PRD has supported Mansfield District Council and its partners to develop a credible strategy for Mansfield Connect, a flagship civic reuse project anchoring wider town centre regeneration.

At the heart of the project is the transformation of the disused Beales department store into a vibrant civic and community hub. By co-locating public services, enterprise space, flexible workspace and community facilities in an accessible town centre building, the refurbished space will drive footfall, enhance the public realm, and boost town centre vitality through day and nighttime activities.

PRD shaped the delivery and investment case, positioning Mansfield Connect not only as a capital project, but as a catalyst for long-term change. We developed a robust evidence base, options assessment and operational financial modelling, testing a variety of scenarios, viability implications and delivery pathways. Alongside this, we co-designed a theory of change approach to articulate the project’s contribution to broader regeneration outcomes.

This work underpinned Mansfield’s successful £20m Levelling Up Fund bid. The funding is now enabling the council to deliver a flexible civic asset fit for a modern town centre, reactivating the high street and improving access to essential services. We see Mansfield Connect as a blueprint for place-based service integration and inclusive town centre recovery.