Contractor J Tomlinson has completed a major refurbishment of one of Derby’s most prominent buildings.
The £1 million refurbishment programme has transformed the historic Shot Tower building on Albert Street into a virtual business hub.
Over the last 10 months, the 1930s building has undergone a complete refurbishment at a cost of £1.028 million, to create a hub with all the resources needed by start-ups, graduates, SMEs and people looking to become self-employed.
Phase one of the refurbishment is now complete, with the fit-out phase set to start shortly. It is hoped the building will open to the public in May 2015
Martin Gallagher, construction managing director at contractor J Tomlinson, said: “J Tomlinson is pleased and proud to have worked on the refurbishment of Shot Tower Corner, which is one of Derby’s most prominent buildings. The project, which has included major internal and external renovation, is set to help regenerate that area of the city.”
The building, which has been unoccupied for a number of years, takes its name from the tower that once stood on the site and was used to make lead shot before its demolition in 1932.
The refurbishment of the three-storey building, carried out by contractors J Tomlinson and project managers Faithful and Gould, has included various structural works, including the installation of a new staircase and lift and new wiring and heating systems. The exterior of the building has also received a face-lift, with the installation of new windows.
The refurbishment work has been funded with a £685,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund 2007 – 2013 programme (ERDF) and £315,000 from Derby City Council’s Regeneration Fund, set up to stimulate city centre developments.
Shot Tower forms part of the £14.2m Connect Derby scheme, which sees Derby City Council’s workspaces, Friar Gate Studios, Sadler Bridge Studios, Kings Chambers and Shot Tower come together to support new enterprise in the city.
Commenting on the completion of the refurbishment programme at Shot Tower, Ann Bhatti, Connect business centres manager, said: “J Tomlinson have done a great job on the project and I’m really pleased with the end product.
“Shot Tower has a slightly different profile to the other Connect Derby buildings and will support new enterprise by providing businesses and individuals with a flexible, professional city centre base, low overheads and a range of business support, mentoring and networking opportunities.
“We hope it will enhance the employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those who are living in Derby’s disadvantaged communities and may have found a barrier to self-employment in the past.”
Councillor Martin Rawson, deputy leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for planning, environment and regeneration, said: “I am delighted to see this important city centre building brought back into use providing support and facilities for Derby’s small businesses. This type of investment is vital to our city’s economy and ensures Derby is open for business to those interested in setting up here.”
J Tomlinson, which offers services in construction, refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, mechanical and electrical engineering, energy efficiency, renewables, fit out and facilities management, is based in Beeston near Nottingham, and has depots across the East and West Midlands.
