A list of projects which could see Sutton town centre significantly transformed has been released.
A new public square could be created near Fox Street with an area for pop-up food stalls, tree planting and electric vehicle charging points.
The Brook Street council offices would be transformed, with a creative space at ground floor level and two floors of high-quality flats above.
Empty buildings on Low Street would be bought and renovated by the council, with the hope of safeguarding a ‘historically significant’ area and bringing it back into use.
A new bar and cafe could be built at Sutton Academy Theatre, which would also receive renovations, and there would be a new building facing Old Market Place, with commercial use on the ground floor and new homes at the rear.
The schemes are at an early stage, and no final decisions have yet been made.
However they are now expected to make the basis of a bid to the Government of up to £25 million as part of the Future High Street Fund for Sutton.
Separate bids are also expected to be made for Sutton and Kikrby, also for up to £25 million each, as part of the Towns Fund.
Details of the Towns Fund bids are at a less advanced stage than the Future High Street Fund bids.
Now, councillors on Ashfield District Council are expected to approve an update on the plans shortlist at a meeting next week.
The council says plans for the proposed public square at Fox Street have been scaled back somewhat, in part due to COVID-19.
A council report on the issue says: “The aspiration was to create a development for food and beverage at this site to provide an attraction at this end of the town.
“However given the existing challenges with this market in recent years and the effects of Covid-19 a lower risk option is required and this option allows the council to test the local market for independent dining.
“The scheme will create a better animated site through a strong pedestrian link from Fox Street to the square, using high quality materials with tree planting and electric vehicle charging points.
