Changes have been made to the regeneration of Newark town’s market place following a raft of concerns.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has been planning to invest just over £3.6 million in regenerating Newark Market Place, and the original proposals included planting trees, installing more seating areas, and making the area more accessible.
One of the most significant changes proposed was the reduction of the market square’s original cobblestone surface to make it more wheelchair- and pram-friendly, as well as the consolidation of market stalls to make the most of the space for other events and al fresco dining.
However, the plans have proven contentious, particularly among some members of Newark Town Council and the district’s MP, Robert Jenrick (Reform).
The loss of the historic cobbles, 12-metre-high trees “spoiling historic buildings”, and other design concerns have been raised by Conservative town councillor Mathew Skinner.
He said consultation on the scheme had been poor and that no planning permission was being sought.
He said: “Generally, people are mortified if you look online.
“We need better engagement, the removal of the trees, and the historic cobbles to be kept.”
However, last week, the district council met with town council members to discuss the plans, and it has now been decided that there will be some changes.
It is understood that the entirety of the proposed works would have exceeded the budget.
A spokesperson said the masterplan for the town centre was developed following a consultation “with a range of different people and groups, including local businesses, local residents, and community organisations.”
Some of the 1,500 responses had asked for a market place that is more accessible and flexible, capable of hosting events, markets, and al fresco dining, and able to meet a desire for seating and greening within the space.
“Newark and Sherwood District Council was asked by Newark Town Council to deliver the project, and both councils continue to work in partnership to develop and consider options for the market place,” the spokesperson said.
During the meeting with Newark Town Council last week, it was agreed that the focus should be on the central area of the market place, the part where the market stalls normally are.
Works will include better lighting, power supplies for markets and events, and some new market stalls. The road around the Market Place, including areas of existing ‘cobbles’, will not form part of the scheme.
“This road is within the ownership of Nottinghamshire County Council, which will be asked what else it can now do to make much-needed improvements and repairs as the relevant highway authority.”
Improvements remain subject to the agreement of the final proposals by both councils and the Town Board, and the plans will now be worked up in detail before being shared with the public and local businesses.
Newark’s Reform group said: “Thanks to local community campaigners, including our MP Robert Jenrick, the historic cobbles in Newark town centre have been saved.
“The wasteful plan pushed by the local Labour leadership to get rid of them as part of a costly £3.6 million redevelopment attracted criticism from many local businesses and residents.
“The plan would have caused huge disruption to the town centre and brought misery to local independent shops, pubs, cafés, and stall holders, who are already finding life tough right now.
“Local businesses should have been at the heart of these plans, and I am glad that, through our efforts, their concerns were finally listened to.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council said some preliminary works have already started.
It had been hoped that work would begin in January 2027, with completion expected 11 to 12 months later.
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter