Erewash Partnership masterminded the renovation and refurbishment of an early 20th century building in Heanor Road, part of which was used by Derbyshire County Council for community education, and part of which was residential or empty for some time.
It involved converting most of the two upper floors into 11 offices, installing a lift to the first floor, putting in new windows and cleaning the frontage.
The offices, which are able to support more than 20 jobs, are now offered to start-ups and new businesses at a commercial rate but on ‘easy-in and easy-out’ terms – flexible packages that mean occupiers do not get tied up with long leases.
They range in size from 116 sq ft to 255 sq ft. Most are more than 200 sq ft in size.
Part of the cost was met in the form of a £142,000 grant from Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership. The remaining costs were met by the Partnership and loan from the Co-operative Bank.
Ian Viles, chief executive of Erewash Partnership, said: “We identified a need for quality office accommodation for new and growing businesses on easy terms and put this scheme together.
“This project proved a good investment, both for the Partnership and for the businesses that have started there.
“Surplus income from the project is being reinvested in supporting the advice of people starting businesses in the area.”
Although this was the first project of its type for the Partnership it already had experience of running such schemes – it manages The Old Police Station business centre on Wharncliffe Road on behalf of owners Midlands Co-op.
Building work was completed by the Resurrection Group, to drawings by Midland Building Design Practice of Long Eaton. Both firms are Partnership Members.
