In 2001 the Partnership joined forces with the Borough Council and EH to manage a Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) in the area. This conservation led scheme focused primarily on grant aiding the repair and restoration of historic commercial buildings. It also encouraged the bringing back of upper floors into use and the community use of buildings and enabled environmental works.
Grant offers were made on over 30 buildings. The investment in the area exceeded £1 million, of which over £300,000 was public funding. More than twenty new flats, assisted in meeting sustainability and environmental targets and local housing needs. The East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) also contributed £250,000 towards comprehensive street improvements in Bath Street, Ilkeston.