Plans for £10m town centre revamp unveiled

Plans to renovate a £10m Derbyshire town centre have been unveiled.

The designs for Long Eaton include a new square along High Street, added seating and green spaces, additional parking and a trail in tribute to Dame Laura Knight, the acclaimed artist who was born in the town.

Proposed developments, which are funded by central government and designed by Galliford Try and BWB Consulting, will also celebrate the area's historic upholstery industry.

A consultation on the proposals will be running until 16 February.

The plans are part of the Long Eaton Town Deal developments and aim to make the area "a visitor attraction in its own right".

Extra blue badge parking will be provided around the old market, according to the current plans, with improved access between parking spaces and shopping areas.

The pavements along Tamworth Road and Market Place, from Broad Street and Salisbury Street to Oxford Street, will also be widened.

Consultations began with residents in 2020, and two drop-in sessions will take place at Long Eaton Town Hall, running from 14:00 GMT to 20:00, on 16 and 20 January.

Curtis Howard, lead member for town centres at Erewash Borough Council, said work is due to start in autumn.

"It's very exciting to finally be unveiling our £10m high street upgrade," he said.

"A new look and feel for our town centre will be good for local business, and for local residents."

Tony King, cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, 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."

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