Leader's Column 12/06/2026

Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council:

Plans for a new Police Station in the heart of Worksop were announced last week by myself, Gary Godden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, alongside Bassetlaw MP Jo White.

This is an exciting opportunity for our town and the wider district, and one that has been in development behind the scenes for some time. Subject to endorsement by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, discussions will move forward to transfer ownership of 73 Bridge Street to the Police and Crime Commissioner, who is responsible for Nottinghamshire Police’s estate.

The proposal would see Nottinghamshire Police relocate from Queen’s Buildings and establish a new front-counter service and operational facilities in the town centre. This would support our shared ambition to enhance policing, improve accessibility and visibility, and play an important role in creating a safer, more vibrant town centre for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Looking ahead, we are preparing to create a new Local Plan for Bassetlaw. This plan will help to ensure future growth is carefully managed, supported by the infrastructure and services our communities need, while protecting our environment and making the most of the once-in-a-generation opportunities presented by the Trent Valley Supercluster.

Although our current Local Plan was only adopted in 2024, it will need to be reviewed by 2028-29. Beginning work now means we can have a new plan ready at the right time, providing certainty for residents and helping to guard against speculative development.

As these early stages progress, we will set out a clear timetable so residents know exactly when and how they can have their say. I look forward to sharing further details on how local people can get involved in the months ahead.

Finally, I was delighted to visit the Priory Centre site last week and see first-hand the excellent progress being made on this transformational development.

If you haven’t been into Worksop town centre recently, the change is already remarkable. With part of the old building now demolished and construction preparations well underway, the scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities back to the heart of our town.

Work is also progressing at pace on the new bridge that will span the Chesterfield Canal and connect the Priory Centre with Dock Road, improving access and helping to unlock the full potential of the site.

We will continue to keep residents updated on this and other major projects through our website and social media channels as we work together to deliver a stronger, safer and more prosperous future for Bassetlaw.

 


Last Updated on Monday, June 15, 2026