Levelling up ambitions to expand the outdoor markets in Hucknall and improve sports facilities and roads in and around the town have been met with excitement from shoppers. People in the town also suggested additional improvements they'd like to see after Ashfield District Council made its bid for £11m of Government cash to revitalise the town.
As well as an ambition for changes to the 'successful' markets, councillors want to create a new visitor experience at St Mary Magdalene Church in the Market Place, focusing on Hucknall’s most famous residents from the past, improve the streets, roads, and public space around the Byron Cinema, and create a new 3G sports pitch.
Improvements to signs, along with the creation of a digital app to improve access to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists, and better facilities at the train/tram station also form part of the plan.
Read more: £11m Levelling Up Fund bid to expand markets and sports facilities in Hucknall
Shoppers were pleased to hear of the vision and said improvements to the markets would be beneficial. Janet Parkin, who is 60 and has lived in the town for almost 20 years, said: "The market is brilliant on a Friday, but not so much on a Saturday."
She added the town centre could do with more shops. "What they have done so far has worked but we just need more shops to open as if you get too many shops closing you don't get people coming in.
"I think what we need is a food shop on the high street, as if you wanted to get something at lunch there's nowhere to get food for your cupboards; it's just fast food. Even just an express or local, just somewhere you can pick up a few bits."
Friends Pat Muzeja, 74, and Jean Marriott, 69, who are both retired, also said the town had a lot of potential. Ms Muzeja said it was a priority to make improvements to roads and paths.
Speaking about pot holes near were she lives, she said: "You've got to watch where you are walking, even normal people could trip and, if you're in the car or bus, you can tell when you are in Hucknall." She added: "It's especially bad for mobile scooters, it's just not level at all."
They both said they'd like to see a new supermarket. Ms Marriott said: "We want a supermarket somewhere. People can't afford to shop at Waitrose."
Security officer Peter Brown, 51, of Hucknall, said: "We have lived in Hucknall for 14 years and we love living here and regularly visit the town centre. I'm glad they're making improvements but I think its nice as it is and it's a nice local space."
Retired, Peter Voysey, 79, who has lived in the town for 25 years, explained the town had a rich history which was documented at the local church. He feels it will be nice to have more people encouraged to visit.
He said: "There's quite a bit of history in there." He also said volunteers kept the church gardens tidy.
This Levelling Up Fund bid will complement the council's Town Fund projects, which are currently underway in Sutton and Kirkby. Last year it was announced the district would receive £62.6 million as part of the Towns Fund initiative.
Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation, said: "The council has a vision of creating a vibrant, thriving town centre in Hucknall and this bid will help to fulfil our aim. We have been hugely successful in securing millions of pounds in funding for Sutton and Kirkby so we have high hopes for this bid for Hucknall.
"Hucknall town centre has the potential to be the beating heart of the district and this bid capitalises on this. We aim to improve the access into the town to attract more visitors, and businesses, to reinvigorate the town centre. The cultural and heritage enhancements will celebrate Hucknall’s rich heritage and provide new opportunities for people to learn about this history."
Councillor Lee Waters, who represents Hucknall North for the Ashfield Independents on the district council, said: “I am pleased that Hucknall’s £11million Levelling Up Fund bid has gone into Government. This is the culmination of 18 month’s hard work from Hucknall’s councillors and officers from the Council.
"It will fulfil our vision of creating a vibrant, thriving town centre. It will focus on improving the life chances of residents, turbo charging investment, fast tracking public transport improvements, all whilst remembering our heritage. This is our chance to make significant change that will be benefit Hucknall for generations to come.”
Other councils across Nottinghamshire have also submitted their bids for Levelling Up cash. For example, Nottingham City Council has tabled two bids for £57m with money needed for the wider Broad Marsh improvements.
Read next:
Dad's wonderful gesture as Nottingham hospital 'heroes' save daughter's life
Nottingham Forest offer 'a lot of money' to hijack midfielder transfer
Martin Lewis warns UK holidaymakers could pay £6 a day for using mobile phone in some locations
Nottinghamshire 'gem' to star in Channel 5 show searching for UK's poshest farm shop
