First tenants move into new £1m business centre

The first tenants have moved into a new state-of-the-art business centre created inside a landmark building thanks to cash from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

Toll Bar House, in Ilkeston, was recently turned into 27 full-serviced offices – and after opening in September is already over half full.

The refurbishment of the building cost almost £1 million. The property is owned by Erewash Borough Council, which invested £425,000 into the revamp. This was then matched by D2N2.

A further £126,000 was secured by contractor J.Tomlinson from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Now, the building, which is being managed by enterprise agency Erewash Borough Council, on behalf of the borough council, is once again a hive of activity.

First to move in was Hello People Solutions, which deals with human resources issues for small businesses.

Owner Amanda Bayliss said; “I was attracted by the location just outside the town centre.

“These premises are modern, well-fitted out, have good security and a strong professional feel.”

Kym Ellington owns accounting brands in Ilkeston, Nottingham and Grantham.

This includes re-locating D&D Accountancy Services from Nottingham Road, Ilkeston and developing the K2 brand into Ilkeston, including moving K2 Accountancy Group’s head office from Nottingham.

Initially 13 people will move into seven suites at the new centre plus outside garages.

Kym said: “Toll Bar House is an iconic building in Ilkeston, well located, well re-appointed in its refurbishment and fits all our needs.”

Paul Cobb, owner of five different companies, is moving six accounting and marketing staff from various factories in Ilkeston to Toll Bar House.

He said: “It’s a fantastic centre, close to our factories. It’s very secure and quiet.”

Ian Viles, chief executive at Erewash Partnership, said: “We are proud that Toll Bar House is the third business centre we are now managing in Ilkeston, bringing jobs to the town.

“We are delighted at the early success in attracting tenants.”