End of one era at Charnos signals start of a new

The landmark water tower at the former Charnos factory has been demolished as part of the redevelopment of the site for much needed new housing. The giant water tower, which has been a feature of the Ilkeston landscape for decades and was felled by demolition crews on Friday. Ms Eva Bird who runs the local corner shop and who served hundreds of Charnos employees, watched the old tower tumble.

Barratt has held a competition in her shop for local residents to choose a name for the new development. The ballot has now closed and the winner and the new name are expected to be announced shortly.

She said: “I felt very sad – there was a lump in my throat as I watched it come down. This used to be such a busy factory and now it is disappearing before my eyes. There has been a very enthusiastic response from my customers to think up a name for the new development that is going to be built here. ”

The distinctive former office building on Corporation Road will be demolished in the next couple of weeks.

At its peak the Charnos factory employed hundreds of local people and produced world-class lingerie.

The factory site has been derelict for some time and is now being redeveloped by Britain’s leading housebuilder, Barratt.

Barratt is the industry leader in transforming unused industrial land into new housing and will be building 153 new homes on the site.

Barratt’s East Midlands managing director, Kevin Broughton said: “The demolition of the water tower will certainly mark the end of an era for local people – but it will also signal the start of a new one. We will be building a wide range of new homes here with plenty of choice for first time buyers – including the ultra-affordable iPAD apartments.”

For more information, visit Barratt’s website at Barratthomes.co.uk.