Shop owners in Mansfield say a scheme to spruce up frontages won't improve footfall in the town, and other issues should be tackled first.
Mansfield District Council has reopened the Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The grant applies on parts of Leeming Street, limited properties on Stockwell Gate and the Market Place conservation area.
Businesses have spoken out on what they’d like to see money spent on in the town. Jeremy Chandler owns Collectables in Mansfield town centre.
With Jeremy’s shop front not an issue to him, he said: “Mansfield is dead, it’s touch and go, trying to get people in has nothing to do with shop fronts. There’s anti-social behaviour, no police presence and people walking around with their illegal dogs.”
Is the government doing enough to help with the cost of living? Let us know
Collectables used to be based in the arcade. Jeremy added: “There needs to be more done to attract people to the area.”
The £1.3m scheme helps landlords, property owners, and businesses with a lease that has at least ten years left to run to carry out property repairs and refurbishments to enhance the architectural quality of the buildings. Others want to see more investment into the town’s market.
Property owners will be able to apply for co-funded grants of up to 75 per cent to help with the cost of making improvements.
On the high street, one business owner decided to stay anonymous. They said: “Shop fronts aren’t the answer, a new and improved building would help, yes but there’s a long list of things that need to be done before making shop fronts look pretty.”
They continued: “Many business owners are in contact with the council and I can’t think of anyone here that would want a better shop front before investment goes into the market, dealing with antisocial behaviour and shoplifting. There’s no point in having a better shop front if people are still stealing from you and drawing graffiti around the town.”
Steven Armstrong owns Romans Antique Collectables on Market Place. He said: “The main point of every town is the market, it’s been destroyed.
“Years ago, you couldn’t get down West Gate. There were 100 to 150 stalls, now it’s so quiet.
“The market hasn’t moved with the times either, you can get anything in the supermarkets so if you can buy a handbag in the supermarket, you’re not going to come to the market and get one.”
Steven added: “I want to see a proper town centre and there should be other priorities like better parking before shop fronts are fixed.”
Also located on Market Place is the Eden Mobility shop. Although they aren’t an independent business, shop manager Paul Wilson said: “We’re a different shop, more specific, we don’t get many people browsing.
“I do think that in Mansfield, there needs to be more of a variety of shops, when Debenhams closed down, that really killed it.
“I love it here and I hope more people visit.”
Jay Rowlinson, CEO of Mansfield BID, added: “We are delighted that the Townscape Heritage Programme is being given a boost, and we fully encourage our town centre businesses and the property owners to engage in exploring the support that may be available.
“This is another important part of the town centre jigsaw, to create a place that is valued, appreciated and attracts new investment.
“Throughout the project’s delivery, there have been work experience opportunities for volunteers and students to learn about conservation and restoration skills as well as opportunities to be involved in film, story-telling, street theatre, art and photography activities, celebrating efforts to return one of Mansfield's most elegant shopping areas to its former glory."
