</div>
<div> Lindum will be calling on the expertise and skills of local businesses to deliver this project, including Townscape Products, based in Fulwood Road South, which is one the UK’s premier street furniture manufacturing companies. Townscape Products Head of Sales, Jess Fergusson, said: “Townscape are very pleased to be working with Lindum Group and Ashfield Council to help realise this Town Centre improvement scheme. The raised platers and seating will provide a vibrate focal point for the local community enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the square and adding a much-needed green space for all to enjoy.’’ <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a></div>

Works begin on new event and market space in Sutton

Works begin on new event and market space in Fox Street in Sutton

July 2024 A former empty charity shop on Low Street, Sutton, has been transformed into a clean and green building by Ashfield District Council. 9-11 Low Street, the former YMCA shop, is being renovated as part of the Council’s £6.27 million Future High Streets Fund, from empty eyesore to an attractive, green, commercial unit. The buildings eco credentials come from the installation of photo voltaic panels on the roof, insultation, innovative sun tubes that provide natural light inside the building, and a living, green roof. The roof has been planted with sedums that will not only help capture carbon emissions, and absorb rainfall, they benefit pollinators when flowering during summer. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “This project is a great example of how we are transforming former grotspots in town centres, in ways you can see, and those that you can’t. The green roof is a clever and easy way for the Council to increase biodiversity whilst helping the environment, helping us achieve one of our key priorities; cleaner and greener. “Projects across Sutton and Kirkby are really picking up pace now with the start of works on Fox Street and Portland Square this month. It won’t be long until residents, businesses, and visitors start seeing real transformational change in Ashfield.”&nbsp; &nbsp; The internal works to 9-11 Low Street are almost complete. The Future High Streets Fund is also paying for the renovation of the theatre at Sutton Academy, the transformation of Fox Street, and the refurbishment at High Pavement House. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Cleaner and greener building on Low Street

July 2024 After over one year of works, Ashfield District Council’s Moor Market in Kirkby is now home to a new banking hub. Kirkby in Ashfield is set to experience a significant boost to its banking services following the opening of a new Banking Hub today (Friday 12 July 2024), bringing vital services to residents and businesses alike. As reported last year, this comes as part of a national initiative that will see 66 new hubs established across the UK, aimed at revitalising banking accessibility in communities. Ashfield District Council is hosting the new Banking Hub, located on the Lowmoor Road pedestrianised section of the High Street next to Moor Market Café. Thanks to the hard work and dedication over the past few months from Ashfield District Council, customers of multiple banks can now deposit and withdraw money, get face-to-face assistance, and carry out regular banking transactions. Additionally, the hub features one private room for one-on-one discussions, ensuring a personalised banking experience. Ashfield District Council, which submitted the successful bid to LINK in February 2023, has been instrumental in bringing this essential service back to Kirkby. The move follows the closure of 3 bank branches in the town centre over the past few years, culminating in the loss of Lloyds in February 2022. The Banking Hub is operated by Cash Access UK and represents a collaborative effort to restore essential banking services to communities like Kirkby. By reducing the need to travel out of town for banking needs, the hub will significantly enhance the convenience and financial wellbeing of the local population. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Regeneration and Planning, expressed his enthusiasm. He said: “We know that so many residents and businesses have struggled with the lack of face-to-face banking in Kirkby since the banks closed and so we have been working hard to bring a banking hub here. This will make a huge difference to people’s lives.” Cllr Andy Meakin, ward councillor, added:&nbsp;“We are over the moon to have secured this vital service and after months of incredibly hard work, we are really excited to see it opening today.“This is a vital part of our plans to regenerate the town centre.” More information is available at <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/kirkby-in-ashfield-nottinghamshire/" target="_blank" class="fontawesome external">www.cashaccess.co.uk</a> <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Boost to banking services with new Kirkby in Ashfield hub

