URL: https://mansfield.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1803

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks approval to extend the Mansfield Townscape Heritage Programme by seven months, to 31 July 2026, and to expand the eligible area of the programme to include the Old Town Hall

Content: Resolved by the Elected Mayor on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth. (i) To approve a formal extension from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), for the Mansfield THP until the end of July 2026 and to agree the implications thereof, notably: • The consideration of a grant application to restore and enhance the rear wall and the 2 shopfronts (Units 1-2 Queen’s Walk) to side / exterior of the Old Town Hall. • The appointment of Design Services to act as the client project manager, who will also seek to appoint conservation architects to support the project given its specialist restoration and conservation requirements. • The extension of the contract for the community participation co-ordinator to the end of the programme. • The reappointment of the evaluation consultant to undertake and complete the programme evaluation. (ii) To approve the NLHF an extension of the area covered by the Mansfield THP, to include the Old Town Hall. This would be on the basis that the remaining capital and revenue budgets will be allocated to the restoration of the rear wall facing Millennium Gardens and the two shopfronts at Units 1 and 2, Queen’s Walk. (iii) To approve an amendment to the capital and revenue budgets of the Townscape Heritage Programme to reflect the changes because of this decision and as set out in paragraphs 4.9-4.11. (iv) The Legal Services Manager be authorised to negotiate, finalise and complete all. (i) To allow the THP to continue and facilitate investment of the remaining capital funds on projects of heritage significance, that do not rely on private sector match-funding and that can be delivered within agreed timeframes and remaining THP budget, further enhancing the conservation area. (ii) To allow for the heritage activities programme to continue and deliver high quality participatory and cultural outcomes resulting in an enhanced awareness of heritage across the town. (iii) To continue with the momentum created by the recommencement of the THP programme post pandemic, facilitated by the remaining THP budgets. Other options considered but rejected. (i): Do nothing/ Conclude the THP by 31.12.2025 – The Council may decide not to expand the eligible programme area to include the Old Town Hall and consequently, not to extend the Mansfield TH programme to 31 July 2026. (ii) However, this decision will result in the NLHF withdrawing its offer in principle to extend the TH grants programme to include the Old Town Hall. Consequently, the THP would end on 31 December 2025, with over £200,000 of TH funding being returned to the NLHF and £90,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) funding being returned to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025