The ARBA Group, the people behind a number of successful projects that have helped to revitalise town centres in the East Midlands, has unveiled plans for a flagship site in Warsop.

The company has submitted a planning application to Mansfield District Council to develop the site that includes the former Strand cinema on the A60 and the former Eastwood Construction site, which is accessed off Burns Lane.

This site was previously consented for the demolition of the cinema and the construction of a single food store.

If approved, the development, named The Strand Retail Centre, would see two anchor units taken by High Street retailers, plus smaller spaces for other local and regional operators, or, for example, a Post Office, and small office suites above.

The plans include customer car parking, dedicated loading areas and possibly even a small, traditional market area.

It is hoped that work, including the demolition of the disused cinema, could be under way by the autumn, to be completed by late spring 2020.

The development has the potential to create more than 70 jobs.

ARBA director Andrew Allen said: “This site has been derelict for some time, and it is clear that local people want to see something done with it that benefits the local community.

“There have been a number of false starts but, hopefully, because we have consulted with a number of interested parties, our proposals will come to fruition. The people of Warsop deserve a development that generates opportunities.”

He added: “ARBA Property Group is a Mansfield-based business made up of people from the Mansfield area and we are keen to see developments that add value. Based on our successful track record, we believe that this site can become something local people can benefit from.”

The exciting plans have so far been welcomed by people in the Warsop area.
Local businessman Andy Wetton, who is also a local parish and district councillor, said: “I’m fully behind what ARBA are trying to do, and I think they are going to be good for the area.”

Warsop Parish Council chairman Andrew Burgin, said: “It is very positive that someone is investing in Warsop. It’s a site that has been derelict for some years, and so hopefully the plans will be approved and then delivered.”

MP Ben Bradley, whose constituency includes Warsop, added: “I’m determined to back projects that breathe new life into areas that need it most. I’m pleased to see plans being put forward by a local company to develop a part of Warsop very much in need of revitalisation.”

Pictured are ARBA’s Andrew Allen (left) and Richard Burns.