£25m Town Deal progress is groundbreaking

A day of ceremonies to officially break ground on projects to transform one of Erewash’s towns will take place this month as Erewash Borough Council forges ahead with the £25million regeneration of Long Eaton.

Civic leaders and officials will see where preparations are being made for the construction of a spectacular new bridge – and will also visit a prime site that has been cleared following the demolition of a derelict cinema.

New affordable homes will be built as part of a showcase development where the Galaxy picture house stood. It had been a crumbling town centre eyesore for more than a decade – and Erewash Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson grabbed a sledgehammer last May to start flattening it.

The site visits on Tuesday 25th November will be followed in the New Year by the official opening of a swish new businesses centre. It is another project funded by £25million of Government regeneration money that the council helped to clinch for the town.

Self-contained studios and offices in The Stables – a listed building next to Long Eaton Town Hall – are already being advertised.

Local business leader Richard Ledger, who chairs the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “Next year will also see work start on transforming the area around the High Street, where £10million of the regeneration funding is being spent. Things are really ramping up as local people begin to see tangible benefits from the investment that is pouring into the town – after a colossal amount of work behind the scenes to get to this exciting stage.

“The magnificent new canal bridge at Broad Street is part of a new waterfront amenity that we are building. The crossing will be a new landmark for the town thanks to its stunning design.

“At Galaxy Row there will be 16 high-quality flats for social rent plus four townhouses earmarked for shared ownership. This will create a vibrant new community alongside the building of three commercial premises.”

Representatives from the developers and the affordable housing association managing the scheme will join officials at the Galaxy site visit.

Tom Spink, director of MyPad, said: “In addition to providing much-needed high-quality, affordable homes, the scheme will support the creation of full and permanent job opportunities and deliver highly energy-efficient properties that contribute to long-term sustainability. We are proud to be playing a key role in enhancing the fabric of Long Eaton and helping to shape a thriving future for the town.”