Iconic and 'spectacular' Ilkeston building to be restored as brand new offices

Toll Bar House is one of Ilkeston’s most distinctive buildings and sits alongside White Lion Square roundabout at the gateway to the town centre.

Now owned by Erewash Borough Council, it was originally built for Nottingham Electric Power Company.

The council and its partners have now started work to upgrade, redevelop and revitalise the building as part of a £850,000 environmental project to transform it into an energy and water efficient office building to help combat climate change.

The refurbishment of the art deco landmark will house accommodation suitable for small and growing companies where office space is constrained in Ilkeston.

The leader of Erewash Borough Council, councillor Carol Hart, and councillor Michael Powell, lead member for regeneration and planning, joined contractors to celebrate the launch of work on one of Ilkeston’s most unique buildings.

Council leader Carol Hart said: “It’s just such an iconic building and one that serves as an entrance to Ilkeston town.

"The situation of it is perfect for what we’re trying to achieve.

"The building itself is spectacular. There is a big glass dome and beautiful staircase and we want to keep all that character and bring it to a modern standard.

“When you go up to the top the views are astounding.

"Anyone who takes one of the offices on top floor will be very lucky. It offers a panoramic view around Ilkeston and that’s a real added bonus.

“They really would have made nice apartments but we wanted to attract businesses to the area.”

The council is currently in the process of trying to get funding for solar panels for the roof.

Coun Hart added: "If that comes through it would be wonderful and really put the finishing touch on the work.

"We’re really pleased with the feedback so far. Everyone seems thrilled to bits that we’re keeping it and improving it.

"It’ll be interesting seeing what kinds of businesses it attracts.”

The refurbishment will include the creation of 22 offices, shared meeting rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities with the flexibility to combine spaces to create larger letting units and the development of old garages to form workshop space.

Councillor Michael Powell said: “In these challenging times that we still face, this is such good news and we thank all our partners for getting this vital project underway.

"Toll Bar House is such a landmark building and it is a credit to all involved that work has started in these difficult times to transform it and offer high quality office space and allow the opportunity to attract new businesses to our borough.

“It is difficult to put a price on this project – it will be priceless to local business.”

The work is due to be completed by late summer.