Coffee chain! Mayor pops into new branch

Here to serve: Mayor of Erewash grabs a coffee as a new coffee shop opens at New Stanton Park (Credit: EBC)

A new drive-thru coffee shop has welcomed the Mayor of Erewash among its first customers – as he hailed the 15 fresh jobs there as another shot in the arm for employment in the borough.

Cllr Harry Atkinson donned his robes and chain to visit a national chain’s latest restaurant, at New Stanton Park near Ilkeston.

It is the second drive-thru on a showcase business park that is taking shape on 220 acres of the old Stanton Ironworks, after the recent opening of a fast-food restaurant.

Millions are being invested by companies setting up home there – including an Italian-based multinational that has chosen the site for its UK HQ.  The firm Fassa Bortolo, which supplies pre-mixed renders and plasters to the construction industry, expects to employ up to 100.

Some 4,000 jobs in total are poised to be created as the regeneration of the land attracts ever more businesses. The restaurants will be places for workers to eat.

The first full day of trading at the new coffee shop on Thursday 12th March saw baristas team up with the local charity Ben’s Den – which is dedicated to the memory of a 13-year-old who lost a battle with leukaemia. It provides holiday breaks for young cancer sufferers and their families.

Customers were invited to make donations and take part in a raffle.

Mayor Harry said: “I cannot think of a better cause. The Ben Parker Trust Fund has a very special place in the hearts of those living here in Erewash.”

Ahead of the first servings, coffee chain officials confirmed that all proceeds from an opening day raffle and donations on the day were to go directly to the charity. The first 100 customers also received a gift from the team.

Cllr Curtis Howard, Lead Member for Planning and Regeneration at Erewash Borough Council, said: “Twenty years after losing the old ironworks, jobs are coming back to Stanton. Whether it’s in manufacturing, distribution or the service industry like here – every pound of investment is a vote of confidence in Ilkeston and its future.”

Council leader James Dawson hailed New Stanton Park as “a vibrant hub for industry”.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: “Fassa Bortolo’s investment, alongside the wider regeneration of New Stanton Park, demonstrates the East Midlands’ strength as a destination for advanced manufacturing and underlines our determination to build a resilient, future-ready economy.”