July 2024 Ashfield District Council, together with the Ashfield Arts Partnership, is delighted to launch Ashfield Creates, a 3-year programme made possible by a record £1 million investment into arts and culture in Ashfield. The programme is supported by Arts Council England, who have awarded £1 million through their Place Partnership programme - which uses money from the National Lottery - to the Ashfield Arts Partnership led by Ashfield District Council. Ashfield Creates is a brand-new community-led programme that’s set to develop arts, creativity, and culture across every community in Ashfield. Enabling more people in Ashfield to access amazing arts activities, creative events, and opportunities than ever before. Local Creative Hubs will be established in Hucknall, Kirkby, Sutton, and a fourth travelling hub in the rural villages, to engage the communities across the District with creative activities, events, and experiences. The programme aims to reach over 160,000 live audience members, over 14,000 Participants, 250 volunteers and over 500 creative practitioners. Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council says:&nbsp;“I am absolutely thrilled that the incredibly strong partnership working we have in Ashfield has led to us securing this investment. It’s fantastic that the Arts Council is entrusting us with such a large grant to achieve truly transformational change. Investment into the arts is something that I am very passionate about, and I believe it will set us on our way to everyone being able to experience arts on their doorstep.” Ashfield Creates will be led by the residents of Ashfield, working with local organisations to plan regular activities across dance, art, music, and craft. The programme will include weekly local events and performances, and a yearly community arts festival, as well as large-scale events and festivals working with national and international artists. Across the summer the Ashfield Arts Partnership will be talking to people at local events to find out what they want to see and do and to help shape the programme of events and activities which are due to start in the Autumn. The initial 3-years of the programme are part of a larger 10-year arts, cultural and creative strategy for Ashfield, commissioned by Ashfield District Council and Ashfield Arts Partnership. The aim of the programme is to galvanise the arts sector, creative practitioners, and community organisations to become a strong and sustainable arts and culture sector that will thrive in Ashfield for many years to come. Ashfield is an area that Arts Council England has identified as having great potential but, where historically, investment and engagement has been too low. Arts Council has been working closely with leaders and cultural organisations in the District to encourage regeneration and growth through greater investment and access to creative and cultural activities. The programme will work to increase arts engagement and cultivate an environment where Ashfield can realise its creative potential dramatically and sustainably. Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said:&nbsp;“We’re delighted to invest £1 million into Ashfield through our Place Partnership programme, with funding from the National Lottery.“We’ve been working closely with local leaders and cultural organisations to improve investment and access to culture and creativity in the district. We know the positive impact that cultural investment has on places, such as regeneration, growth, employment and happiness, so we’re delighted that local people will have more opportunities to experience, connect and take part in creative and cultural activities where they live.” Louise Knott, Vice Principal at West Notts College and on behalf of the Ashfield Arts Partnership says:&nbsp;“This is an amazing achievement for Ashfield and is testament to the incredible partnership that has put such a strong bid together. As a college we wholeheartedly support the exciting programme of activity that will be on offer for Ashfield residents. I am passionate about the impact of arts programmes not just on individuals but helping whole communities to have that feel good factor. These are exciting times indeed for the district and I can’t wait to see our vision come to life over the next three years.” Edward Boott, Artistic Director and CEO of Nonsuch Studios who coordinated the bid efforts and member of Ashfield Arts Partnership says:&nbsp;“This is an incredible achievement by the people and communities of Ashfield. With over 200 community members and 25 local organisations coming together to help shape what Ashfield Creates will be, we created a truly transformational, community-led proposal to Arts Council England which the whole of Ashfield Arts Partnership can’t wait to put into action over the next three years. We can’t wait to see what we can create together!” Playwright and screenwriter James Graham says: “As an Ashfield born-and-bred writer I can't begin to express my delight that the area is to receive this cultural boost. We all know it is not a level playing field when it comes to accessing the arts, but I know from experience the talent in these towns and villages that is waiting to be supported, and the appetite that potential audiences have for engaging as a community with work that can bring people together. Congratulations to the dedicated team who brought this project to life, I can't wait to see the work begin."

Major £1 million arts investment into Ashfield

Jubilant colleagues at Lammas Leisure Centre are celebrating after the centre was rated ‘excellent’ for service quality. The facility, run by leading operator Everyone Active in partnership with Ashfield District Council, underwent a one-day Quest assessment. Quest is a continuous improvement tool for leisure facilities and sports development teams,&nbsp;and is managed by Right Directions on behalf of Sport England. Lammas Leisure Centre achieved an ‘excellent’ banding score, attained by only 22% of Quest-registered centres across the country. The site, a popular venue with people of all ages and interests, scored highly in many areas within the mystery visit and formal assessment elements. These included tackling inequalities, customer journey, operational management, managing the team, environmental management and statutory declaration. The report also praised the centre’s diverse, inclusive programme of activities and pricing structure, as well as its health and wellbeing agendas. Lammas Leisure Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities include a 120-station gym, 2 swimming pools, an ice rink, group fitness and cycling studios, an indoor bowls hall, squash courts, a soft play, TAGactive Arena and health hub. Everyone Active’s contract manager, Lorenzo Clark, said:&nbsp;“We are delighted with the outcome and believe it is nothing more than the centre and its team deserve. The Quest scheme is very customer focused and as such, quality facilities alone will not result in a ‘excellent’ banding being secured. This is only achieved through strong teams of colleagues delivering consistently high standards of customer service to the communities they serve.” Councillor Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing for Ashfield District Council, said:&nbsp;"Receiving this 'excellent' accreditation is testament to the hard work and dedication we have to bringing Ashfield leisure facilities we can be proud of. Being 'excellent' means we have proven we can deliver a varied activity programme in a clean and well-maintained environment. This fantastic work at Lammas Leisure Centre is just another example of how we are working to create healthy and sustainable places to promote good health and happiness so everyone in our communities can live healthier for longer."

Lammas Leisure Centre rated ‘excellent’ for service quality

Parks across Ashfield are raising the prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces. Ashfield District Council is celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for seven of its parks. These are among the 2227 winning parks and green spaces in the UK. Brierley Forest, in Huthwaite; The Lawn and Kings Mill Reservoir, in Sutton in Ashfield; Kingsway Park and Portland Park, in Kirkby in Ashfield; Selston Country Park, and Titchfield Park, in Hucknall, now all have the new Green Flag flying high. The news that the parks have achieved the accreditation - the international quality mark for parks and green spaces - is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it. Councillor Arnie Hankin, chairman of Ashfield District Council, said:&nbsp;“We have fantastic parks in Ashfield and they are a credit to all those who put in the hard work to keep them looking their best.“They are an important part of our communities and play host to some brilliant events enjoyed by thousands of residents. Don’t forget we have Ashfield Show coming up from 9 to 11 August on Sutton Lawn and it promises to be a great weekend.” Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at the Ashfield parks on achieving a Green Flag Award. These parks are a vital green space for communities in Ashfield to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health. "We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.” The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities &amp; Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Seven Ashfield parks awarded Green Flag Award 

