Refurbished Art Deco building relaunched as business hub

A refurbished Art Deco building in Ilkeston – which won six-figure backing from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership – has been relaunched as a small business hub.

Last year, the LEP allocated £425,000 from its Local Growth Fund allocation towards the £967,000 transformation of Toll Bar House.

Originally built in the 1930s, the crescent-shaped Toll Bar House was built for the Nottingham Electric Power Company but has been in public sector usage for much of its life.

The redevelopment of the building involved a programme of upgrades and redevelopment designed to make the site more energy and water efficient.

The improvements included upgrading the heating and lighting systems, as well as fitting more energy-efficient windows, insulation, and water systems.

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The work is now complete, with the building relaunched as accommodation suitable for small and growing companies to locate in Ilkeston.

The building holds 27 new offices, shared meeting rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities with the flexibility to combine spaces to create larger letting units.

Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, recently unveiled the newly refurbished building at a ceremony, which was also attended by representatives from D2N2.

Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s lead member for regeneration and planning, said: “Our partners have done an amazing job in bringing this vital project to fruition.

“Toll Bar House is such a landmark building in the town and its transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.

“It means that we can now offer high quality opportunities to small businesses in a green, climate-proactive building.

“We would like to thank all involved in bringing this ambitious project to life. Celebrating its opening has been a very special moment.”

Chief Executive of Erewash Partnership, Ian Viles said: “Toll Bar House business centre complements other facilities for start-up and growing businesses in the borough, managed by Erewash Partnership, and we look forward to continuing our close links with Erewash Borough Council.

“We have already received significant interest from businesses looking to take up space in the building and I have no doubt that the facility will have a positive impact on the growing economic vitality of the town.”