A major multi-million-pound transformation plan for Newark is gaining pace – which includes plans to build an international air and space training centre.
Last year the Newark Towns Fund Board, made up of private and public bodies and businesses. submitted the Newark ‘Town Investment Plan’.
This outlines 30 projects to span the next 30 years, including plans to regenerate the town centre, boost business and improve infrastructure. The government has announced that this plan has been accepted.
One of the priority projects includes creating an International Air Space and Training Institute (IASTI) which will create new jobs locally and train the next generation of aviation professionals including pilots, engineers, and ground staff.
The Outline Business Case for the IASTI has now been formally submitted and is awaiting approval, Newark and Sherwood District Council stated.
This business case seeks approval for £10.6m from the Newark Town Deal to support the delivery of an International Air and Space Training Institute facility in Newark.
The council said: “The IASTI-Newark will blend education with practical experience in partnership with the civil and military aviation industry.
“The project responds to skills shortages in the aviation and space sectors, who have struggled to attract, educate and retain qualified individuals needed to meet projected growth in these sectors.
“The project is led by Lincoln College Group (LCG) and is supported by industry.”
The new centre is due to open in 2023.
Other plans include expanding the YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village by constructing a new state of the art home to sports and leisure facilities.
This will also include music and art spaces, conferencing, a wellbeing and health delivery service suite, culinary training and the largest outdoor skate park in the East Midlands and an Olympic climbing centre.
The full business case for the YMCA Community and Activity Village has been approved and submitted to government.
It is expected that the full £2m Towns Fund grant will be drawn down in December 2021 for distribution to the YMCA.
The redevelopment of Stodman Street to create new homes and new commercial and office space is also moving forward.
The full business case for the £2m scheme has been received and Quod Consulting are undertaking an assurance review in consultation with the council.
The project proposes to create 29 ‘high quality residential properties’ and two new retail/commercial units to increase ‘town centre vitality’ and ‘supporting housing growth in the town centre’.
A summary business case will then be submitted to government to secure the funding.
In addition to the towns fund the council has successfully bid for £284,000 grant for the Stodman Street project to cover the costs of some asbestos removal and demolition.
The Castle Gate House project to enhance the experience of Newark’s historical asset and transform the Castle into a major attraction for residents and visitors is expected to be signed off in March 2022.
