Designers triumph with top spot for Mansfield residential project
In the heart of Mansfield, a significant new housing development is set to transform the town centre, with construction taking place on White Hart Street within the Bridge Street and Market Place conservation area.
This ambitious project, a key part of the Church Street Quarter in the emerging town centre masterplan, is a collaborative effort between Mansfield District Council and Mansfield Building Society. The development will offer homes for families and elderly residents, aiming to unlock wider regeneration plans for the town.
The project site holds a listed building and non-designated heritage assets, and the development's design intends to respect the area's heritage while offering a re-interpreted, imaginative character. Proctor and Matthews, a leading architect organization, won the top prize in the RIBA competition for their design, which carefully crafts the proposed masterplan.
Teresa Borsuk, senior adviser at Pollard Thomas Edwards, served as the RIBA's architect advisor for the competition. She praised the interweaving and layering of the proposed masterplan's references to the site's former history. The winning design by Proctor and Matthews incorporates elements inspired by the traditional forms, materials, and colors of the local area, creating a 'sensitive' exemplar of proposed new Mansfield homes.
The development will also prioritize affordability, energy efficiency, and future-proofing, ensuring that the homes are suitable for the 21st century. With an estimated cost between £14m and £19m, the project is set to be a significant investment in the town's future.
This development is more than just a construction project; it's a step towards a revitalized Mansfield town centre, offering a blend of modern living and respect for the area's rich history. As the project progresses, the community can look forward to a vibrant, thriving town centre that honours its past while embracing the future.