Plans to regenerate a part of Mansfield town centre with the £12m redevelopment of the former bus station site have moved a step closer.

The Mansfield-based ARBA Group has now submitted plans to Mansfield District Council for its showcase Stockwell Gateway project.

Proposals include a six-storey, nationally-branded, 100-bedroom hotel with breakfast lounge, along with three standalone restaurants, 52 car parking spaces, direct pedestrian access to the existing Walkden Street car park, and revamped pedestrian links to the Four Seasons Shopping Centre.

It is hoped that the application will be approved by August, with work on the site commencing in Spring 2021.

Calculations show that up to around 140 jobs will be created by the project, and that it is forecast to inject £5m into the local Mansfield economy every year.

Richard Burns, Managing Director at ARBA, said: “As a local business, we know how important it is to get this development right as it is a major scheme that has the potential to have a great impact.

“A lot of work has already been done to ensure that the site is viable, transformed and really becomes a gateway to be proud of in Mansfield town centre.

“It has been evident for some time that quality hotel space has been needed in Mansfield, whether that’s for the tourist or the business person.

“Therefore, not only will Stockwell Gateway fill a gap and fit within the Local Plan for the area, it will help to regenerate the town centre by bringing jobs and investment.”

Estate agent John Sankey, who also chairs the Mansfield Business Improvement District, welcomed the plans.

He said: “We are fully behind ARBA’s exciting proposals and we know that they have a successful track record in developing town centre locations into thriving venues. I look forward to working with ARBA and seeing the project come to fruition.”

Following a competitive procurement process, ARBA was appointed by Mansfield District Council as the preferred developer for the site.

Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams said: “The submission of this planning application is another positive step towards creating a transformational regeneration scheme on this important gateway site.

“The development is part of the council’s long-term masterplan for the town centre and is key to creating a more vibrant and thriving place to stay and visit. We consider this to be a game-changing redevelopment to help lead Mansfield out of these challenging economic times.”

For this project, ARBA has worked with architects Isle Design, planning consultant Pegasus Planning, and highways and engineering advisors at Ardent Consulting Engineers.