Seven parks awarded Green Flag Award as they are recognised as among the best

July 2024 Ashfield District Council’s Planning Committee will consider plans to approve a world-class distribution and manufacturing skills centre in Ashfield at its July 31 meeting. The Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) is the Council’s flagship project from their £62.6 million Towns Deal and is set to cement the District as the heart of innovation and technology within the East Midlands. The plans for the ADMC, which – if approved – will sit on Lowmoor Road, Kirkby, have ambitions to ignite the adoption of automation and advanced manufacturing in business across the region. This will drive productivity and bring more high skilled jobs to Ashfield. The centre will work with businesses on how technology can help them, enable them to test how things could work within their own business and train their staff on how to use and maintain automated systems. The ADMC is a key component for the Council to achieve their ambitions for Ashfield to leverage its strong manufacturing heritage and central location in the UK, to have businesses and a workforce thriving with many highly paid and skilled roles within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) sectors. The broader site will be a £100 million+ technology park development attracting inward investment and creating higher economic growth opportunities for the residents of Ashfield. As part of the development native trees and hedging will be planted to create a new high-quality habitat and to act as a screen from the residential estate across from the site. A new species-rich meadow and a wet grassland meadow will be created to further improve the biodiversity. The site for the facility is an example of how repurposing land can actually improve it’s environmental and natural value, and is an appropriate use of land that is prime for redevelopment. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said:&nbsp;“The ADMC is a hugely exciting project for the Ashfield, the benefits of which will be felt for generations to come. Businesses small and large will be able to free up their staff from mundane tasks to focus on the interesting so we can have productive businesses offering well paid jobs. “The ADMC will also attract further investment into Ashfield due to its size and state-of-the-art facilities, creating a legacy of industry, technology, and innovation. The economic benefits of this project are incredible and will allow the Council to unlock the District’s true potential. This is all part of our broader regeneration strategy to make Ashfield a fantastic place to live, work, study, play and visit.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Plans considered for £30 million Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre

August 2024 Hucknall Leisure Centre is in the running for a prestigious national honour after being selected as a finalist in the ukactive Awards. The centre, run by leading operator Everyone Active on behalf of Ashfield District Council, has been shortlisted in the ‘Regional Club/Centre of the Year – Midlands’ category and will also be considered for the ‘National Club/Centre of the Year’ award. Hucknall Leisure Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities include a 100-station gym fitted with top-of-the range equipment, group fitness studios, swimming pool, sports hall, squash courts and café. The ukactive Awards celebrate the best of the physical activity sector and are designed to recognise excellence and innovation across health, wellbeing and fitness. A not-for-profit body, ukactive comprises members and partners from across the active lifestyle sector. Finalists will now go through to the next stage of the judging process where they will undergo further assessments including a mystery shop and digital review. The regional winners and national champion will be announced at a gala dinner at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday, October 3. Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said:&nbsp;“It’s a huge honour to be shortlisted for the ukactive Awards and this reflects the hard work and dedication the site team has put in over the past year. They have done a fantastic job.“To be selected as a finalist is an achievement in itself and we’d like to thank all of our members for their ongoing support. We look forward to October’s awards ceremony and in the meantime will continue to focus on getting the local community active.” Cllr Lee Waters, Ward Councillor for Hucknall Central at Ashfield District Council, said:&nbsp;“It is fantastic to hear that Hucknall Leisure Centre has been shortlisted for this prestigious award. This award nomination highlights the hard work from Everyone Active on behalf of Ashfield District Council that goes into running such a brilliant facility.” Cllr Dave Shaw, Ward Councillor for Hucknall West at Ashfield District Council, added:&nbsp;“We work incredibly hard to ensure facilities are available in our communities to keep residents and visitors healthy and active and we are proud to have such a fantastic leisure centre in the area that is regularly used by the community. I look forward to finding out the result in October and wish all those shortlisted the best of luck.”

Hucknall Leisure Centre shortlisted for ukactive Awards

Ashfield District Council is bringing back the Ashfield Show for 2024, for the first time in over a decade in August 2024. Following the success of the inaugural Ashfield Day in 2022, which had 12,000 people flock to Sutton Lawn to enjoy a day of free family fun, the council has decided to extend the event and bring back the Ashfield Show. Sutton Lawn will play host to the three-day event, which will run on Friday 9 August, Saturday 10 August, and Sunday 11 August. Full details of the event will be released in the coming months, but visitors can expect live music, community performances, food, drink, the market village, activities, and so much more. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Ashfield Show returning to Sutton Lawn this Friday

