A new community hub has opened in Nottinghamshire – part of a wider £8million town centre regeneration scheme, receiving £1.2million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Cotgrave Hub, in Cotgrave town centre in the Rushcliffe borough, has officially opened. It incorporates health, Rushcliffe Borough Council Customer Services team, library, police, and community and voluntary services; all now available under one roof. Hub occupants include Belvoir Health Group, Rushcliffe CCG, Inspire, Nottinghamshire Police and Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service .
The Hub’s opening is part of a wider town regeneration, which includes the construction of over 460 new homes on its former Cotgrave Colliery site. There has also been extensive improvements to the town centre shops, with nine office suites in a new Business Hub and the creation of 15 new employment units on Colliers Way, now all fully let.
Town centre regeneration works, expected to create up to 70 jobs, are set to be completed by January (2019).
This phase of the works, costing £8million in total, is being funded by Rushcliffe Borough Council and a mix of funding sources – with £1.2million of that amount coming from the D2N2 LEP.
D2N2 is the Local Enterprise Partnership for Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. It works with businesses, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary organisations to grow its economy, jobs and new businesses in its area.
Its funding includes a Local Growth Fund allocation from Government used to invest in infrastructure projects which directly aid the local economy and create jobs, such as the Cotgrave regeneration scheme.
Councillor Simon Robinson, Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “Regenerating Cotgrave has been a priority for us and our partners. An integral part of that is making sure that both public services and business opportunities are provided to support the growth of the town.
“This project is an exceptional example of partnership working and I am delighted to see the Cotgrave Hub is now open for business.”
Sajeeda Rose, Interim Chief Executive Officer at the D2N2 LEP, added: “The D2N2 LEP is pleased to see the opening of the new Cotgrave Hub facility, alongside the work to redevelop the town centre and the Cotgrave employment units.
“The new Hub will provide a strong base for the redevelopment of Cotgrave, by creating a revitalised town centre contributing towards jobs and business growth in the area.”
Jake Berry, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, commented: “We are committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Midlands Engine and building a country that works for everyone.
“Through this £1.2m investment from the Local Growth Fund, Cotgrave town centre will benefit from transformational improvements, providing better facilities and employment opportunities for the local community.”
The next phase of the town centre improvements will include the demolition of the existing health centre, library and police station to make way for new car parking and landscaping of the area.
For more information on D2N2’s Local Growth Fund allocation and on how it is helping its area’s economy visit the web link www.d2n2lep.org/Local-Growth-Fund
Further information about the D2N2 LEP can be obtained from D2N2 Communications Manager Sean Kirby on 0115 957 8749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
