Ashfield District Council has released the artist impressions for the planned redesign of Portland Square in Sutton.

Portland Square redevelopment is one of the projects that the Council is looking to deliver as part of the £62.2m Towns Fund Programme. The project will contribute to the wider regeneration of Sutton town centre.

Now that the initial concept designs are ready, the Council would love to hear resident’s ideas and comments on the plans.

The proposal is to create an attractive and contemporary public space. The designs include two large raised planted areas with built-in seating designed around a large central space, which will be the focal point for social activities and events. The raised areas will be planted with semi mature trees, grass, and flowers, to create a new urban garden in the town centre.

The design will also provide increased pavement space outside the shops, to allow hospitality businesses to install outdoor furniture and make the most of the outdoor trading spaces.

The Council is also redeveloping the brownfield site at Fox Street as part of the Future High Street Fund Programme. The existing derelict site will be converted into a flexible outdoor space, capable of hosting markets, events, as well as providing additional parking for cars and bicycles when events are not taking place. The improvements will create a direct pedestrian friendly route from ASDA car park to Portland Square and the southern end of the town centre.

Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Transformation, said:

“We really want to hear your views on our plans for Sutton town centre, so please email the team with your thoughts by 7thAugust. Resident contribution will be crucial for the delivery of a successful design for Portland Square and the other Towns Fund projects.

“This project will bring vitality and vibrancy to the town centre, attract future investment and development, enable a night-time economy to develop and flourish, and increase the town’s footfall. The plans for Fox Street include a new space for the outdoor market, which takes advantage of the thoroughfare to Asda.

“The £62.2m Towns Fund will allow us to completely regenerate Sutton and Kirkby. The Council consulted with residents before we put our bid in to make sure that the projects we deliver match what residents want to see.”

To submit any comments or ideas, please email [email protected] by 7th August 2022.

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