Final curtain! Galaxy cinema is demolished
The curtain is finally coming down on the old Galaxy picture house after the borough council helped to secure almost £25million of “town deal” funding from the government for local regeneration projects.
The crumbling cinema – which has blighted the centre of town since closing more than a decade ago – will be replaced by a smart new development of commercial units, townhouses and flats. Some of the homes will be for affordable rent.
Richard Ledger, chairman of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: “The former Stage One nightclub next to the cinema is also being levelled – along with a garage at the back of the buildings.
"After considerable effort to secure these properties, we're thrilled to see demolition begin. This is the first step in transforming Galaxy Row into a vibrant hub of homes and businesses, and we're committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this redevelopment will have on Long Eaton."
The cinema originally opened as a theatre in 1907. The last film to be screened there is thought to have been the 2012 Liam Neeson fantasy epic Wrath of the Titans.
The demolition is being carefully managed to minimise disruption to locals. The work is expected to take four months. Builders will then begin constructing the 16 flats, four town houses and three business units. There will be 28 parking spaces, which will be accessed from Oxford Street at the rear of the Derby Road development.
Residents say they are glad to see the back of the ugly cinema. A pensioner who lives near the site declared: “The building can't get knocked down fast enough.” A passer-by aged 71 said of the demolition: “It’s long overdue. The building has got to go.”
A lifelong resident in his 50s said it was a “shame” Long Eaton no longer had a cinema but stressed: “The town is in desperate need of refurbishing.”
The council has partnered with developer MyPad and affordable housing association Tuntum for the construction project, which is expected to be completed in August next year.
Picture shows how the development could look.
