Future of former town centre Wilko confirmed
Plus: Nail salon plan near shopping centre gets the green light
Good morning, readers, and welcome to the Monday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, an inquest is held into a fatal house fire, the future of a former Nottinghamshire Wilko is confirmed and more.
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Future of former town centre Wilko confirmed
A former Wilko store is set to be transformed into an education centre following an agreement between Ashfield District Council and West Nottinghamshire College.
The £4 million redevelopment, funded by Towns Deal funding, will see the building in Outram Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, converted into a state-of-the-art teaching space, aimed at equipping students with skills for the construction sector.
The council has purchased the vacant property, which will be leased to the college for long-term use.
Set to open in September 2025, the facility will offer courses in plumbing, electrical installation, and ‘green skills’ such as heat pump systems, photovoltaics, and electric vehicle charging.
The building will be extensively refurbished with classrooms, workshop spaces, offices, and a canteen spread across three floors, covering 29,428 sq ft.
The building’s façade will also be redesigned to reflect its new purpose.
Around 400 students aged 16-18, adults, and apprentices are expected to attend, receiving training for high-demand roles within the growing construction and green energy sectors.
The project is part of a wider £62.6 million Towns Deal initiative, which is also funding improvements to the college’s existing sites.
Vicki Heslop, district councillor for Sutton, praised the project, highlighting the benefits it will bring to local students and businesses.
She added: “This new facility will provide young people in Ashfield with the skills needed for rewarding careers in construction and will be a valuable addition to the town centre.”
Andrew Cropley, principal at West Nottinghamshire College, expressed excitement over the deal, emphasising the positive impact it will have on both students and the local economy, with hundreds of students expected to visit Sutton daily, boosting footfall for local businesses.
Arrests after burglary suspects spotted in street
Two people wanted in connection with a burglary were arrested in Hucknall after they were spotted by officers on 11 February.
Members of Nottinghamshire Police’s Hucknall response team, who were attending another incident, became alerted when a man and woman walking along Spruce Grove suddenly turned and began walking away after noticing the officers.
The pair’s quickened pace and evasive actions immediately raised the officers' suspicions, and the team launched a swift area search, Nottinghamshire Police said.
The suspects were quickly tracked down and found hiding in a nearby garden.
After checking their details, they were identified as being wanted for a burglary on 13 January at Penrose Court, Selston, where a car was stolen along with keys, a purse, and a jacket from a property.
A 40-year-old woman and 47-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of burglary, as well as shop theft, after being linked to other offences.
PC Ryan Shiel, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident highlights how our officers work instinctively to address situations and solve ongoing investigations.
“We hope this reassures the community that we are always vigilant and committed to solving crimes.”
Man died after trying to light cigarette - inquest
An inquest has determined a fire which claimed the life of a Nottinghamshire man was started accidentally.
John Burke, 72, died following the fire at his flat in Aspley Court, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on February 19 last year.
Firefighters from Ashfield and Mansfield stations responded to the incident after receiving a call at 7.11 pm.
Despite their efforts, Mr. Burke was pronounced dead at the scene.
Assistant Coroner for Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, Fiona Gingell, concluded that the fire was most likely accidental.
She said: “Mr. Burke was bed-bound due to ill health and was using a lighter to light a hand-rolled cigarette in bed.
“Unfortunately, he dropped the lighter, which ignited his bedding. The fire led to an acute cardiac event, which was further exacerbated by inhalation of carbon monoxide.”
Ms. Gingell extended her condolences to Mr. Burke’s family, expressing sympathy for their loss.
Fire Investigator Tom Clark, emphasised the dangers of smoking indoors, especially in bed, and highlighted the increased risk of injury.
"While smoking outside is always the safest option, we understand that it's not always feasible. However, smoking indoors—particularly while in bed—carries an enhanced risk, especially for elderly or vulnerable individuals," he said.
He urged the public to consider the risks and take preventative measures, such as ensuring their smoke alarms are functioning and tested regularly.
Work on new school hits milestone
Work on a new state-of-the-art school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Mansfield has reached a key milestone, with the main structure and roof now complete.
The new school, Horizons Academy, will be run by Diverse Academies Trust and is set to open by spring 2026.
Located on the site of the former Ravensdale School, the purpose-built facility will cater for up to 160 pupils aged 7 to 19 with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The £30 million project is part of a wider programme by Nottinghamshire County Council to create up to 490 additional SEND school places by 2026 to meet growing demand for specialist education.
Sam Smith, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are committed to providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire, ensuring children and young people with SEND receive the best education possible.”
David Cotton, CEO of Diverse Academies Trust, added: “It’s incredible to see how far the building has progressed.
“Horizons Academy will provide an exceptional learning environment for young people with SEND.”
The project, managed by Arc Partnership and built by Morgan Sindall Construction, also focuses on designing spaces to accommodate sensory zones and calm areas to support students’ needs.
Nail salon plan for town centre approved
Plans to convert a shop near a Nottinghamshire shopping centre into a nail salon has ben approved.
The site in Market Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, opposite Idlewells, is currently vacant.
Proposals to change the use of the building to a nail salon were submitted to Ashfield District Council in December.
The developer said at the time: “The proposed change of use is considered to be appropriate to the commercial locality and there would be no material harm to the vitality of this retail location, which ensures that the proposed change application harmonises with the existing street scene.
“Moreover, the change of use is line with the council strategy to strengthen the diverse town centres and promote retail uses.”
The plans were approved by Ashfield District Council on February 6.
A spokesperson said: “The proposed use would contribute to the vitality of the town centre, operating in a way similar to any other form of business one would typically find on a high street.”