August 2024 Organised by Out of the Box Events, on behalf of the Council, Ashfield Show returned to Sutton Lawn for the first time in over a decade from Friday 9 August to Sunday 11 August 2024. Taking place over three fantastic days of sunshine, the free event saw different activities and entertainment available on each day, with a bustling market village of local traders showcasing their products including jewellery, gifts, crafts, clothing, accessories, baked goods, sweets, pet accessories, candles, bath products, and much more for the entire weekend. As well as the market stalls, the huge funfair was open all three days with rides for all ages, inflatables, face painting, a packed food court with 15 caterers offering a variety of street food, pizza, chips, vegetarian and vegan options, and three garden bars serving alcoholic and soft drinks to keep visitors hydrated and fed in the sun. On Friday, the event kicked off with a day of live music with a line-up of the UK’s top tribute acts including Taylor Swift, Rag N Bone Man and Ariana Grande, who wowed crowds into the night, ending the evening with a performance from The Ultimate Killers Tribute. Saturday saw more free entertainment on the Main Stage with performances from solo artists, a local band, Eurovision’s Lindsey Dracass and ended the evening with an incredible show from The Ultimate Coldplay tribute. Inside the giant marquee on Saturday, visitors were able to browse stalls from a range of community organisations including Mill Waters, Nonsuch Studios, Everyone Active, Art Explora, Felley Priory, Our Centre, Academy Transformation Trust Further Education, and Inspire. The final day welcomed even more visitors to the green space with Wild West performances full of pyrotechnics and engaging stories, a cinema screening on the main stage of Secret Life of Pets, a dog show and live music from local groups and musicians before a Mamma Mia sing-a-long experience which got crowds up and dancing. Following the success of Ashfield Show 2024, plans are already being made for 2025 to bring the Show back bigger and better. Now, the teams behind this fantastic event are already preparing for the next – Ashfield Fireworks at Sutton Lawn on 2 November – make sure to keep an eye of further details coming soon, and don’t forget the Ashfield Food and Drink Festival, taking place on on Sunday 18 August from 10am-4pm on Hucknall High Street! Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader at Ashfield District Council said: “We had an absolutely fantastic weekend at Ashfield Show, welcoming around 20,000 people over the three days – making it one of the busiest shows to date.&nbsp;Following the success of our inaugural Ashfield Day in 2022, which saw over 12,000 visitors, we decided to extend the event into a 3-day Ash-travaganza. “We listened to residents calling for the return of Ashfield Show, and couldn’t be prouder to have brought the biggest free weekend in the whole Midlands back to Ashfield once again.&nbsp;We are really proud that the Council, in partnership with Out of the Box Events, is able to provide fantastic free events like this for our communities, we know how valuable these free days out for families are and we look forward to welcoming residents to our next free events in the calendar – Ashfield Food and Drink Festival on 18 August 2024 and Ashfield Fireworks on 2 November 2024!”

Thousands attend first Ashfield Show in over a decade

June 2024 Ashfield District Council’s annual summer event programme kicked off in June with Films in the Park on Selston Country Park. The popular park, in the heart of Selston, played host to two outdoor cinema screenings on Saturday 22 June. First on the big screen in the afternoon was The Little Mermaid, followed by The Greatest Showman in the evening.&nbsp;The event also had inflatables, free face painting, and acoustic acts playing in the café to entertain families in between the two films.&nbsp; <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Films in the Park 2024 summer event photo gallery

July 2024 Ashfield District Council’s first ever Hucknall Fest welcomed thousands to Titchfield Park in Hucknall in July. This was the park’s first ever mini music festival, being headlined by Europe’s number one tribute to Mumford and Sons: Chasing Mumford. The stage also saw a performance from Eurovision star Lindsay Dracass, as well as tributes to Taylor Swift, Rag 'n' Bone Man and ABBA. Elsewhere on the park, pooches from across the area took part in a dog show, and visitors also enjoyed a funfair, inflatables, face painting, balloon modelling, meet and greets with Disney princesses and Paw Patrol and a market village filled with local businesses and crafters.&nbsp; <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>

Hucknall Fest 2024 photo gallery

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August 2024 Thousands attended the first Ashfield Show in over a decade, organised by Out of the Box Events on behalf of Ashfield Council. Taking place over three fantastic days of sunshine in mid-August, the free event had a bustling market village of local traders with products including crafts, clothing, baked goods, pet accessories, candles, and much more. There was a funfair, inflatables, face painting, and a packed food court with street food, vegetarian and vegan options, and three garden bars. On Friday, the UK’s top tribute acts performed live and included Taylor Swift, Rag 'n' Bone Man, and Ariana Grande, and The Ultimate Killers Tribute. Saturday's entertainment on the Main Stage included Eurovision’s Lindsey Dracass, and an incredible show from The Ultimate Coldplay tribute. Inside the giant marquee, visitors browsed stalls from community organisations including Mill Waters, Nonsuch Studios, Everyone Active, Art Explora, Felley Priory, Our Centre, Academy Transformation Trust Further Education, and Inspire. The final day had Wild West performances full of pyrotechnics and engaging stories, a cinema screening on the main stage of The Secret Life of Pets, a dog show, live music, and a Mamma Mia sing-a-long experience. Following the success of Ashfield Show 2024, plans are already being made for 2025 to bring the Show back bigger and better. <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/whats-on">Discover upcoming events at our What's on page</a>
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Ashfield Show 2024 photo gallery

Discover Ashfield Photography Competition returns for 2024! Budding photographers are being urged to capture the beauty of Ashfield as the annual photography competition is back. Local snappers are in with a chance of winning £100 vouchers as the Discover Ashfield Photograph Competition returns from today, Monday 22 July.&nbsp;Residents of all ages are invited to get creative with the camera and show Ashfield in all its glory. This year’s categories are: “Made in Ashfield”, “Active Ashfield” and a special category for “Under 16s” to enter. A winner will be chosen for each category. The closing date for entries is Sunday 15 September 2024.&nbsp; <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.ashfield.gov.uk/community-leisure/discover-ashfield-photography-competition/" target="_blank">Enter the competition at Discover Ashfield Photography Competition</a> Martin Rigley OBE, Chair of Discover Ashfield, said: “The Discover Ashfield Photography Competition shows us the beauty of Ashfield through the eyes of the photographer. We have had some stunning entries over the years and we love receiving your pictures.” Councillor Chris Huskinson, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’ve had some incredible photos sent to us previously as part of the competition and we look forward to seeing this year’s entries. We really do have so many talented photographers in the district. “We want to encourage people to get out and show us your favourite parts of Ashfield through your photos or go and discover somewhere new.” Judging will take place by Discover Ashfield board members after the closing date and the winners will be announced from September 30.

