Shopping centre demolition set to finish this month

Work to demolish a former shopping centre in Mansfield is expected to be completed this month.

Plans to remove the Rosemary Centre were approved in 2023 and work finally started in January.

It will be replaced by a new building containing a supermarket, retail space and fast food takeaway.

Officials said the project aims to increase footfall in the town centre, give visitors more choice and create local jobs.

The Rosemary Centre was part of the town's skyline for decades and was formerly home to outlets including Argos and Domino's Pizza.

Supermarket chain Lidl, due to be one of the main tenants of the new development, said it had no confirmed date for construction to begin.

The council was told during the planning process that the project would create about 30 construction jobs, 72 new roles through the supermarket and takeaway and about £20m of extra "convenience spending" in the nearby town centre.

But some councillors were not happy with the loss of a well-known building and the scheme was passed by only a single vote.

Jay Rowlinson, chief executive of Mansfield BID, said: "The regeneration of this site is one of 18 key projects we highlighted within the Mansfield NOW 2026 campaign, collectively representing one of the most significant periods of transformation Mansfield has experienced in decades.

"Mansfield NOW 2026 is an initiative we launched this year in partnership with Mansfield District Council to showcase the real-time progression of major developments reshaping the town centre.

"It is about demonstrating visible delivery, active construction, and committed long-term investment."

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