Locals say ‘it’s about time’ as redevelopment plans for the former Galaxy cinema in Long Eaton have been put forward. The outline application is for the demolition and redevelopment of the former cinema on Derby Road, which has now stood empty for over a decade.
The plans also involve demolition of two neighbouring properties, a commercial unit which is ADK Shop Fittings and Former Stage One club. As well as this, a garage which is behind the cinema, on Oxford Street is also up for demolition.
The redevelopment includes commercial units fronting Derby Road, 16 flats and four new town houses. The town houses are proposed to front on Oxford Street, behind the cinema. Vehicle access will also be from Oxford Street which will lead to a courtyard and 27 parking spaces.
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The plans were submitted by Erewash Borough Council as a part of the Long Eaton Town Investment Plan. The town was awarded £24.8m funding from the Government last June and the redevelopment of the Galaxy Cinema is a project involved in the funding.
People in Long Eaton think the plans are a good idea and that something needs to be done with the derelict building. Maurice Henry, 58, from Sawley says that the building currently has no purpose doing nothing.
Mr Henry said: “It’s a good idea, it’s been an eyesore for a long time. It’s a building basically not doing anything. It’s about time. We need more housing, we need more living accommodation. “ Last Year, shoppers in Long Eaton spoke of the plans and said it would help bring the town back to life.
Margaret Walters, who has lived in Long Eaton for the past 37 years says that the building looks like an eyesore.The 66-year-old said: “It looks a mess. As long as it tidies the place up. They do seem to be in demand for property in Long Eaton. I think it’s a good idea . There’s some nice shop fronts and I just think this looks a big mess, a complete mess. It pulls Long Eaton down, it’s a shame.”
Other proposed plans for the town involve a cafe on the High Street, Fill Ya Face, which plans to bring ‘Skeg Vegas’ to the town. The owners are hoping to turn their cafe into an arcade.
Lavinia Yates, a 53-year-old lawyer says that it would be good if it could be reopened as a cinema again. Lavinia said: “Something needs to be done with it, I don’t know if it's housing though. It’s just an eyesore, anything would be good. I don’t know if they need any more houses.
“It’s a shame, there used to be two cinemas in Long Eaton, if it could be opened again as a cinema that would be good. The building is rotten and old so would need to be pulled down anyway,”
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