‘Testing water’ on entertainment hub proposals
COUNCIL WANTS VIEWS ON BID FOR £5.3 MAKEOVER OF DERELICT SITE
A DERELICT building could be turned into a entertainment hub in a £5.3m makeover.
The redevelopment of the prominent site – the former Box Office bar in Long Eaton – is a key ambition of Erewash Borough Council.
The premises, which stand at the heart of the town centre overlooking the Market Place, were previously used as the Ritz Cinema and later a bar, and was designed to not need daylight.
A small cinema for independent films, a cafe and performance areas are among the ideas put forward by the council.
The move comes after the Long Eaton Town Deal Board won £24.8m for Long Eaton for a series of projects to take the town forward over the next decade.
The plan to revitalise the Box Office would open it up for commercial opportunities to be run as a culture and arts venue in what is being described as a “unique opportunity” by the council.
The council has announced it is “testing the water” to find possible interest in running the venue as a community facility.
But first, it says, it is crucial to hear from organisations and groups about how they would use the redeveloped interior and earn an income from it.
Richard Ledger, chairman of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said initial ideas on how the building could be commercially run for the community were needed immediately to help shape the interior design and redevelopment proposals.
“This is a great opportunity for those with ideas, commitment and ambition to provide a thriving centre for Erewash resi- dents – with the potential of also pulling in visitors surrounding areas.
“We’re looking for interested parties who have the imagination and inspiration.” Councillor Bryn Lewis, Erewash’s lead member for town centres, said: “We need to see who is out there and who might be interested as soon as possible. “This is crucial to our project to redevelop the building, which is in a poor state inside, and will enable us to look at the interior design – especially the use of floor space on the ground and upper floor/balcony areas.
“The Box Office is a prominent building right at the centre of Long Eaton and is a great opportunity for someone to help breathe new life into the town by offering arts and cultural entertainment for everyone.” Details can be found aterewash. gov.uk/boxoffice or email procurement@erewash.gov.uk for a questionnaire that needs to be completed and returned by 2pm on January 10.
We need to see who is out there and who might be interested as soon as possible
Councillor Bryn Lewis