Conversations to continue on the relocation of Newark Lorry Park and redevelopment of Newark Gateway

Members authorised moving forward with a lease with Lincoln College Group, which will allow (subject to a Full Business Case) a start on-site for the Air and Space Institute (ASI) this Summer, with completion expected for September 2023.

The new facility is one of nine priority projects outlined in Newark’s Town Investment Plan, which was awarded £25m of grant funding from Central Government as part of its Towns Fund initiative.

The ASI forms part of Phase 1 of the Newark Gateway site and will offer the 2021 and 2022 intake of students (currently receiving education at temporary facilities at Newark College) the chance to join the new cohorts at the new state-of-the-art facility in 2023.

Outlined in the assured business case the first 15 years of the ASI will deliver:

• 312 Level 2 qualifications in engineering and computing
• 1,689 Level 3 qualifications and T-Levels across a range of aviation and space related programmes including pilot, engineer, ground operations, cyber, robotics and logistics
• 204 Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards in aviation engineering
• 888 Higher Level Technical Qualifications (Level 4-6) across pilot, airfield operations, aviation, aerospace and software engineering
• 38 new jobs

Members of the Cabinet also authorised the continuation of negotiations with Newark Showground and the owners of Overfield Park to present costed options for the proposed relocation of Newark Lorry Park and redevelopment of the Newark Gateway site.

The Lorry Park continues to thrive in terms of usage, however it was heard that challenges and areas for improvement have been identified through user comments and surveys, including waterlogging and dust issues, and a request for more amenities such as a shop, laundrette and eateries.

A preferred route for the A46 Newark Northern Bypass by National Highways and the Department for Transport has been published and the proposals would mean a significantly reduced Lorry Park offer for the town if it remains where it is, which is why the relocation remains a priority for the District Council.

The preferred route, as published in the District Council’s response to its publication, will involve significant land-take from the existing Lorry Park in order to develop a larger and grade separate A46, the associated roundabout and the necessary embankment and drainage features.

As a result it was recognised that work should continue in exploring the relocation and redevelopment of the Lorry Park. The District Council continues to assess the likely impact of the A46 proposals, and the Bypass remains a strategic priority for the District Council.

The proposed route also has implications for the Newark Showground, which remains the preferred location for a relocated and expanded Lorry Park offer. Officers continue to negotiate with National Highways and following the outcome of these conversations, the final impacts will be evaluated before feasibility options can be presented to Members at the July Cabinet meeting.

Councillor David Lloyd, Co-Chair of Newark Towns Fund Board and Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The District Council and our partners have been working tirelessly to ensure the delivery of the priority Towns Fund projects and Business Cases have been progressed.

“The Newark Lorry Park is an important and well-used service and we are pleased that discussions can continue about its future. The current facility will only be relocated if better facilities can be provided elsewhere.

“The Air and Space Institute and the Smart Innovation, Supply Chain and Logistics (SiScLog) Enterprise Area are also central to the delivery of the Newark Town Investment Plan. In particular for raising aspiration and opportunity for young people, residents and businesses within the town, creating new employment opportunities in manufacturing, cyber and digital services.”