Plans for town centre food hall set for approval

Plans to turn the ground floor of an empty building in Mansfield town centre into an indoor food hall and a cookery college are set to be given the go-ahead.

Mansfield District Council's planning committee is recommended to approve an application from Tom Slaughter RG Property to redevelop the ground floor of the former BHS building in West Gate.

According to planning documents the proposed food hall would open from 09:00 to 00:00 and consist of seven individual vendors serving food, bars, a gaming area and cafes.

A report submitted with the planning application states a food hall "may prove more viable and successful" than traditional retail in the current economic climate.

"The scheme will support economic growth by providing opportunities for multiple food and beverage businesses to operate within a shared location," the report said.

"The development creates employment opportunities both during construction and once operational, and supports innovation through providing facilities for smaller businesses and start-ups."

A report from council planning officers said the development would help "secure the future" of a site that is of local historic interest.

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