Enter Discover Ashfield Photography Competition 2024

August 2024 There are only three months left until the brand new planetarium is set to open at Sherwood Observatory. Work is on track to be completed by the end of November 2024, with the dome now ready to be transformed into the planetarium which will transport visitors out of this world. Work is now due to start on the internal areas with a specialist planetarium contractor coming in to fit it out with everything it needs – including the screens and the projectors. It will feature 59 seats as well as disabled access with a 10 metre diameter screen that will go inside the dome showing tours of the solar system and beyond. The project team will also get to work on the groundwork outside of the planetarium to get it ready to welcome visitors. Councillor Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth and Local Planning, said:&nbsp;“It is wonderful to see construction of the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved. “It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and about science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area. “It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium. “This really will be an incredible asset for the District and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.” The planetarium construction is part of Sherwood Observatory and Ashfield District Council’s development to create a Science Discovery Centre and planetarium at the Observatory in Sutton. The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. The observatory, on Coxmoor Road, sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir which will be sympathetically transformed into an education and exhibition space. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, will be kept preserving the history of the building. Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said:&nbsp;“This is going to be a cutting edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator will be coming in to transform the dome. “It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors a tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Only three months until blast off for new planetarium

September 2024 The Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC), the plans for which were approved on 31 July 2024, is the Council’s flagship project from its £62.6 million Towns Deal. It is set to cement the District at the heart of the innovation and technology sector within the East Midlands Combined Authority area. An event was held at The Romo Group on 6 September 2024, entitled Getting the Most from Automation and the ADMC. Attendees were able to:
<ul>
<li>Learn more about the planned work of the ADMC and its progress to date </li>
<li>Hear about examples of successful automation deployed in Ashfield and the East Midlands Combined Authority area </li>
<li>Access to expertise and advice to help decide whether to automate, what entry points exist, how to plan for future automation, what pitfalls to avoid when introducing automation, what skills are needed to support this change, and what support is available </li>
<li>Meet automation technology suppliers and understand more about their solutions for business </li>
<li>Participate in round table workshops, based on specific topics relevant to business needs.</li>
</ul>
The ADMC will work with businesses to explain how automated technology can help them to improve their operations, to research and develop automated solutions to their challenges with them, and to train their staff on how to use and maintain these systems. The centre has been designed with the support of a range of local businesses, large and small, as well as the major automation technology suppliers based in the UK. The ADMC is a key component for the Council to achieve its ambitions for Ashfield to leverage its strong manufacturing heritage and central location in the UK. The centre, which will be based adjacent to Lowmoor Road, Kirkby, has ambitions to ignite the adoption of automation distribution and manufacturing in business across the region. It will help drive improved productivity and bring more high skilled jobs to Ashfield. The ADMC will be the centrepiece of a £100 million+ innovation and technology park development. This also aims to attract inward investment from technology-based companies outside the District and create higher economic growth opportunities for the residents of Ashfield. As part of the development of the park, native trees and hedging will be planted to create a new high-quality habitat and to act as a screen from the residential estate across from the site. A new species-rich meadow and a wet grassland meadow will be created to further improve the biodiversity. Ashfield District Council are working in partnership with Vision West Nottinghamshire College (VWNC), Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Nottinghamshire County Council to deliver this ADMC. NTU are investing some £1m in the ADMC project and both they and VWNC are aligning their local skills and training facilities with it, the latter being adjacent to the technology park site. Following its approval, work to build the ADMC are due to start soon, with an expected completion date for late 2025. <img src="https://media.umbraco.io/discover-ashfield-heartcore/dimdwyxa/screenshot-2024-08-01-114254.png?mode=max&amp;anchor=&amp;width=500" alt="" width="500" height="207"> Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “Following the success of our ‘Automation for You’ event in May last year, we are proud to have brought together local and national businesses once again for this fantastic event. “Interest in the work of the ADMC is already high from within the local and regional business base to help our business grow and become more competitive on the global stage. The ADMC is a hugely exciting project for the Ashfield, the benefits of which will be felt for generations to come. “It will also attract further investment into Ashfield due to its size and state-of-the-art facilities, creating a legacy of industry, technology, and innovation. The economic benefits of this project for Ashfield and the broader region are set to be incredible. This is all part of our broader regeneration strategy to make Ashfield a fantastic place to live, work, study, play and visit. “Our team continues to seek a broad range of inputs on the development of the ADMC and would love to hear from any businesses of any size who are curious about how automation and the ADMC could help them. So please get in touch if you are curious about how automation could help your business thrive.” Businesses can contact the project team by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@theadmc.co.uk" class="email">info@theadmc.co.uk</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theadmc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sign up to the ADMC newsletter for the latest updates</a> <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Automation event underlines the benefits to businesses as Ashfield ADMC approved

