Businesses in Hucknall have welcomed the planned £600,000 transformation of a gateway into the town.
Ashfield District Council’s planning committee approved plans to regenerate Chapel Street and Central Walk earlier in December.
Plans for Central Walk include removing a dated arcade canopy, introducing more street lights and ambient lighting, putting in a number of planters, seating, and bins; improving the shopfronts, and painting street art.
In Chapel Street, the canopy outside B&M will be removed, and new paving will be laid.
New planters, seating, and ambient lighting will also be installed in this area, and a mural display referencing Hucknall’s history will be painted on the side of B&M.
Rhys Lacy, who works at Vuice Vapes, which has been open in the area for almost a decade, said: “It’s very positive.
“We’ve seen a change in the whole area. The council resurfaced the car park during lockdown. All of this area has been looking a bit tired.
“In terms of the high street, that was all refurbished, but this is the gateway into that area. It is all well and good it being nice down there, but we needed this area to be nice too.”
Izabela Budziosz, a tailor at A Stitch in Time, said she was happy with the planned improvements.
“We’ve been wanting to improve this area,” she said.
“It is a nice thing to see, especially with the type of clientele we see. It is safer for them.
“It is the main way in, and it’s the first impression you get of the town as you make your way in.”
A shopper, who has lived in Hucknall for 25 years, added: “It is expensive, but if the businesses are happy, then I am happy with it, because it is going to impact them more.”
The council aims to improve “feelings of safety and reduce anti-social behaviour”, while promoting Hucknall’s history through the display of art.
The improvements are expected to create a welcoming and accessible town centre, encouraging more visitors and, in turn, supporting local businesses.
The project will be funded using money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Matthew Relf (Ash Ind), executive lead member for growth, regeneration, and local planning, said: “These plans for Hucknall will ultimately encourage higher footfall by making people want to spend more time in the town centre and contributing towards feelings of safety.
“A lot of the comments we received on the plans mentioned that Chapel Street in particular didn’t feel safe as it gets darker due to the lack of lighting, so we are addressing this directly with a new streetlight and ambient lighting to soften the walkway.
“These two key links between the town centre and Piggins Croft are in dire need of a facelift. Our planned improvements will make a huge difference to the area and will mark the start of the next phase of regeneration for Hucknall.”
Work is expected to start early in 2026.
