Volunteers are needed to support a project that aims to help restore historic buildings in parts of the town centre to their former glory.

Mansfield Revived aims to help the owners of Victorian and Georgian buildings the Market Place and Leeming Street Conservation Area improve their properties in a way that is in sympathy with their heritage. They can apply for grants covering up to 75% of the cost of making improvements.

The five-year scheme will also have a programme of community activities and events in which anyone can take part. They include conservation and restoration workshops, historical research, oral history gathering, writing and story-telling, street theatre, art and photography activities.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Writers, designers and printers to produce a project booklet.
People who can help spread the word about the project via social media.
Would-be photographers who can learn new skills and record the townscape area before and after the improvements.
Town guides who can lead visitors on heritage walks.
General helpers to make sure our events are inclusive, safe and enjoyable.

Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for regeneration and growth at Mansfield District Council, which is leading the project, said: “We also would love to hear from budding reporters who can interview older residents and gather oral histories of the town. This is great chance to learn new skills and put something back into the community.

“We’ve already got lots of partners on board, including our museum and theatre, artists, photographers and writers, and local groups and educational establishments.

“But we also need volunteers to help deliver these events. In particular, we would like to hear from people interested in carrying out historical research and digging around for information on old Mansfield at the museum, library and archives.”

The project is supported by £850,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and put together in partnership with Mansfield BID, Vision West Nottinghamshire College and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Pete Brown, Mansfield Townscape Heritage Project community participation co-ordinator, at [email protected] or call 07811 693870.

Property owners interested in applying for a grant should visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/townscapeheritage