Automation event underlines benefits to businesses as Ashfield ADMC approved

Discover Ashfield Awards 2024 – now open The annual Discover Ashfield Awards are now open and accepting nominations until 20 October 2024. The awards, now in their fifth year, celebrate the fantastic people, organisations and businesses within Ashfield and their achievements over the past 12 months. &nbsp; Every year the awards have grown and this year there are 20 categories up for grabs with several new additions to recognise the work of local businesses and industry in the District. Nomination categories: Very Important Volunteer Outstanding Organisation&nbsp; Phenomenal Project&nbsp; Community Champion&nbsp; Superhero&nbsp; Places to Visit&nbsp; Green Ashfield&nbsp; Business of the Year&nbsp; Best Business Start-up of the Year&nbsp; Entrepreneur of the Year Young Entrepreneur of the Year Best High Street Business Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Provider Award The Graduate Retention Provider Award The Life Skills Provider Award The Outstanding Partner Award If you know of someone, a group or business who deserve some recognition, then please take the time to <a href="http://www.ashfield.gov.uk/discover-ashfield-awards-2024">nominate them here.</a>
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Discover Ashfield Awards 2024 – now open 

Mansfield and Ashfield Cultural Compact is a dynamic coalition, dedicated to advancing the arts and culture sector across our vibrant districts. Our Compact, supported by Arts Council England, aims to make Mansfield and Ashfield better places by using culture to improve people's lives and happiness. By working together as local authorities, businesses, educators, and cultural leaders, we're collectively designing and delivering a vision that unites culture into the heart of our community. Together, we're working hard to make arts and creativity more important for our local economy, health, and community spirit. Even though challenges like Covid-19 have slowed us down, we're pushing forward to create strong cultural leadership that helps our community bounce back and grow again. Our goal is a future where culture is strong, making our towns better places to live with lasting benefits for everyone. CORE PARTNERS The Founding Board of the Mansfield and Ashfield Cultural Compact includes senior representatives from: Discover Ashfield First Art Inspire (including Captivate, the Cultural Education Partnership) Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 Mansfield District Council NHS Nottingham &amp; Nottinghamshire CCG Nottingham Trent University Nottinghamshire County Council Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust Ashfield District Council&nbsp; Mansfield Place Board (to be confirmed) West Notts College Join us in shaping this transformative journey. Follow our progress, get involved, and contribute to our shared vision for a more vibrant and inclusive Mansfield and Ashfield. For more information on how to participate, contact us at <a href="mailto:discoverashfield@ashfield.gov.uk">discoverashfield@ashfield.gov.uk</a>&nbsp;

MANSFIELD AND ASHFIELD CULTURAL COMPACT

September 2024 The Sports Hub at Sutton Lawn moved a step closer today (September 25) after Ashfield District Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans. The plans approved for Sutton Lawn today include the extension and refurbishment of the current pavilion building, creating a brand new car park and access road. The pavilion will be managed by Sutton Community Academy, with community football groups having access to the facility in the evening and weekends. The new car park will create space for an additional 58 cars, easing pressure on the popular main car park and surrounding residential streets. These plans are part of the wider Sports Hub project which centres around increasing provision for football at the park and has previously been approved by Planning Committee. The Sports Hub includes creating two new 3G football pitches, improvements to the existing grass football pitches, and converting the derelict shale pitch to grass pitches. These improvements to Sutton Lawn are being made in conjunction with the Football Foundation and Academy Transformation Trust Further Education. The sports hub is being funded as part of their £62.6 million Towns Deal, which is financing 16 major transformational projects across Sutton and Kirkby that will change the face of Ashfield for generations to come. A further Sports Hub is planned for Kingsway Park to improve facilities for hockey, football and bowls. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, said:&nbsp;“This is going to be a huge investment into Sutton Lawn, shaping the football facilities for years to come. The new car park will be welcomed by visitors and the residents that live around the park. It’s fantastic that we are able to prioritise sports at a time when other Council’s are closing facilities. “One of the Council’s priorities is helping our communities live healthy and happy lives and our long-term investment into sports in Ashfield is proof that we are committed to achieving this aim.” <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Major investments approved for Sutton Lawn

More than 600 jobseekers, students and those looking for a new career’s path have descended on the 2024 Ashfield Careers Fair. Ashfield District Council’s annual event, held at Kirkby Leisure Centre, saw more than 50 businesses come together to offer over 600 vacancies and apprenticeships across the District. Jobseekers were also able to find out more about training opportunities available, seek advice on gaining new qualifications and running their own company. Businesses and organisations represented on the day, which was sponsored by ECS Engineering Services and Kinver Solutions, included Heroux-Devtek, E-On / E-On Next, West Notts College, Neoterik Engineering Services, Fabrikat (Nottingham) Ltd, Amazon, YMCA Robin Hood Group, and Everyone Active. Cllr Matthew Relf, the Council’s Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, said: “We are lucky to have such a wide variety of businesses offering fantastic opportunities right here on our doorstep in Ashfield. Ashfield District Council brought many of them together for our popular Career’s Fair. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the businesses about our event.“This was also a perfect networking event and we are confident that it will lead to some job opportunities which is fantastic. We would like to thank everyone who exhibited and attended the fair this year and we look forward to doing it again in 2025.” Ashfield District Council is committed to supporting employment and training in the District and will continue to champion Ashfield as the place to be for businesses and transformation.

