STABLE JOY

A multi-million Pound project to open a state-of-the-art small business hub in Erewash has taken a huge leap forward. A building known as the old Stable Block is being refurbished by the borough council to become a centre for commerce and innovation. Work originally got under way last year but had to be put on hold when Nottingham construction giant J Tomlinson Ltd – which won the contract – rocked the building sector by going bust. Erewash Borough Council was among a string of local authorities and government bodies that were left having to find new builders to complete projects. It meant painstaking fresh negotiations – but the town hall’s search is now over. Derbyshire-based Trident Construction Services Ltd has been engaged to complete the work. The Stable Block project is being funded by government levelling-up cash as part of a £24.8million “Town Deal” that the council helped win for Long Eaton. Offices, meeting spaces and workshops will be available when the building next to Long Eaton Town Hall is transformed. The new business centre aims to create more than 30 jobs. Erewash Borough Council leader James Dawson said: “This showcase project is among several that will help transform Long Eaton thanks to the council securing huge government investment to revitalise the town. The collapse of the original builder was a blow but we are pleased to be back on course.” 

The old stables form part of what is known the “curtilage” of the Grade II* listed town hall – which was built in 1778 by Joseph Pickford of Derby. Back then the town hall was a house for “gentleman farmer” Henry Howitt. Richard Ledger, chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “We have been pulling out all the stops to minimise delays to the refurbishment of the old stables, which will enhance Long Eaton as a place to do business. The project will create the kind of modern hub that we know there is a demand for.”