The £20 million redevelopment of the Worksop shopping centre continues
The Priory Centre has seen declining footfall in recent years(Image: Joseph Raynor/Nottingham Post)
A big-name retailer has confirmed it is returning to a Nottinghamshire shopping centre as its £20 million redevelopment continues.
Sports Direct first arrived at the Priory Centre in Worksop back in 2019 to fill a unit formerly occupied by M&S.
The sports retailer’s former unit currently stands empty but, as construction work begins on the Priory Centre’s redevelopment, Bassetlaw District Council has now confirmed Sports Direct will be returning.
The authority says Sports Direct will return in ‘the next few weeks’ in a move that will create 10 new jobs.
The £20 million development at the Priory Centre in Worksop will involve the current retail complex – which is still full of empty units – being transformed into a site also featuring a food court, indoor adventure play area, bowling alley and indoor market.
The revamped shopping centre should be ready for 2027 and work on the partial demolition of the current site is well under way.
Bassetlaw District Council bought the site in 2023 and most of the £20 million for its redevelopment comes from the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Much of the existing shopping centre will be retained, but the section fronting Bridge Place will be demolished to make way for a new-build leisure site and an outdoor public space featuring water fountains.
Also being demolished are the existing glass canopy that sits over the Priory Centre and the two-storey car park at the rear of the site, the latter of which could make way for the building of 44 homes.
Councillor Steve Scotthorne, from Bassetlaw District Council, said: “With preparations for the redevelopment of the Priory Centre now well under way, we are pleased to welcome Sports Direct back to the centre as part of its revitalisation.
“This is a big boost for the centre and we are confident that this move will help to attract the attention of more national, regional and independent businesses to this exciting project.”