Work to revamp Arnold‘s Market Place has reached a major milestone.
A “topping out” ceremony took place yesterday (Tuesday 17) which traditionally takes place to mark the last steel beam of a new structure being installed.
For the first time, the complete structure of the building will be visible, giving an idea of the scale and what the building will look like as it moves on to the next phase of construction, which includes brickwork, stairs, floors, windows and the installation of the building’s roof.
Representatives from Gedling Borough Council and the sites Developers, G F Tomlinson. The Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Meredith Lawrence and Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, also attended.
Gedling Borough Council acquired the market site in summer 2018 and have continued with the development throughout the pandemic, ensuring the regeneration of the town centre continued.
The existing market has moved temporarily to nearby Eagle Square so that traders can continue to operate whilst the works are carried out.
The new two-story landmark building, located between the existing Methodist Church and King George V Park, will frame the new market place as well as create a new eastern gateway into Arnold Town Centre.
A new public space will also be created in front of the building as a central focal point for the market and the building will provide seven small outlets for local independent businesses with an additional space above, which could be used for a variety of commercial options.
The original purchase was funded by a successful bid of £1.25m from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund and the construction project has been funded by the council’s capital programme budget
The building is on schedule and due to be completed by spring 2022.
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration said” “It’s so exciting to see the site taking shape, it’s really starting to come together.
“Until now most the works have been on the grounds preparing the site, but now the structure is up you can really see the size of the project. The developers, G F Tomlinson, are doing an incredible job and I can’t wait to see the next stage of the project.”
“The development will bring so much to the area, it’s already created a number of jobs through the construction and the new outlets right at the heart of the market will be a draw for local business.
“A priority for the council is to create thriving and vibrant town centres and this development really does lay the foundations for some exciting opportunities for the town centre and beyond.”
Craig Stopper, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re very pleased works are taking shape on site as the steel frame is now complete. This has revealed the scale of the landmark building allowing residents to envisage how the finished building will enhance the town centre and create a new market place and public space for the local community in Arnold.”
“We look forward to progressing with works at the new Arnold Market Place site, which will create opportunities for local businesses as well as a vibrant public place for people to enjoy.”
Yes! Great news for Arnold! Its getting bigger and better and will be nottinghams jewel in the crown soon and where tourists will come and see our town and pubs and market. So proud as I grew up in this town and my family did and I want the best for it. Arnold is our capital our London lets not forget and celebrate our capital.
What a dreamer. Need to stop smoking that funny tobacco sunshine….Front St has more closed and charity shops. Asda full of slobs in vests and pyjamas, bald fat and covered in badly spelt tattoos and that’s just the women. Jewel in the crown would probably be the belly piercings as their gut spills out over the elasticated trainer bottoms…..Capital? Not quite an on par crime rate but it’s getting there.