Rebirth of Galaxy Row: Demolition Marks Major Town Deal Milestone

Galaxy Row Project.

Last updated: 20/03/2025.

Long Eaton’s derelict Galaxy cinema is set to be demolished next month (April) to make way for its redevelopment as part of the £25 million Town Deal.

The former Stage One nightclub which stands next to it will also be demolished to make way for a wholesale regeneration of what is known as Galaxy Row.

The demolitions will see smart new homes and commercial units built on the prominent Derby Road site. The plan is for three business premises plus 16 flats and four townhouses. There will be 28 parking spaces, which will be accessed from Oxford Street at the rear of the development.

The council has partnered with Mypad and Tuntum for the development scheme.

The derelict cinema has been an eyesore in the town since closing more than a decade ago. Once the properties have been demolished timber hoarding, featuring images of the Town Deal projects, will be erected around the site.

Erewash Borough Council helped secure almost £25 million from the government for the Long Eaton Town Deal projects which also includes the transformation of the former Stable Block at the back of the town hall into modern office space, and a massive £10million refurbishment of the High Street.

Chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal, Richard Ledger, said:

"This marks a significant milestone in our Town Deal vision for Long Eaton. After considerable effort to secure these properties, we're thrilled to see demolition begin. This is the first step in transforming Galaxy Row into a vibrant hub of homes and businesses, and we're committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this redevelopment will have on Long Eaton."

The demolition work is expected to take around four months with construction work set to begin straight after.

 

Long Eaton Town Deal projects progressing, delivering community benefits.

Town Deal Updates.

Last updated: 17/02/2024.

Erewash Borough Council and the Long Eaton Town Deal Board are pleased to provide an update on the progress of the £25 million Long Eaton Town Deal projects.

Significant strides have been made across the programme, with two projects already completed and others advancing through key phases, including a £10 million upgrade to the High Street.

It’s been more than five years since this money was awarded, but that’s been spent doing hard-work behind the scenes – by the council and its many partners – to get it to this point.

The completed West Park lighting scheme and the new Events Space are already providing tangible benefits to the community. The Galaxy Row cinema is planned to be demolished this spring, and work on the £10 million High Street upgrade will start in the autumn.

These successes demonstrate the commitment to delivering high-quality projects that enhance Long Eaton.

"It’s really exciting that we now get to unveil this stuff, with so many of the projects – especially the bigger, most visible ones starting work this year.’ said Richard Ledger, Chair of the Long Eaton Town Board.

"While we have encountered some challenges, as is common with large-scale projects, we are confident that we are on track to meet the funding deadlines and deliver transformative change for the town.”

The Long Eaton Town Deal Board remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide regular updates to the community on the progress of these vital projects. The next Town Board meeting will be held on Friday, February 21st, where further updates will be discussed.

Key Project Updates:

• Completed: West Park Lighting Scheme, Events Space
• Under Construction: Stable Block (Completion anticipated in August 2025)
• Pre-Construction Phase: Britannia Mills Bridge, Broad Street Bridge & Waterfront, High Street, Galaxy Row

All projects are on track to meet the Towns Fund deadlines of being in contract by the end of March 2026 and completed by the end of March 2027.

 

Council’s commitment to environment grows with West Park tree planting

Walking and Cycling Project.

Last updated: 25/02/2025.

Erewash Borough Council is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to environmental enhancement by planting new trees in West Park, Long Eaton this month.

This initiative will further enrich the park's landscape and provide a variety of benefits for visitors and the local ecosystem.

The diverse selection of trees includes Walnut, Sweetgum, Cherry Blossom, and Copper Beech, carefully chosen to add visual interest and ecological value to the park. This planting project emphasises the council's dedication to maintaining and improving green spaces for the community to enjoy.

Councillor Mark Alfrey, Lead Member for Environment at Erewash Borough Council, says:

“We are delighted to enhance West Park with these new trees This initiative reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability and reinforces our promise to replace every removed tree with a new planting. These new trees will not only enhance the park's beauty but also contribute to a healthier environment for everyone."

This planting project complements ongoing tree management works within West Park. While some mature trees are being removed as part of necessary maintenance and to accommodate the Long Eaton Town Deal Broad Street Bridge and Waterfront project, they will be replaced with new trees once the tree and landscaping plan for that project is finalised. This ensures an increase in the number of trees and contributes to the long-term health and vitality of the park.

West Park, the largest park in Erewash, is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Home to the weekly 5km Parkrun, the park boasts a wide range of outdoor sports and recreational facilities and hosts numerous events throughout the year. Recent improvements, including new footpath lighting and the completion of an events field and car park as part of the Long Eaton Town Deal, further enhance the park's appeal.

This tree planting initiative is part of Erewash Borough Council’s broader mission to plant 2,250 trees across the borough by March.

 

Town Deal Proposals to Improve Long Eaton Town Centre Unveiled.

Long Eaton High Street Project.

Last Updated: 06/01/2025.

 

 

The long awaited Town Deal proposals to improve Long Eaton Town Centre are being unveiled on-line today. The plans include:

• Remodelling High Street to make it a visitor attraction in its own right, with a new central square, architectural features, greenery, more seating, and features to celebrate the local furniture industry and local celebrity Dame Laura Knight,
• Widening the pavements along Tamworth Road and Market Place from Broad Street / Salisbury Street to Oxford Street,
• Providing new dedicated blue-badge parking on the old back-market and in existing car parks, and improving the access from parking areas to shopping streets.

Proposals to celebrate Long Eaton’s globally important upholstery industry include street furniture in the design of sofas and armchairs, whilst groundbreaking war artist Dame Laura Knight, who was born on Union Street, is to be the subject of a featured trail.

The aim of the improvements, which are funded by UK Government, sponsored by Erewash Borough Council, managed by Derbyshire County Council and designed by leading highway engineers Galliford Try and BWB, is to make the town centre a more attractive place to visit and spend time in. That in turn is expected to not only improve the viability of existing town centre businesses, but to help attract the new generation of high street entrepreneurs needed to serve Long Eaton into the future.

The project is based on consultation with the local community in 2020 which found support for improving the town centre, including through more planting and improved seating. That in turn formed part of the proposals of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board that were submitted to UK Government in 2021. It has been a long process to get to this point, including further targeted engagement with taxi drivers, street traders, market traders, high street retailers and blue badge parking users which has informed the design. The on-line proposals are now open to public comment from 6^th January to 16^th February 2025, with two drop-in sessions at Long Eaton Town Hall from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday 16^th January and Monday 20^th January.

Councillor Curts Howard, Lead Member for Town Centres, said:

 “It’s very exciting to finally be unveiling our £10 million high street upgrade. A new look and feel for our town centre will be good for local business, and for local residents. I’m looking forward to getting work started in the town centre this autumn.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration,  Councillor Tony King, said:

“I’m pleased that we are now able to share the plans with the people of Long Eaton. What is planned will make a major change to the town centre for the better. I would urge everyone to come along to the events to find out more, and let us have their views.”

You can view the plans and provide feedback: https://my.engaged.space/longeaton