Residents of Mansfield's "forgotten" estate have spoken of their excitement as work got underway to regenerate the area. Up to 22 homes, a cafe and a fast food takeaway are set to be built in Egmanton Road, part of the Bellamy Estate, after proposals were approved to give the area a new lease of life.
But before that gets started, the first phase of the £7million development has begun with work starting last week on a new play area in the centre of the estate as part of a new 'village green' area. That is expected to be complete by June when work is scheduled to start on a new learn to cycle track near the play area.
One resident stated that "things are looking up" for people living on the Bellamy Estate as the previously run-down area is now finally being afforded some attention. Dawn Jackson, 56, who works as a support worker and has lived on the estate for 16 years, said: "I am happy that work's being done. There's nothing around there for anyone at the moment.
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"There's nothing for kids to do here and if there's nothing to do then it can lead them to doing other things or causing trouble. It's definitely a forgotten estate - we used to have pub here but now the area's just suffering.
"Just look at the shops we have now: there's not much to shout about. It's good that we're getting this new play area for kids and there's some added attention; things are looking up here now."
The estate was built in the 1960s to accommodate an influx of miners. Over the proceeding decades it has changed with parts in need of regeneration.
Amy Flynn, 48, who also lives on the estate, said: "I am glad that people have finally taken the time to focus on our estate but I also wonder why it took so long. I think someone told me about plans for a cafe and new shops years ago and it feels like we've been waiting for forever for something to be done around here.
"It's a shame that it's taken so long for Bellamy to get some changes to it and some new additions but better late than never. The children's park should be a great addition because there really isn't anything for the young ones to do around here and there hasn't been for ages.
"Some people have complained before about kids making noise or causing too much trouble but what do you expect when there's nothing to do? It'll be nice for them to have a place to get together.
"We could do with some new shops and places to eat as well so yes we're happy that something's being done now."
The scheme includes demolishing existing shops and five flats in Egmanton Road and building a new single storey parade of shops with a convenience store, cafe and takeaway. There will also be a new road with traffic calming measures connecting Thorpe Road and Egmanton Road which will allow for improved bus connections through this part of the estate.
All the new homes, to be offered at affordable rents, will be owned and managed by Mansfield District Council. The new housing would comprise: three four-bedroom semi-detached houses; eight three-bedroom semi-detached houses; nine two-bedroom semi-detached houses and two two-bedroom detached houses.
Another resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I am happy with it all, yes, it should be nice. I would definitely agree that the place has been forgotten about.
"There isn't much to do and the town centre isn't exactly close so if you want to do some shopping you have to travel a bit, which is harder for older people. Hopefully now we won't have to go so far." The council's in-house Architects are designing the homes to align with Government carbon reduction targets and to the Future Homes Standard, expected to be adopted nationally by 2025.
