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Recreation Street, MANSFIELD, NG18 2HR

BMA Ltd of Tuxford, Newark are in the process of building 14 residential properties on a plot of land sandwiched between the rear gardens (or backyards) of the existing terraced houses on Recreation Road and the tower in the distance. St Peter's Way (i.e. the A60/A6006) passes between the tower - situated in a former quarry known as Rock Valley - and one side of a natural rock embankment 75 metres behind this new house. The entrance to this small new-build development will be behind where the photographer was standing. The domed clocktower is the only structure remaining on the former Metal Box Company factory site in the former quarry in question.

Seen from St Peter's Way. Only visible since the demolition of the former Metal Box works.

The clock tower belonged to the old Metal Box factory in Rock Valley which was demolished in 2011. After a campaign, the decision was taken to preserve the old tower and incorporate it into future developments. At the moment, however, it stands forlorn by St Peter's Way. For a view of how things were see: Image

All that remains of the works in Rock Valley.

This photo shows the rock formation which gives Rock Valley its name. This view was hidden for over a hundred years by the Barringer, Wallis and Manners (later Metal Box) works. No doubt it will disappear again when the site (which is now up for sale) is redeveloped.

Early 20th century terraced housing development from the industrial expansion of the town.

On Rock Valley.

A view from Bath Lane, i.e. the B6033, towards Rock Valley, with several church spires in the town centre beyond. In 1895 Barringer, Wallis & Manners Ltd began a business in the former quarry site ahead. The site was divided into two separate sections, 'Rock Valley Mill' at the north end producing mustard and 'Rock Valley Tin Works' to the south. Over a period of thirty years the site was expanded massively and a new four-storey block - designed by Mansfield architects, Cook, Howard & Lane and incorporating this clock tower - was completed in 1927. In 1939 Barringer Wallis and Manners Co. Ltd was subsumed into the Metal Box Company. When Metal Box plc ceased using the site and the premises were bought by Crown Speciality Packaging, although later on they moved elsewhere. Most of the buildings were demolished in 2011 leaving the clock tower standing alone. At the end of 2020 Jackson Design Associates submitted plans for a retirement community development consisting of approx 36 apartments, 4 maisonettes and 29 bungalows, a project that is currently awaiting consideration. Behind the tower, a road bridge carries an elevated section of St Peter's Way (A6009) over this former quarry. On 23 October 2023 the local planning committee passed a development application for 27 bungalows and 47 apartments in two blocks, one on each side of the clock tower, on this site. See also: http://www.neolithicsea.co.uk/mansfieldmetalbox/content/SDIM8814_large.html

Barringer, Wallis & Manners Ltd began a business on this site in 1895. Over a period of thirty years the site was expanded massively and a new four-storey block incorporating this clock tower - designed by Mansfield architects, Cook, Howard & Lane - was completed in 1927. In 1939 Barringer Wallis and Manners Co. Ltd was subsumed into the Metal Box Company. When Metal Box plc ceased using the site the premises were bought by Crown Speciality Packaging, although later on they moved elsewhere. Most of the buildings were demolished in 2011 leaving the clock tower standing alone. On the right of the picture part of a road bridge can be seen that carries an elevated section of St Peter's Way (A6009) over this former quarry site. At the end of 2020 Jackson Design Associates submitted plans for a retirement community development consisting of approx 36 apartments, 4 maisonettes and 29 bungalows, a project that is currently awaiting consideration. On the skyline are some of 14 houses that are currently being completed in a new-build development off Recreation Road. See also: http://www.neolithicsea.co.uk/mansfieldmetalbox/content/SDIM8814_large.html

This is all that remains of the extensive Metal Box Company's factory which filled this part of the valley of the River Maun.