VIDEO: Worksop land sale sparks hotel build rumours

The car park, which is situated on Newgate Street East, has space for 89 vehicles plus five disabled bays, and is popular with town centre shoppers and workers.

But the council confirmed the car park is now in the process of being sold to a developer who they are unable to identify, despite rumours amongst the town’s businesses that a hotel is planned for the spot.

A spokesman for Bassetlaw Council told the Guardian: “The council can confirm that we have accepted an offer from a property developer for Newgate Street East car park and terms are now being agreed.”

“Whilst the sale is being finalised it would be inappropriate for the council to comment further, other than to say the developer’s proposals could create new construction jobs, employment opportunities and further support the night time economy in this part of the town centre.”

Mrs Shaw, who runs Shaw’s fish and chip shop and restaurant near the car park, said any move that would generate business in Worksop was ‘a positive thing’.

She added: “I don’t think the build, whatever it is, will cause much bother - there are plenty of other places to park in the town and a lot of undeveloped land that could easily be turned into another car park.”

“Newgate Street is very quiet these days and in need of new businesses.”

But Mike Collard, who works in the town centre and uses the Newgate Street car park daily, thinks Worksop drivers will be affected negatively by the council’s decision to sell on the car park.

He said: “I don’t know why we would need another hotel in Worksop - there’s the Lion Hotel just a few yards down the road, which is perfectly fine.”

“Who would want to stay here anyway? We’re not a seaside town, we don’t bring many tourists in - the emphasis should be on what local people want.”

“I find parking in the town centre, especially during busy times, a nightmare and closing another car park won’t help matters,” he added.

Coun John Shephard, of Bassetlaw District Council, whose ward includes the town centre area, said: “I am not aware who the car park has been sold to, but if a hotel is to be built in the town centre it can only be good news for Worksop.”

“People say that Worksop is not a tourist destination, but a property developer intending to build a hotel wouldn’t purchase the land if they didn’t think there was demand for one,” he added.