Former Long Eaton lace mill site transformed into 109 affordable homes

Photo of Futures, Lovell, Erewash Borough Council, Homes England and brp architects gathered outside one of the properties on Bennett Street, Long Eaton.

Over 100 new affordable homes have been brought to Erewash by housing association Futures Housing Group and leading partnerships developer Lovell.

Futures and Lovell gathered last week to celebrate the almost completion of the 109 homes off Bennett Street, Long Eaton.

Based on the former Britannia Mills site, originally built in the early 1900s for famous Derbyshire lace maker William Wallis, the homes are a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and one- and two-bedroom flats.

Anthony Holt, Director of Development and Asset Maximisation at Futures said: “It’s wonderful to finally see these properties ready for people to start calling their home, bringing much needed affordable housing to the local community. We’ve had a few challenges along the way, including a change of contractor, but it’s been great to work with Lovell and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.

“I’d also like to thank Erewash Borough Council and Homes England, who’ve closely supported us throughout, helping make a scheme of this size possible.”

Lovell Regional Managing Director for the East Midlands, Beth Bundonis, said: “We were pleased to be appointed on this project, enabling the scheme to continue and, ultimately, reach completion. The close cooperation between ourselves, the local authority and Futures has been central to the project’s success, and the development stands as a shining example of true partnership working.

“Our team has worked tirelessly alongside our partners and we are proud to have played our part in delivering these affordable homes for the community.”

The estate was also the chosen location for a new bridge that opened this summer over the nearby canal, saving residents a half a mile walk to get to the other side of the town.

Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Becca Everett said: “We are thrilled that the 109 new homes on the old Britannia Mills site are now almost complete. Affordable housing in the borough is a priority for the council – and this is a project our teams have been closely involved with. Our thanks go to Futures Housing and Lovells for all their hard work on this superb development of top-quality homes.

“With Christmas just around the corner as more and more families move in it will be great to see the lights and decorations going up at what not so long ago was a forlorn former industrial site. The thriving canalside community there will also benefit from the magnificent new Britannia Mills Bridge – built using regeneration money the council secured from the government as part of the £25million Long Eaton Town Deal.”