More than £2m of leftover Towns Fund money will likely be put into Newark’s marketplace to help revitalise it. Councillors described the square as looking “tired” and “embarrassing” when the market wasn’t being held.
However, a report by Newark & Sherwood District Council says: “It has become clear over the last 12 months that the current £1.5m budget would be insufficient to change the Market Place as originally hoped.” Councillor Paul Taylor , the portfolio holder for public protection and community relations, welcomed the change at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday . “The market square is the jewel in Newark’s crown, but it’s feeling tired. Other than two days, the market is embarrassing,” he said.
He added the town council had seen “really good plans” for the extra money, which will be published at a later date. Councillor Emma Oldham , the portfolio holder for biodiversity & environmental services, was also excited about the change.