Long Eaton: Derelict cinema to be demolished for shops and flats

The building opened as a theatre in 1907 but has stood empty for more than 10 years

The demolition of a derelict 100-year-old Derbyshire cinema has been approved.

The Galaxy Row Cinema in Derby Road, Long Eaton, opened in 1907 as a theatre but has been disused for more than a decade and has become an "eyesore".

Erewash Borough Council has now backed plans for a compulsory purchase of the site as part of a wider redevelopment using £25m of government funding.

The building will be replaced with 16 flats, four houses and three shops.

Along with the cinema, a garage to the rear in Oxford Street and a shop and nightclub in Derby Road will be knocked down, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Town centre revitalised'

At a council meeting on Wednesday, deputy leader Becca Everett said the site was an "important facet of the Town Deal", which got central government support in 2021.

She said the project would create jobs and encourage investment, along with modern town centre living.

Ms Everett dubbed the cinema a "derelict eyesore", adding she "will be glad to see part of our town centre revitalised".

Council officers, discussing the authority's plans, wrote: "The former cinema has lain vacant for over 10 years. It has fallen into a poor state of repair and detracts from the street scene.

"The nature of the building is that it is a large box with very few windows or opportunities for natural light.

"It has no dedicated off-street parking or access and potential for re-use is therefore slim." 

The direct cost of this part of the scheme has not been disclosed but has previously been estimated at between £5m and £9m.

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