A competition to design a major social housing scheme in Mansfield’s White Hart Street area has resulted in a shortlist of five entries being invited to go through to the next stage.

There were a total of 37 designs for the competition, which is being managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of Mansfield District Council.

Mike Robinson, council strategic director, said: “There was a very high level of interest from architectural practices nationally and internationally. We are confident this will lead to a high- quality scheme.”

The five shortlisted practices now have to develop a concept design for the site by the end of May. These submissions will then be assessed by the evaluation panel to select the winning practice.

Whoever wins will work with the council subject to the approval of a business case for the scheme.

The council is seeking a scheme that will address the challenges of climate change, provide affordable, high-quality homes for people of all ages, and respects the architectural heritage of the site, which is in the Bridge Street conservation area.

The properties are expected to be a mix of housing types, including family homes and apartments for older people, built to the Future Homes Standard to save energy for residents.