Jobseekers out in force for 2024 Ashfield Careers Fair

Sutton Community Academy’s theatre has now been stripped out ready for the refurbishment works to begin. The works are part of Ashfield District Council and Sutton Community Academy’s plans to upgrade the theatre, which will be rebranded and opened to the public as Cornerstone Theatre. The project is being funded as part of the Council’s £6.27m Future High Streets Fund, and is central to their plans to revitalise Sutton town centre. &nbsp; The new theatre, which is due to be completed mid-2025, will allow residents and visitors to watch professional theatre performances, cinematic experiences, music and comedy nights in the heart of Sutton. Students at the college will continue to use the theatre for their performances and will give them valuable experience in a high-quality facility. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said:&nbsp;“This project will help us achieve our goals of creating a vibrant and safe night-time economy in Ashfield. We are so proud to be investing in arts and culture, to allow more people of all backgrounds, young and old, in Ashfield and beyond to experience the magic of cinema, live theatre and music right here on their doorstep.“All our regeneration projects, funded through over £100million external investment, have the common aim – to create an Ashfield that is a great place to live, work, play, study and visit.” New dressing rooms and a green room, toilets - including a changing places room - foyer and box office will be created to accommodate the improved theatre. Inside the theatre itself the auditorium will be completely refurbished with new flooring, ceiling, acoustic wall treatments and doors. A new retractable seating system will provide seating, and specialist lighting will also be installed. Considerations are being made to ensure the theatre will be an accessible space for staff, performers, and the audience. Simon Martin, Vice Principal at ATTFE, said: "ATTFE is hugely excited to be involved in the inception and the future running of the Cornerstone facility. Sutton-in-Ashfield and the surrounding area has long needed investment in and opportunities for cultural experiences of all sorts, and Cornerstone will provide these for the direct communities, neighbourhoods, and families that we serve". <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Sutton Theatre refurbishment begins

The centre, run by leading operator Everyone Active in partnership with Ashfield District Council, triumphed in the ‘Regional Club/Centre of the Year – Midlands’ category at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Everyone Active also won ‘Outstanding Organisation of the Year’ award for its work across the country, including at the other sites within its Ashfield contract – Lammas Leisure Centre and Kirkby Leisure Centre. Hucknall Leisure Centre’s state-of-the-art facilities include a 100-station gym, three group fitness studios, a swimming pool which hosts award-winning swimming lessons, a sports hall, squash courts and a food and beverage area. The ukactive Awards celebrate the best of the physical activity sector and are designed to recognise excellence and innovation across health, wellbeing and fitness. A not-for-profit body, ukactive comprises members and partners from across the active lifestyle sector. Cllr Dave Shaw, Ward Councillor for Hucknall Central at Ashfield District Council, said: "Receiving Midlands Centre of the Year is testament to the hard work and dedication we have to bringing Hucknall residents leisure facilities we can be proud of. "This fantastic work at Hucknall Leisure Centre is just another example of how we are working to create healthy and sustainable places to promote good health and happiness so everyone in our communities can live healthier for longer."I’d personally like to thank the staff at Everyone Active for helping us in achieving this fantastic award.” Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active’s contract manager, added: “It’s a huge honour to win at the ukactive Awards and this reflects the hard work and dedication the site team has put in over the past year. Led by the general manager, Jamie Matsell, they have done a fantastic job. We are so proud to help the local community get active and would like to thank all of our members and partners for their ongoing support.”
<a href="/places-to-visit/hucknall-leisure-centre">Learn more about Hucknall Leisure Centre</a>

Hucknall Leisure Centre triumphs at 2024 ukactive Awards

The Northern Lights, nature, and a child at play have made winning shots for the Discover Ashfield Photography Competition 2024. Ashfield residents were asked to capture images from around the District for three categories for the annual competition, and they did not disappoint. The judges said they found this one a very close decision. The three categories were ‘Made in Ashfield’, ‘Active Ashfield’ and a category for ‘Under 16s’. Each winner will receive a £50 Love to Shop voucher and a £50 voucher to spend at the local Leisure Centres.&nbsp; Louise Knott, Vice Chair of Discover Ashfield Board, said “Each year we get to see different perspectives of residents in Ashfield and see how they interpret the categories. Each year it’s always difficult as we receive so many wonderful photos. Thank you to everyone who entered and congratulations to the winners.” 
The winners for each category are:
<img src="https://media.umbraco.io/discover-ashfield-heartcore/qtwbaahu/tracy-hancock-reach-for-the-skies.jpeg?mode=max&amp;anchor=&amp;height=500" alt="Child on play area hands in air" width="375" height="500">‘Reach for the Skies’ by Tracy Hancock for the Active Ashfield category
<img src="https://media.umbraco.io/discover-ashfield-heartcore/gjsmayzq/tony-booth-aurora-over-sherwood-observatory.jpg?mode=max&amp;anchor=&amp;width=386&amp;height=287" alt="" width="386" height="287">‘Aurora over Sherwood Observatory’ by Tony Booth for the Made in Ashfield category
<img src="https://media.umbraco.io/discover-ashfield-heartcore/a1tm2bgb/kayleigh-schofield-nature.jpeg?mode=max&amp;anchor=&amp;width=342&amp;height=608" alt="viaduct with water" width="342" height="608">'Nature' by Kayleigh Schofield for the Under 16s category Councillor Chris Huskinson, Ashfield District Council’s Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Thank you to everyone who shared their fantastic photographs with us this year – we have had some fantastic pictures showing Ashfield in some artistic and unique lights. “Congratulations to this year’s winners – they are truly stand-out pictures.”

