Work has started on the £12m transformation of Mansfield’s old bus station site into a leisure hub that will form an exciting and modern gateway to the town centre.

The Mansfield-based ARBA Property Group is driving forward the Stockwell Gateway development that will eventually include a hotel and three restaurants — Taco Bell, Tim Hortons, and Domino’s.

Tanbry Construction, based on The Broadway, Mansfield, is the main contractor for the scheme.

Calculations show that up to around 140 jobs will be created by the project, and that it is forecast to inject £5m into the local Mansfield economy every year.

Rob Bryant, managing director at Tanbry, said: “It’s brilliant that even in these challenging times, ARBA has put together a largely local team that has truly focused on bringing forward a project that will create jobs and boost the town centre in Mansfield.

“The majority of our sub-contractors and suppliers are Mansfield based, which is also a positive for the local economy.”

Richard Burns, managing director of ARBA, said: “There has been a lot of work into getting to the starting line with this project, which should prove to be a superb place for Mansfield.

“We are really pleased that we are able to work with partners that have close links to Mansfield. The majority of the consultant team also hail from, or live in, the Mansfield area.”

ARBA’s proposals to revitalise the former bus station site were given the green light by members of Mansfield District Council’s Planning Committee in November 2020.

The plans also include car parking spaces, direct pedestrian access to the existing Walkden Street car park, and revamped pedestrian links to the Four Seasons Shopping Centre.

Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams added: “The redevelopment of this key site will be a catalyst for Mansfield’s future growth and investment. The hotel and eateries will be instrumental in increasing the number of visitors to the town centre and the time and money they spend here for the benefit of our local economy.

“I’m especially pleased that the scheme is using local talent as this is in line with the council’s new procurement strategy, which puts a greater emphasis on supporting local businesses while also taking into account social, environmental and economic factors when obtaining goods and services.”