NEWARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

1.

In the older residential areas of Newark (built in the 19th century) houses were built without garages. Some have become one-way streets. Some have parking restictions, to ease congestion and improve safety.

2.

Near the river and canal basin was an area of disused warehouses which have been converted into a mixture of apartments, factory units and offices. This retains the character of these older areas, whilst finding new uses for the disused buildings..

3.

Along the riverbank there has been extensive rebuilding. This area was once covered by an engineering factory. The fancy frontage has been preserved and built into these new developments. This is now a sheltered housing complex for old people.

4.

On the other side of the river this old industrial site has been cleared. New luxury housing has been built, with a riverside terrace which can be enjoyed by everyone. A nice mixture of residential and leisure uses.

5.

Along the riverside were numerous warehouses which were once used to store goods when they were being transferred to and from barges. These buildings were some of the first concrete buildings in Britain. They have been converted into flats and offices, whist retaining the old exterior.

6.

This new bridge carries the Newark by-pass over the R. Trent. Traffic congestion became a big problem in Newark, because it was the only bridging point for many miles up or down stream. Building the bridge has reduced the volume of traffic in the town centre.

7.

This building was once an oast house where barley was made into malt. The derelict building stood in a residential area - because the victorian workers needed to be close to their work. It has now been converted into a gym and leisure complex.

8.

Elsewhere in Newark new factories have been built. Firms have been encouraged to come to Newark, and old brownfield sites have been redeveloped. This helps to maintain employment.

9.

The main east coast railway, from London to Edinburgh, passes through Newark. The line has been electified and new faster trains introduced. This has cut journey times to London and would allow someone to live in Newark and commute to London. This has created a rising population and greater demand for services.

10.

The livestock market is an important function of Newark. Farmers come from the surrounding area to buy and sell animals and produce. The old cattle market was on a cramped site close to the town centre, leading to congestion. Recently a new site has been created close to the by-pass and on the outskirts of the town.

11.

In the town centre, some roads have been pedestrianised, and cycle racks provided. This encourages local people to travel to the shops on foot or by bike. The town centre becomes cleaner and safer for shoppers because there is no traffic.

12.

Around the town centre were numerous small yards. In the 18th and 19th century these were the site of inns which were used by travellers, and and stables to keep fresh horses for the stage coaches. Many of these buildings were derelict in the 1970s, and they have been rebuilt and converted into small arcades of shops. These are also safe pleasant places to shop, and help to attract visitors to Newark.

13.

One of the factors that favoured the development of Newark on this site was the medieval castle.  The castle, in its riverside location, is still a tourist attraction.

14.

In 2000 a new attraction was added to the riverside in Newark - a marina.  This attracts tourists who will moor their boat here permanently or visit the town.