Newark’s new apartment scheme is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
A new apartment block featuring four retail units on the ground floor is currently being built in Stodman Street, Newark.
The £12 million council-led scheme helped kick-start the redevelopment of an old Marks and Spencer (M&S) store, which was one of a number of branches across the UK to close in 2019.
It had been vacant for some time due to the site’s complexity before work began in 2024 following a partnership effort.
Cllr Paul Peacock, the leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the apartments are due to be finished and handed over in November this year.
“What we’ve done is replaced the retail space and Marks and Spencer and converted that into four retail units, and then above that we’ve got 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments,” Cllr Peacock said.
“It’s a fantastic space, a great place for people to come and live and a great place for people to come and shop.
“We’ve got a lot of interest already in that retail space, and a lot of interest in the flats as well.”
The one- and two-bedroom flats will go on the market with a starting price of £145,000.
They will feature air source heat pumps, while solar panels will power the communal areas to keep service charges low.
A balcony area overlooking the market place and St Mary Magdalene Church can also be used by residents.
Work on the scheme was paused in 2024 after a horse skeleton, pottery pieces and a wall believed to be from the medieval period were unearthed.
A display of the “fascinating” finds attracted a huge number of people.
Cllr Peacock said he cannot yet say what businesses will move into the retail units on the ground floor, but he said there had been a lot of interest.
“The apartments are going to be handed over in mid-November and we will get going with sales and get people in,” he said. “The retail units will take a bit longer.
“We are hoping people come in and enjoy living in Newark, and enjoy spending time in shops and bars, and enjoy life in Newark.”
The original building’s Art Deco façade, facing Stodman Street, has been preserved as part of the scheme.
The council says there will be a safer, more open thoroughfare between Lombard Street and Stodman Street, with an open space in St Marks Place that will feature urban greenery.
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter