Council agrees deal to share former grammar school

Plans to lease two-thirds of a refurbished grammar school to Derbyshire County Council for use as office space have been given the go-ahead.

Amber Valley Borough Council took on the former Heanor Grammar School in 2022 after receiving £8.6m through the government's Future High Streets Fund.

The borough council said on Thursday it had reached an agreement with the county council on the terms of a new tenancy at the former school.

The remaining third would be retained by the borough, the authority said, which would provide community space alongside a standalone business hub, called Baby Grammar, that would be offered for small and start-up businesses to rent.

The decision to offer part of Heanor Grammar School to Reform UK-run Derbyshire County Council was made in July by the leader of Labour-controlled borough council, Chris Emmas-Williams.

Part of the building would provide office space for about 150 staff, while other sections would be available for community use.

The county council previously said it welcomed the offer of the agreement as it would keep public money in public hands and give staff "a more modern working environment".

But it was criticised by some Amber Valley councillors because they had expected more opportunities for local people to use the building.

Stephen Reed, the county council's cabinet member for business services, said he was "delighted" that the two authorities had agreed terms and said there would "still be plenty of space" for local people.

"We wanted to find a location that brings our teams and services closer to the people we serve," he added.

"Moving into Heanor Grammar means our residents will have easier access to council services.

"It also ensures we are making good use of the public estate, while providing our employees with a well-equipped working environment to deliver the best possible support to the community."

Emma Monkman, deputy leader of the borough council, said the authority had reached a "financially responsible" outcome and protected the building's long-term future.

"The Grammar is a significant asset for Heanor and the wider area, and this agreement allows us to move forward with confidence about its future use.

"Having more public services based in the town centre will increase footfall and activity, which in turn will help support local businesses.

"Alongside this, the dedicated community space and the Baby Grammar will provide opportunities for local groups and small and start-up businesses to come together, work, and thrive in a high-quality environment," Monkman said.

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