An ambitious new development of retail, sport, health, food and community facilities on the fringe of Retford is in the planning - and residents, businesses and others are being asked what they think of it.

A public consultation has been launched for the Retford Northern Gateway as proposals for the large-scale scheme off North Road at Retford are firmed up.

ARC Commercial Development Ltd is behind the plans of the 'mixed use destination', with a vision of a 'high-quality, landscape-led destination’ bringing together:

new retail and everyday convenience facilities, restaurants, cafés and social spaces, indoor padel courts and 4G sports pitches, a gym and wellness centre, a care home, garden centre, and flexible community-focused uses.

New proposals for the fringe of Retford - but the scheme would help, not hinder, footfall in the town centre, say the developers.

placeholder image — New proposals for the fringe of Retford - but the scheme would help, not hinder, footfall in the town centre, say the developers.

These facilities across 17.4 acres, they say, will be accompanied by extensive landscaping, tree planting and an 'improved public realm'.

The proposals are intended to create 'a distinctive northern entrance to Retford and provide new opportunities for shopping, employment, sport, wellbeing and community activity'.

The online consultation now launched provides an opportunity for residents, businesses, councillors and other stakeholders to view what is planned, and share their comments before anything is finalised.

Plans for the scheme are still on the drawing board, with ARC inviting feedback before they are submitted for planning consideration.

Local man Reece Musson, who is one of the owners of the site, and a director of UKSD Architects, Planning and Development, said: “We honestly want something here that is good for Retford, and don’t see it as competition for the town centre as facilities like padel courts and football fields would not be options for the town centre. It could actually ease congestion.

"Our focus is on a green, sustainable site with health benefits for local people. It is not out of town as there are 400 new homes adjacent on Trinity Park.

"This is a commercial use site with extant planning permission for a car auction and industrial units. These could still be actioned but we want a better option.”

Interest has already been shown by M&S, B&M Bargains and Garden Centre, and Lidl, said Mr Musson, who added: “We hope to attract local operators for the food, drink, social and leisure parts of the site. This would not be a standard retail park, but a green, eco friendly and sustainable place with health benefits for families to visit and have a nice time.

"I have met with Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw, previously, and this is seen very much as a gateway site, that has now evolved as a viable and deliverable project.”

To view the proposals visit: https://www.retfordnortherngateway.co.uk/

and you can find the consultation survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3792WBR

The consultation closes on August 23, 2026.