A £20m redevelopment of the Priory Centre to bring an exciting mix of entertainment, leisure, shopping, and dining to Worksop’s Town Centre will become a reality very soon.
The project took a major step forward this week as Bassetlaw District Council’s Planning Committee approved the planning application on Wednesday 16th October, which means that the delivery phase of the development can now begin.
The Council has appointed East Midlands-based G F Tomlinson as its main contractor to take the project forward, which will include building a brand-new section of the Priory Centre, as well as extensively refurbishing other areas of the precinct.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “This project is a major development for our town centre and the completed building will be a fantastic attraction for people living in Worksop and beyond.
“I’m delighted that we are now able to start the process of putting spades in the ground and delivering the investment and change that will make our town centre a more attractive place to visit and for businesses to flourish.
“A great deal of hard work has gone in to getting the project to this point and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this so far. I’d also like to welcome G F Tomlinson who will be taking this venture forward and delivering a new complex.”
So that the redevelopment work does not impose on the important trade for businesses in the lead up to Christmas, demolition of part of the Priory Centre is expected to start in the new year, with investigation and non-intrusive work taking place up to this time.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We’re pleased to have been appointed to this exciting new scheme, working alongside Bassetlaw District Council to revitalise the Priory Shopping Centre in Worksop and create a modern, multi-use retail and leisure offering for the local community.
“The revamped facility will be a sought-after destination for Worksop and the surrounding region, breathing new life and increasing footfall into the area.”
The redevelopment project is expected to take around 12 months to complete and G F Tomlinson were selected following a competitive tender process via the Pagabo framework.
The project forms part of the Council’s Vision 2040 to invest in its town centres, and by working with partners, improve opportunities for businesses and increase facilities for all residents.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place, said: “Town centres across the country, including Worksop, have been in decline for years due to several different factors. The redevelopment of the Priory Centre shifts our reliance on shopping and retail to bring people into Worksop and adds a new dimension and attraction for people of all ages.
“We bought the Priory Centre in 2023 to begin the process of reversing this decline and make the investment that previous owners have been reluctant take on in the current climate.
“We have a clear plan and an ambition to increase the number of people visiting the town centre, which will also support existing businesses. This announcement is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see how this development takes shape over the coming months.”
Some of the new facilities already confirmed for the Priory Centre include a climbing wall and indoor adventure play area, a bowling alley, and a new food court, as well as improved retail areas and an indoor market.
The entertainment and leisure facilities are key to the development’s future success and the Council’s leisure partners BPL are excited to be part of this new phase for Worksop Town Centre.
Michael Hirst, Chief Executive of BPL, said: “BPL are committed to helping Bassetlaw achieve their Vision 2040, and we’re delighted that work can now commence on our innovative family entertainment complex, which we firmly believe will attract people from across the region to this fantastic town centre.”
