Next phase in transformational Newark Gateway plans

AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop the first phase of the Newark Gateway site – comprising Newark Lorry Park and the adjacent former livestock market - have reached the next milestone.

Following the announcement in March that Newark was awarded £25m from the Government’s Towns Fund, the world class International Air & Space Training Institute (IASTI®), continues to move at pace, with the first 100 students set to be welcomed to the existing Newark college site within temporary facilities in September 2021.

The new permanent home for the IASTI is expected to be at the Newark Gateway site, on land occupied by the former Newark Livestock Market, which has now been vacant for more than a year.

In preparation for the future development an application to demolish the current buildings in order to clear and securely hold the site will be made next week. Subject to approval, demolition works will take place from June onwards, with a planning application for the IASTI® facility expected in late summer 2021.

The District Council continues to work with a third party provider who is looking to set up a new livestock market for Newark, with a preferred site of the Newark Showground having been identified.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The redevelopment of the Newark Gateway is a hugely ambitious and highly significant project for the town. Demolishing the former Livestock Market site will make way for an education facility that will be the first of its kind, with military and civil aviation partners working collectively to get people working in the aviation industry.

"A thriving livestock market is a hugely important focal point for not only the farming community in our district and the work to deliver the IASTI® does not mean that we will not continue to support a new livestock market for the town. We continue to actively liaise with a third party who is looking to make this happen.

“Similarly, our Lorry Park also remains an important asset in the area. Newark is incredibly well connected via the strategic road network and the Showground is an equally appealing location which will enable us to offer the same high quality services but also an even greater number of spaces.”

In addition to the IASTI, later phases of the Gateway Site development would see the creation of a new ‘Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics Enterprise Zone’ to drive innovation and growth in the supply chain and logistics sector, creating opportunities in higher skilled and paid jobs.

For more information on the projects contained in Newark’s Town Investment Plan, visit: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newarktownsfund/