Council approves extra cash for Creative Village project after cost over-runs

Committee members voted to put £141,000 of funding towards the Creative Village project at this month’s cabinet meeting.

The first phase, which will create 18 new business units, is expected to be completed by the first week of December but extra cash is needed to make essential foundation repairs.

Cabinet member and portfolio holder for community prosperity, Coun David Pressley, said the real extent of 100-year-old infrastructure was revealed since dismantling the walls and digging for foundations.

“The money we are putting into Phase One of the Creative Village covers the worst case scenario to cover the cost of over-runs,” he said.

“We hope to make up the shortfall from an application to the European Regional Development Fund for £75,313 which we are confident of getting.”

The approved £141,000 funding will be made up of £116,000 from Phase Two of the project and £25,000 from the Canch Access Bridge budget which will form part of next year’s project.

It is hoped the village will attract creative businesses such as craft workshops and graphic and fashion design studios to Worksop, as well as house a cafe and visitors’ centre - creating up to 45 jobs.

Coun Pressley said two tenants are ready to move into the new buildings, adding that four further customers have expressed strong interest in the development.

“It’s a worthwhile project which will not only protect the area’s important history but bring it into the modern age.”