Historic stables reborn as low-carbon business hub in Long Eaton in Derbyshire

We join celebratory event to mark the completion of landmark regeneration project backed by public sector decarbonisation funding

Civic leaders and sustainability experts came together in Derbyshire to celebrate the completion of a flagship regeneration project that has breathed new life into a set of historic stables, transforming them into a modern, low-carbon business hub for the borough.

The celebration took place at the newly completed Long Eaton Old Stables Business Centre, where Erewash Borough Council formally marked the handover of the keys to the building, signalling the successful delivery of the project - ready to welcome new businesses.

The redevelopment has been supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, enabling the council to embed energy-saving measures into the refurbishment. 

Funding of £142,000 under Phase 3b of the scheme, delivered by our teams at Salix, was used to install electrical underfloor heating and insulation upgrades, improving energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions in line with national decarbonisation goals.

Head of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger, attended the event.

He said: “It’s inspiring to see how a historic building like The Stable Block can be rejuvenated and open new opportunities for the local business.  

“It also demonstrates that it’s possible to install low carbon heating solutions into almost any building, even if they are hundreds of years old and grade 2 listed.” 

During the ceremony, the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Harry Atkinson, was formally handed the keys to the building on behalf of the council. 

The council will be handed the keys to the Old Stables Business Centre by the Long Eaton Town Deal Board.

Board chair Richard Ledger said he was thrilled with the work.

He said: “If we get more people who can come down here and actually appreciate it and experience it, it's got to be a good thing.”

The former stables, located next to Long Eaton Town Hall, are Grade II* listed and had previously been used as a vehicle workshop and storage facility.

Following a £2.5 million transformation, the historic buildings have been reimagined as high-specification offices and studios designed to support small, local and start-up businesses, creating jobs and increasing footfall in the town centre.

The event was also attended by Salix team members client support officers Zoe Wragg and Shirley Mutemba.

Zoe Wragg has supported the council whilst it delivers its Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme project. 

She said: “It’s inspiring to see how the project has come to life and meant that an old building has brought new energy to the area.

“We work with hundreds of projects across the country helping them achieve their net zero goals and this is certainly an exceptional scheme.”

The project has been delivered through the Long Eaton Town Deal, which has secured £25 million in Government regeneration funding for the town. The Old Stables Business Centre is among the first major projects to reach completion under the programme.

Councillor Curtis Howard, Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning at Erewash Borough Council, said the finished scheme responds to strong demand for modern workspace and will help stimulate the local economy by bringing more people into Long Eaton every day.

The council hopes the centre will play a key role in the wider regeneration of Long Eaton, alongside high street improvements, new canal bridges and the creation of a revitalised waterfront and events space.

Programme Coordinator Town Deal Jill Stuart said: “We are delighted with the business centre and cannot wait to see many local businesses thrive here.”