Work on a multi-million pound mixed-use development scheme that is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs in Mansfield got underway this month (March).
Located to the south of the town, Berry Hill Mansfield will not only provide much-needed homes for north Nottinghamshire – but will create jobs and business opportunities through a new innovation park, varied employment land opportunities as well as a retail and a hotel and leisure offering.
The Lindhurst Group is set to develop approximately 480 acres of land on the boundary of Nottingham and Mansfield, delivering an urban extension to Southern Mansfield.
The scheme will comprise serviced land for hi-tech research and development facilities, offices and industrial accommodation as well as leisure and retail, up to 1,700 new homes, a brand new primary school, children’s nursery, health centre and care facilities.
Work officially commenced with a ground breaking ceremony on 16 March, where Mayor Egginton turned the first sod.
Richard Bowden, project representative for The Lindhurst Group, developers of Berry Hill Mansfield, said: “This is a hugely important scheme for Mansfield and we are delighted that work will commence this month. Berry Hill will provide a significant boost to the economy in the area, creating an estimated 4,000 jobs.
“Our plans will see a brand new innovation park, a 26 acre commercial park, retail and leisure facilities as part of an urban extension to Berry Hill, as well as a new school, health centre and residential development.
“The area is particularly attractive to investors and developers as it offers competitive land prices, low rents and rates and a cost-effective and plentiful potential workforce, making it the ideal location for growth.
“We want to build a neighbourhood where people want to live and work, and create something that the wider north Nottinghamshire community is proud of. Berry Hill Mansfield will put the town in a prime situation to take advantage of renewed growth.”
The scheme is divided into four separate sites – Vision Innovation Park, George V Commercial Park, Adams Park and Regent Park – which are currently being offered to market.
Vision Innovation Park, situated in a prominent location close to the Vision West Nottinghamshire College campus, will offer fully serviced plots from one acre without builder ties to owner-occupiers or developers, while the Commercial Park will provide industrial and office accommodation.
The 40-acre Adams Park will see retail and leisure uses including a food store and other shop units as well as a bar and restaurants, a family pub and a hotel with health club providing a focus for the new Berry Hill Mansfield community. The new school, nursery and healthcare facilities will also be located here, while Regent Park will provide up to 60 acres of residential development land.
FHP is marketing the scheme on behalf of the Lindhurst Group. David Hargreaves, director at the firm said: “Berry Hill Mansfield will provide a true mixed use development from industrial and office use, through to retail and leisure, to housing.
“Our clients are putting the infrastructure into the site and are prepared to sell land to owner occupiers or developers, or to provide costs to build out on a design and build basis, facilities that meet operators’ requirements.
“We are already in discussion with a number of house builders who are keen to develop in this area on the Nottingham / Mansfield border.”
Tim Gilbertson, who will be responsible for the industrial and office land, added: “This is a well located site with excellent communications that provides both developers and owner occupiers with an opportunity to secure bespoke accommodation to meet their requirements.
“This will be a 10-15 year project and will build on the excellent reputation that the Berry Hill area already has, while connecting into the established industrial and office area of Southwell Road West.”
The groundbreaking event was also attended by representatives from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which is supporting the project.
