Plans submitted for 24 “much needed” apartments at Newark’s Castlegate Centre

More than 20 new “much needed” apartments could be built in Newark after plans were submitted to transform part of the Castlegate Centre.

Applicant Tim Hubbard submitted proposals to Newark and Sherwood District Council for 24 apartments on the upper floors of the building on Monday (December 2).

To create the new flats, the application involves dividing the first, second and attic floors of the centre – the corner building facing the Castlegate and Lombard Street junction.

Plans say the flats will be a mix of 15 studio, five one-bed and four two-bedroom apartments across the three floors.

Due to the site’s central location, the apartments would have no on-site parking.

However, plans say public transport links are nearby and the papers read: “It is felt the lack of parking provision can be offset in favour of these more sustainable access options”.

If approved, the development would make use of the existing building with minimal alterations to the outside character of the centre.

Works would mainly be internal, with new ceilings and partitions being made to create the new residential units.

Papers read: “The proposed alterations look to provide much-needed residential accommodation of a high standard and therefore will improve the communal value of the building to the local area.”

Carl Greaves, a former professional boxer and owner of NG24 Fitness and Carl Greaves Boxing Fitness, has his businesses on the second floor of the centre and within the planning site.

He says his lease will expire in 2026 and will be looking to get new premises once the lease ends.

He said: “Obviously it’s the landlord’s decision, they obviously feel they can make more money making it into apartments.

“We have had chats and I understand why they’re doing it and can make far more money doing it that way — making apartments is the way of the world now.”

The two fitness units are understood to be the only businesses impacted by the proposed planning proposals.

Castlegate Leisure Centre was built in the early 2000s and houses various commercial tenants such as UK Superbowl, the Baseri restaurant and NG24 Fitness.

In December 2022 the centre was listed on Rightmove as a freehold for £2.4 million.

The district council will decide on the application at a later date.