Modernisation of Hucknall town centre begins 

Ashfield District Council’s plan to improve and modernise Central Walk, Hucknall, will start by the end of April. 

After taking onboard public comments, the plans for Central Walk include removing the dated arcade canopy, introducing more streetlights and ambient lighting, building planters with integrated seating and bins, standardising the shop fronts, and painting street art. 

The work will start with the removal of the canopy, which will take place at night to minimise disruption to any of the businesses and shoppers who use Central Walk. Pigeon nests were humanely removed and further nesting discouraged, before this work started to ensure that no birds will be disturbed during the removal of the canopy.

The Council aims to improve feelings of safety and reduce anti-social behaviour, promote Hucknall’s history through art, and create a welcoming, accessible town centre to encourage more visitors, in turn supporting local businesses. The Council is investing £600,000, partly from their portion of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to make improvements to Chapel Street and Central Walk to achieve this. 

Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning said

“These plans for Hucknall will ultimately encourage higher footfall, by making people want to spend more time in the town centre and contributing towards feelings of safety. 

“This key link in between the town centre and Piggins Croft is in dire need of a facelift. Our planned improvements will make a huge difference to the area and will mark the start of the next phase of regeneration for Hucknall.” 

The planned improvements for Chapel Street are currently paused whilst the Council works with partners to finalise details. 

Cllr Lee Waters, Ward Councillor for Hucknall Central commented

“While town centre works can cause some short-term disruption, the longer-term picture is a positive one. This is about improving the look and feel of Central Walk, supporting the wider town centre and tackling some of the practical issues people have raised for years, including the mess caused by pigeons gathering around the current structure.

"These changes will help create a town centre that feels brighter, cleaner and more welcoming, somewhere people can enjoy spending time and that the town can be proud of.”

Posted on 16 April 2026