Winners announced for 2024 Discover Ashfield Photography Competition

Ashfield District Council’s transformation of Sutton in Ashfield town centre has moved up a gear, after ground was broken at Portland Square, marking the latest stage in its exciting, major transformation. The new-look Portland Square will feature 2 raised lawns with inbuilt seating and 8 new semi-mature trees to bring greenery back into the urban setting. Alongside the planters will be new street lighting, a new level paving and more room outside businesses for outdoor seating. State of the art CCTV cameras will also be fitted. Work is expected to be completed mid 2025. The plans for Portland Square form part of the Council’s £62.6 million Towns Deal which is funding 16 transformational projects across the District.
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said:&nbsp;"We’re delighted that another transformational project is starting. Portland Square is a vital part of our town centre and it’s an exciting time for Sutton. "The plans for Portland Square are ambitious, not just with the physical changes but how we are creating a cultural shift towards a thriving night-time economy."In combination with the development of Fox Street and the brand-new Cornerstone Theatre, Sutton’s future looks bright. Ashfield District Council was the most successful council in the whole UK to bid for this Town’s funding. We are transforming Sutton before resident’s eyes.” To complement this, the Council is also redeveloping the derelict Fox Street site (behind Lloyds bank) to create a flexible outdoor space. The site will be the new home of Sutton’s outdoor market, events, special markets, as well as providing a 41 space car park when not in use for markets. The river Idle, which runs through the back of the site, will be cleaned and restored, providing a natural focal point. The improvements to Fox Street are being funded by the £6.27 million Future High Streets Fund, with work expected to finish in early 2025. Lindum Group Co-Chairman Edward Chambers said:&nbsp;"We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Ashfield District Council through this second phase of public realm regeneration work in Sutton in Ashfield. We've been working with the council since mid 2023 to find the most cost-effective solution to delivering these projects. The scheme in Portland Square, together with the work underway in Fox Street, will enhance the town centre with improved community spaces that will promote social interaction and help bring local economic growth." <a href="https://discoverashfield.co.uk/regeneration">Discover more about major regeneration projects in Ashfield.</a>

Excitement builds as work starts on flagship Portland Square project 

Excitement builds as work starts on flagship stage transformation of Portland Square in Sutton in Ashfield

Work to transform another public footpath in Kirkby-in-Ashfield to make it more accessible is now underway.&nbsp; The work is the last piece in the jigsaw to make public footpaths accessible. Penny Emma Way, in Kirkby, is undergoing a transformation to allow easier access for cyclists, wheelchair users, pushchairs and pedestrians. This is the latest part of Ashfield District Council’s Towns Funded projects to improve off-road cycling and walking routes across the District. The work will see the 0.5-mile cycling and walking route between Southwell Lane and Penny Emma Way widened to 1.8m width. The work will include vegetation clearance, new wayfinding signage and resurfacing using recycled materials. Any materials that are excavated from the site will be used to infill other areas to path height. This project is expected to take six weeks to complete. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said:&nbsp;“Making sure our footpaths are accessible is a top priority for us. We are committed to making Ashfield a cleaner and greener place to live and work. “This is the final footpath at Summit Pit Tip to be fully resurfaced and residents will be delighted.&nbsp; Over the last few years - over £100,000 has been spent making huge improvements to our footpaths in this area. This will be the final piece of the jigsaw. “Everyone should be able to make the most of getting out in the fresh air and getting some exercise, which is why projects like this are so important. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished pathway and more people getting to enjoy it.” The work is being carried out by SPG Construction, based in Sutton, using local companies to source plants and materials for the work. This is one of many off-road cycle and walking paths in the area that will be improved to give greater connectivity between Sutton and Kirkby. Ashfield District Council has already invested in improving the footpaths that run from Lindrick Road to Summit pit tip. This new phase of works will link these paths, following the old railway line from Southwell Lane to Penny Emma Way.

Kirkby-Sutton path set to be transformed!

Ashfield District Council has launched a Green Activity Grant Scheme to support local community organisations that provide opportunities for Ashfield residents that benefit their mental health. Eligible groups will be able to apply for grants of up to £1000, funded by part of the Council’s £3.2 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant can be used to fund activities include walking, cycling, or wheeling groups, purchasing equipment for gardening and growing activities, and buying tools or equipment to help wildlife groups. These are just a few examples and is not an exhaustive list of eligible activities. Previous community groups that have benefited from a similar grant handed out by the Council have provided lots of positive feedback about how the funding has helped their members’ mental health, improved skills, supported healthy eating and lifestyles. &nbsp; Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said:&nbsp;“This is another fantastic grant scheme that we are very proud to be able to offer. Supporting mental health is hugely important to the Council and it has been proven that spending time outdoors regularly can improve mental wellbeing so this grant scheme will benefit hundreds of residents. “Our community organisations and charities in Ashfield all do a valuable job of offering support and services to some of the most vulnerable people in the District and we will continue to fund them to carry out their incredible work.” Community groups and organisations that aim to improve and support residents’ mental health through the great outdoors, can apply for the funding by visiting the Council’s website. The Green Activity Grant Scheme will be issued on a first come, first served basis until all the funds have been allocated.

Grants to support residents’ mental health launched

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