A derelict site in Kirkby is set to be transformed into a “stunning gateway,” bringing more businesses and homes to the town.
Ashfield District Council has revealed its plans for North Kirkby Gateway, one of its largest Towns Fund projects planned to date.
This project will concentrate on the redevelopment of the long derelict Pond Hole area as well as sites in nearby Ellis Street. These plans include 55 units providing retirement living for Ashfield residents.
There will also be 24 apartments along with business units providing an active frontage to Kirkby Plaza.
The project will see the remediation and development of the Pond Hole site, which will be delivered by Langcroft Developments in partnership with Ashfield District Council.
The Council has now acquired the former factory shop on Ellis Street. This will be used, along with the car park, to create a landmark building for town centre apartments with commercial and community opportunities and parking.
The Council is progressing the appointment of a contractor to deliver the redevelopment with the intention that a planning application for the site proposals will be submitted in Autumn 2025. It is estimated that work will start on the site in early 2026 and be completed Spring 2027.
The first visible milestone will be the demolition of the old factory shop building later this year.
Councillor Warren Nuttall, who represents Greenwood and Summit on Ashfield District Council, said: “This site has become an eyesore and is in desperate need to transforming to create a stunning gateway into Kirkby.
“We are excited to be able to share these plans for North Kirkby Gateway, offering desirable town centre living, community space and business opportunities. We are committed to developing these sites that appear to be long forgotten into somewhere Ashfield can be proud of.
“I am looking forward to seeing the work start on this project and the area transformed. This is one of the many ways we are making Ashfield a more desirable place to live and work.”
Craig Cameron, of Langcroft Developments, said: “We’re excited to announce that we’ve now exchanged on Pond Hole in Kirkby-in-Ashfield! A big step forward in bringing this exciting regeneration project to life.
“This marks a key moment for the Ashfield Town Fund programme and we’re proud to be playing our part by delivering much-needed, high-quality and affordable provisions designed with older residents in mind – promoting independent living in a safe, accessible setting.
“We’ve appointed CPMG Architects to lead the design and planning process and we’re working closely with Ashfield District Council to make sure the scheme ties in with the wider vision for the area – from housing and skills to enterprise and community infrastructure.
“We’ve had great support from the Council, the UK Government and the local community so far and with grant funding in place, we’ve already started the remediation and enabling works to help move things forward quickly.”
