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Plans have been put forward to convert Mansfield town centre’s historic Post Office into a retail unit and 15 apartments.
The former Royal Mail site in Church Street, which was constructed in 1913 and is a Grade II-listed building, could see its ground floor repurposed as a retail space for a single business if plans are approved.
The site has remained derelict since its closure in March 2017 when the town centre Post Office moved into WHSmith at West Gate.
Plans submitted to Mansfield District Council suggest the property on the ground floor could have five apartments accessed from the rear, five more apartments on the second floor, and a further five on the second floor.
Some of those who work in businesses in Church Street think a new supermarket would be an ideal retail addition to the area.
Jackie Hayes is a 52-year-old shop assistant at Geoff Hurst Bakery, across the street from the former post office.
She said: “We face the post office and it just looks awful at the moment so we are looking forward to it changing.
“We are still quite busy but it will give people another reason to walk down this street.
“I think maybe a small supermarket, like a Tesco, would be the best choice because there’s lot a lot on offer in the town as it is.”
If developed, the Church Street site – which has a total of more than 5,000 sq foot – will have two studio rooms and 13 flats, along with parking space for six vehicles.
A manager of an off-licence based in Church Street also suggested a supermarket would be a worthwhile addition.
Michelle Strickland, 47 and manager of Cheapest Cigs & Booze In Town, said: “I think a supermarket would be great because we only really have the Marks and Spencer and the Heron Foods store around here.
“I’d welcome anything but a nail bar or coffee shop. it needs to be something that brings footfall back.
“I think if the business was food-orientated, it would benefit us as well.”
Planning documents for the site stress the importance of “maintaining a retail presence” in Church Street to “inject new life” into the town.
The documents read: “The former bespoke Post Office use ended nearly three years ago and since then has stood empty, with signs of neglect now starting to manifest through the ingress of water via the existing flat roof, which is in need of routine maintenance and repair.
“It is considered important to maintain a retail presence on Church Street, so a stand-alone unit is to be created.
“[It is hoped] this will inject new life into the town centre, bringing a welcomed increase in footfall and subsequent revenue for existing businesses.”
The plans have been put forward by firm Patrick David Developments Limited and would also see stairs connecting to former storage areas used to connect the ground floor to the apartments on floors above.
Brian Lohan councillor for the Portland ward, where Church Street is located, is also a member of Mansfield District Council’s planning committee.
He added: “As far as I’m concerned, any development or investment that improves the town centre is something I’m all for.
“I would like to see area have new life breathed into it.”
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