Yorke Drive redevelopment is full steam ahead after plans approved

Redevelopment of the site will build new homes for Yorke Drive residents, improve the safety of the area, and deliver significant improvements to sports and recreational facilities.  

Newark and Sherwood District Council, who has led the project, involved the community at every step of the way through a range of engagement and consultation events to refine the plans. 

Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I want to firstly thank the residents of Yorke Drive for their patience and cooperation during the planning of this scheme. As a Council, we recognise this has not been an easy process for them. This is such an important development and the impact it will have on their lives is huge which is why it’s vital we get it right. This has been a key priority for this administration, ensuring that the scheme was ready to get over the line. Everyone is keen to get spades in the ground and this summer we will see the start of this exciting project.

“Throughout the creation of this scheme we have continued to engage with residents and partner organisations ensuring the project meets the needs of those living on Yorke Drive. The past few years have seen challenges ranging from re-designs, delays, the cost-of-living-crisis and even a worldwide pandemic, but our commitment to residents has remained steadfast and the approval of planning is a major step in creating a brighter future for all who live on the estate.”

Due to the scale of this project, it will be delivered over several phases, with improvements to the playing fields, delivery of a new sports pavilion and building the new homes required for existing residents all taking place first. In total 207 homes will be built and these will be a mix of private and social homes, in different sizes, which are suitable for a range of households.

Other improvements include:

• Creating an attractive and welcoming entrance off Lincoln Road
• Improving linkages between Yorke Drive and the surrounding area
• Improving the energy efficiency of homes
• Increasing car parking allowance across Yorke Drive and including electric vehicle charge points
• Providing a pavilion and green space central to the design, that gives residents access to Football Association standard playing pitches and facilities

Yorke Drive residents are being invited to a drop-in session on Thursday 27 February at Bridge Community Centre from 1pm until 6pm where they will be able to look at the final designs and discuss with the District Council the options for their new housing.

Councillor Lee Brazier concludes: “We’ll be working closely with residents on the estate regularly over the next few months and years discussing how we will bring the plans for the building work to life, understanding how it will affect them and listening to residents about how we can support them through the different stages of regeneration including helping to keep the estate in good order whilst we progress. The Council is here to support all residents, and anyone with concerns can contact us or raise them at the next drop-in.

“This project is a massive achievement for the Council and once complete, will be a huge benefit to the community. Thank you to Council colleagues who have worked hard on this project for many years and I’m excited to see this project taking shape.”

Development works on the estate are due to commence this summer, Residents can check the District Council webpage (www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/yorkedrivefocus) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/YorkeDriveFocus) for regular updates on the project.