Rufford Colliery

The 625-acre former Rufford Colliery closed for the final time in 1993 and we are now keen to bring forward the site for residential development following a number of years of careful site management.

A new masterplan has now been devised for the site which we are now promoting with Newark & Sherwood Council, comprising two key elements:

• The redevelopment of the 65-acre former pit-yard for c. 500 new homes, maximising the benefits of being adjacent to the A617 Mansfield and Ashfield Regeneration Route (MARR); and
• The protection of the balance of the land for environmental benefit, linking with Rainworth SSSI to create a fantastic green space to increase biodiversity and improve public health.

We believe the Housing Accelerator could have a role to play in brokering several stakeholder interests, including statutory agencies, to support bringing forward housing delivery as soon as possible.

Progress so far:

• Coal lagoons emptied in full to support site restoration.
• Decade of joint working with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust in establishing the County’s largest ever heathland reclamation programme over 500+ acres.
• Initial discussions with Newark & Sherwood Council on redevelopment of former pit yard area, tied to the intended long-term regeneration intent of the A617 Mansfield and Ashfield Regeneration Route (MARR)

Milestone dates:

• Continued work with NWT to develop heathland and biodiversity Ongoing Preparation of new Newark & Sherwood Local Plan, including call for sites Early 2025

• Submission of outline planning application Spring 2025

How housing delivery could be accelerated:

Bring together myriad interested parties, including statutory bodies, to accelerate bringing forward Housing on the former pityard site

Why invest in Nottinghamshire?

Nottingham is a city with a rich past and a bright future. A city of leaders and legacy, known for its resilience, its compassion and its community spirit – just like its hero, Robin Hood. A city where you’ll find the legend of its outlaw hero and a thousand years of history at Nottingham Castle a stone’s throw from state-of-the-art developments emerging in Southside, Waterside and the Island Quarter. A place that’s on a mission to become the UK’s first carbon-neutral city by 2028, with unprecedented levels of investment in an award-winning, clean and green public transport system, electric vehicles and sustainable energy sources. A vibrant clash of creativity and culture, history and heritage, and world-class sports. A city where you’ll find independent shops, world cuisine and a thriving nightlife buzzing within the curious alleyways, boutique arcades and beautiful architecture. And two world-class universities nurturing innovation and independent minds, while a growing business scene secures their future. A place that’s always moving forward while celebrating its past. The biggest small city in the UK, nestled in the heart of the Midlands.

Insight for investors

• Type of investment sought: Funding partners, developers, occupiers
• Site size: 625 Acres
• Timescale: 2025-2035
• Delivery Timescale:  5+ years
• Planning Status: Masterplan in development