Food hall and arcade plans set for approval

START-UP BUSINESSES WOULD OPERATE FROM FORMER DEPARTMENT STORE

- By JOSHUA HARTLEY

AN empty Nottinghamshire department store could be transformed into a food hall and arcade after planners said the project should be approved.

The ground floor of the former BHS building in West Gate, Mansfield, is currently vacant but could host seven individual food vendors with customer seating, bars, cafe and dessert shops, an arcade and pool area, and a cookery college.

Mansfield District Council's planning officers have recommended that councillors approve the town centre scheme, which has been brought forward by Tom Slaughter of RG Property, but members of the planning committee will have the decisive say today.

"No objection has been received from statutory or non-statutory consultees and the development would have clear material benefits