Go-ahead firm to develop arson-hit pub and garage
BOSSES at a well-known firm with bases in Hucknall and Newstead have launched a £1 million project that will breathe new life into an arson-hit former pub and a long-running garage.
Leivers & Millership has recently bought the Hucknall Lane Service Centre on the Hucknall/Bulwell border, which they are continuing to run as a garage but are now developing the site further by adding new MOT bays, a showroom and tool hire centre in the coming months.
They have also bought the former Swinger Pub on Hucknall Lane which has been closed for more than a year. The ambitious scheme will create a dozen new jobs.
The firm’s double-glazing trading will remain at its base in Newstead but a trade-sales centre for windows and fascias is also going to be set up on the new premises at the derelict pub site.
The Swinger, which was formerly the Forest Hotel, was hit by a devastating blaze last June when 20% of the bar was destroyed.
Leivers and Millership says its site on Watnall Road in Hucknall is expected to be converted into residential properties.
Manager Alex Leivers said he is pleased to be developing the business and is looking towards making strides forward at a time when many firms have been hit hard by financial difficulties.
“We are expanding in what has been very tough times, so we are pleased to be able to do this during a recession,” said Alex.
“We have workers already working there but we hope that we will create about a dozen jobs from this which we’re pleased about.
“We only took over the Hucknall Lane site about two weeks ago and the whole thing has taken about six weeks, so things are moving very quickly.”
The garage is based in between Bulwell and Hucknall and stationed close to Hucknall bypass.
“The location was one of the main advantages of the move, we are very near the motorway and trade routes which really helps,” added Alex.
The firm has been trading across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire for more than 20 years and has covered projects for Notts County Council and Nottingham City Hospital.
Site manager Andy Staples says the expansion gives a boost to the local economy.
“Things are moving quite rapidly and the Leivers family are investing in something in the local area and employing people from around here which is important,” he said.
“Despite the renovations, the garage is still open as usual, we’re hoping to pick up a lot of passing trade and want to provide a one-stop shop for motorists.
“The area was quite run down but we’re starting to see the benefits.”
OUR PHOTO shows Alex and Andy with the development site behind them — DISPIC NHUD12-0157-1
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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