MAYOR of Mansfield Kate Allsop has visited one of the area’s key development schemes following the start of infrastructure works on site.

The first phase of the Berry Hill Mansfield development, a mixed-use scheme on the boundary of Nottingham and Mansfield, will see the delivery of approximately 500 new homes as part of an urban extension to the south of the town.

The scheme, which received £8.5m in in funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) earlier this year, will provide much-needed homes for west Nottinghamshire as well as creating jobs and business opportunities through a new innovation park, varied employment land opportunities as well as a retail and leisure offering.

Kate Allsop, executive elected mayor of Mansfield, said: “There is a real need for new housing within Mansfield and the large development at Berry Hill, currently underway will be a fantastic site. There will also be community facilities, such as shops, a school and a medical centre to facilitate a new community within the district.

“We are starting to see the detailed plans for a phased development, which will see a good mix of housing and employment land. It will be advantageous to see plenty of open spaces and play areas for the new families to enjoy. This has been a long time in the planning and I am excited to finally start to see the detailed plans, followed by new homes coming forward.

“With works now beginning on site we are keen to keep residents informed, we know there will be disruption and we are working with the developers to keep that to a minimum.   The HCA funding received will make a huge difference to our district, as with it will bring new homes, jobs and opportunities for local people. The boost to the local economy will be significant and we are looking forward to seeing new homes available in Berry Hill very soon.”

Not only has work started on site, but housebuilder Avant Homes has recently received approval on its reserved matters application for up to 99 new homes.

Richard Bowden, project representative for The Lindhurst Group, developers of Berry Hill Mansfield, said: “We are very pleased that work on this significant scheme is progressing ahead of housebuilders moving into the site later this year.

“The support from the HCA is hugely important in allowing us to deliver this scheme, which will have a really positive impact on the local area; it will have a real impact on the local economy through job creation as well as creating a community where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.”

The Lindhurst Group is to develop some 480 acres of land, delivering up to 1,700 new homes, a brand new primary school, children’s nursery, health centre and care facilities; the scheme will also include serviced land for hi-tech research and development facilities, offices and industrial accommodation and leisure and retail uses.

Jas Hundal, service director for environment, transport & property at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We’re delighted to see work starting on the Berry Hill development, which will provide a massive boost to the economic prospects of the whole area and a significant extension to Mansfield’s southern boundary. This is exactly the type of development and regeneration we envisaged when we built the Mansfield & Ashfield Regeneration Route (MARR) in 2004.

“This development will provide significant economic boost to the area, bringing over £100 million of investment, creating new jobs, 1,700 much needed new homes, over 40 acres of high-tech offices and commercial/industrial premises, a new school and many other community facilities.”

Mike Robinson, director of economic growth at Mansfield District Council, added: “We are extremely pleased that work has started on site. The much-needed high quality family homes, employment and leisure opportunities this development will bring are vital for the regeneration and growth of the entire district.”

This long-term collaboration between Nottinghamshire County Council, Lindhurst Jersey Ltd and W Westerman Ltd will bring more than £100m of investment into the area and will provide much-needed homes as well as high-tech office space and commercial land opportunities.