The building has been empty since the famous Mansfield department store closed its doors in early 2019.
But Mansfield Council is planning to turn it into a civic hub – and the scheme was given a big boost in January with the announcement of £20 million of Levelling Up funding towards the scheme.
Andy Abrahams, Mansfield mayor, said: “The scheme forms a vital part of our ambitious long-term town centre regeneration plans. Our new multi-agency civic and community hub, at the former Beales department store, will see a new multi-partner facility and provide a new headquarters for the council.”
It is hoped the “multi-agency hub”, named Mansfield Connect, will house the district council – potentially freeing up its current Civic Centre home on Chesterfield Road South for redevelopment – alongside the NHS, West Nottinghamshire College and Mansfield Community & Voluntary Service, as well as Nottinghamshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.
However, ahead of any work beginning to transform it into Mansfield Connect, your Chad photographer Brian Eyre was invited inside the derelict building – built in 1938 for the Mansfield & Sutton Co-operative Society –
and captured these stunning images.
1. Art deco frontage
The art deco frontage of the former Beales department store on Queen Street, Mansfield town centre. Photo: Brian Eyre
3. Street view
The Queen Street frontage of the building, viewed from the junction with Stockwell Gate. Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Under control
A control panel inside the building - it looks like it could just be turned back on ready for business. Photo: Brian Eyre