This what Long Eaton will soon look like – as £10million is spent transforming the centre of town.
The first glimpse of the spectacular revamp is seen in an official artist's impression showing a welcoming piazza – a quarter of a century after the borough of Erewash’s other big town of Ilkeston was similarly rejuvenated.
Back then the work to turn a bleak tarmac bus park into what continues to be a beautifully paved Market Place cost £1.6million – a 1990s sum that is equivalent to £3.5million today.
Erewash Borough Council always planned to do something similar in Long EatonContinue reading
This what Long Eaton will soon look like – as £10million is spent transforming the centre of town.
The first glimpse of the spectacular revamp is seen in an official artist's impression showing a welcoming piazza – a quarter of a century after the borough of Erewash’s other big town of Ilkeston was similarly rejuvenated.
Back then the work to turn a bleak tarmac bus park into what continues to be a beautifully paved Market Place cost £1.6million – a 1990s sum that is equivalent to £3.5million today.
Erewash Borough Council always planned to do something similar in Long Eaton – but never had the money until it helped clinch almost £25million of government funding in what is known as a Town Deal.
The regeneration cash – which is paying for a string of projects in Long Eaton – will see the heart of the town made more joyful with attractive paving, street furniture and greenery.
Officials released the visualisation ahead of townsfolk and businesses being invited to give feedback on what is planned for the High Street and Tamworth Road.
Pavements will be widened and traffic calming measures introduced. The council says the improvements, which include new Blue Badge parking, will "make the town centre a more accessible, inclusive and people-friendly space".
Designers seeking inspiration for the revamp have seized on two main themes – Long Eaton’s upholstery industry and pioneering impressionist painter Dame Laura Knight, who was born in the town. In the early 20th century she helped break the glass ceiling for women artists. Dame Laura was 92 when she died in 1970.
The themes will be reflected in design touches such as elements of the new street furniture.
Cllr Curtis Howard, who is Erewash's Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said:
“It’s very exciting to finally be unveiling our £10million high street upgrade. A new look and feel for our town centre will be good for local business and for Long Eaton’s residents. I’m looking forward to work getting started in the town centre this autumn.”
The consultation will open on Monday 6 January and run until Sunday 16 February. To take part click here: https://my.engaged.space/longeaton
You can find out more by visiting Long Eaton High Street and Tamworth Road Public Engagement
The public will get chance to learn more at drop-in events that are being staged by the project team on Thursday 17 January and Monday 20 January. Both take place at Long Eaton Town Hall from 2pm to 8pm.
The High Street consultation is being led by Derbyshire County Council.
