Plans have been approved to improve a key site in Mansfield town centre.

The £2.4m scheme will see concrete panels on the outside of the Walkden Street multi-storey car park replaced with a decorative metal facade.

The plans, approved unanimously by Mansfield District Council, were submitted by consultants Built Environment Design Partnership, on behalf of GF Tomlinson, contractors appointed by the council to carry out improvement work to the car park.

Coun Dave Saunders, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth, said: “We have known for some time that the concrete panels on the car park were reaching the end of their natural life and we have been budgeting for this work to be done.
“However, it became clear quite recently that this work would be needed now rather than later.

“The new cladding will provide a high-quality and safe solution to the current cladding problems and will enhance the look of the car park.

“This fits in with the council’s wider strategy to transform Mansfield and make it a better and more vibrant place to live in and visit.”

BE Design has been advising the contractors and council on the most appropriate and cost-effective repair options.

It recommended the council replace the concrete panels with a different kind of lightweight aluminium and steel cladding, with an attractive geometric design that would also improve the appearance of the building.

Other advantages of the new cladding are that it would allow the building to be breathable and provide natural daylight into the interior of the car park. It would also deter birds from roosting and provide an anti-climb measure.

It is expected the work to install the new cladding will be complete by April 2020.