A derelict Derbyshire farm complex next to a vast array of former quarry lakes could be turned into a “unique” jobs-boosting leisure activity centre.
The forlorn-looking Home Farm complex in Pasture Lane, Long Eaton, now neighbouring the Spring Lakes Watersports Centre, has been fenced off and boarded up for some time.
Documents submitted to Erewash Borough Council detail that the site had been earmarked as a headquarters for quarrying giant CEMEX and John Ryan Developments.
Work had started on those approved plans in 2018 but have since been cancelled.
Now the new owners, the neighbouring Spring Lakes Watersports and Leisure Centre, have revealed the plans for what it calls a “unique opportunity” to redevelop the site.
They said: “With the expertise of the new ownership, along with the natural inclination of a site within the green belt intended to encourage employment, increase tourism and promote activity in the wider surroundings, we were presented with a unique opportunity to create an indoor activity and leisure centre with links to promote activity in the wider nature reserve.
“The proposal includes the retention, conversion and refurbishment of the farm building in addition to concealed, single‐storey extension to provide an indoor activity centre with provisions for potential uses such as a soft‐play area, indoor bouldering (rock climbing), party rooms, 10‐pin bowling, crazy golf and more.”
The “state‐of‐the‐art indoor facility” would be joined by a bike hire centre, play park and padel courts according to the applicant. These would be incorporated within the project to create “further links between the activity centre and the wider nature reserve”.
Spring Lakes Watersports and Leisure Centre said the indoor facility will encompass the “majority of the existing farm building” and proposed extension for additional activity space in a bid to create a “365‐day attraction.”
Documents submitted to the council detail that currently Spring Lakes has to make a number of staff redundant each winter due to the colder months not lending themselves to the water-based seasonal activities.
They say the new plan would mean increased employment throughout the year. Proposals show that if approved, the development would create 20 new jobs – five full-time and 15 part-time roles.
They said: “When combined, this will provide a welcoming, all‐in‐one activity hub for families to visit year round, thus creating sustained tourism in the area, increased employment opportunities, as well as much needed staff‐retainment benefits for the client (Spring Lakes Water sports and Leisure Centre), who currently have to lay off staff each year during the colder months due to more seasonal activities being offered at their nearby attraction.”
If approved by the borough council, the facilities would be open from 9am until 9am every day of the week.
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