A former nightclub in Mansfield has been opened as apartments for people with learning disabilities.
The development also includes community spaces alongside office space for mental health and disability charity United Response, which will provide on-site support and activities for tenants.
The Old Eight Bells, which has been empty since 2018, has been transformed thanks to £1.6m of funding from social impact investor Resonance to convert the space into eight apartments, with the last tenant due to move in next month.
Ben Harrison, senior consultant at Resonance, said: “We’re delighted to breathe new life into this historic building in the heart of Mansfield town centre. We’re proud to work with our partners to provide much-needed supported homes for members of the community.”
The Old Eight Bells was last used as the Urban Cherry nightclub and forms part of Mansfield District Council’s Church Street rejuvenation plan.
The project is funded by the Resonance Supported Homes Fund, with Barrow Cadbury Trust and Better Society Capital providing investment as a direct response to Nottinghamshire’s shortage of high-quality supported housing.
The properties are being leased by Resonance to United Response, who will provide both landlord and support services to the tenants. The charity will also run the community space housed in the building.
Mark Dyer, development manager at United Response, said: “Our work with Resonance Supported Homes Fund is delivering incredible outcomes for people with learning disabilities or autistic people.
“Through our partnership, we have been able to develop high-quality housing for people we support in the heart of their own community. We’re hugely grateful for their support of our recent project, Church Street in Mansfield.
“The development enables people to live independently and experience town centre living with the security of on-site support. There is also community space where people can make new friends and develop new skills.”
The new service and people supported by United Response are also benefiting from a £17,000 grant donated by the Morrisons Foundation, which will help fund activities for both tenants and the local Mansfield community.
Maxine Spry, fundraising manger at United Response, concluded: “Partnerships like this show what’s possible when charities, funders and the local community come together. It’s not simply about creating housing, but also opportunities to thrive.”
