Neighbours living in a Nottinghamshire town say they would be 'sad' to see a shopping centre demolished - but many are happy the site will be put to 'better use'. The Rosemary Centre has served thousands of shoppers since the 1950s, but new plans, including the demolition of the building, could be approved next week.
If given the green light, a Lidl supermarket and takeaway restaurants would take the place of the centre. Despite its position in Mansfield for some 70 years, some residents are happy to see the space turned into a supermarket and food venue. The plans have been in place since 2021, and are waiting for approval from the Mansfield City Council.
Kay Taylor, 58, from South Normanton, feels that "although the shopping centre is an important part of Mansfield’s history, it’s being wasted; building a new Lidl would be better than leaving it empty as it is now". She continued: “The boarded-up windows are an eyesore and the centre should change with the times.”
Sharon Brailsford, 52, from Sutton, reminisced on times when the shopping centre was always busy, ‘25 years ago’, adding that ‘if you asked someone 10 years younger than me about the Rosemary Centre they would have no idea!’ When asked about the plans to build new takeaway restaurants, she echoed the thoughts of others that there is no need for ‘another takeaway in Mansfield.’
The shopping centre was once home to Argos, Woolworths, a pharmacy and many other shops, all of which have closed down or moved. Many residents think the decision to move the town’s bus station to a more central location may be to blame, as the shopping centre is now harder to access without a car.
Maureen Clipston, 79, lives in Mansfield Woodhouse but travels to Mansfield regularly for shopping, and said: "It’s about time they do something with it – since the bus station closed it’s difficult to get to the Rosemary Centre for pedestrians as it’s a very hilly area."
Despite attempts from the site owners Peverill Securities to find tenants for the building, the only retail businesses currently operating from the address are an Iceland supermarket and Domino’s pizza delivery service. There is also a large pay and display car park that is still in operation.
Although many locals are excited to see the building demolished and eventually reopened as a supermarket, some feel that the centre is a part of history, including Mansfield resident. Andy Wright, 62, said: "I’ll be sad to see it go. Perhaps an indoor market could better use the building, retaining some of the historical building’s original purpose.”
Read next:
- More than 300-year-old hall in 'disrepair' set for new lease of life
- Nottinghamshire gang's production line of guns made out of replicas
- Nottingham mum-of-three living in a hotel after becoming homeless
- Nottinghamshire house belonging to D H Lawrence sells at auction
- Arnold business' plea over 'likely' forced closure of outdoor cinema and maze
