I.D.E.A. Ltd Shows Interest in Purchasing The Red Cow

Local Community Organisation Approved to Join East Midlands Market Town Study


Improving the Donington Environment for All Ltd (I.D.E.A. Ltd) has had their application approved to join the East Midlands Development Agency's project to revitalise market towns known as The East Midlands Market Town Asset School. It is a project managed by the nationally recognised Development Trust Association which supports community groups in developing income streams through asset based projects.

I.D.E.A. Ltd has access to funding to provide professional advice and consultancies dealing with Building, Asbestos and Structural Surveys leading to a development appraisal. This work has already started.

Working with Professional Advisors, I.D.E.A. Ltd. will examine the scope for producing a development which is both viable and sustainable.

Stephen Wright, Chairman of I.D.E.A. Ltd, says

”The Red Cow is held in affection by many Donington residents and its sad that it has been vacant for seven years and is now derelict making the centre of Donington very depressing .

It is the largest building in Donington, Grade II Listed, dating from 1750, and deserves to be the best.

In considering future uses, we will have regard to the 2006 Donington Village Survey, the District Council's Economic Development Strategy and are happy to take on board any other suggestions. Presently, the following uses will be investigated
• Premium retail and restaurant maybe with limited tourist and business visitor accommodation
• Office accommodation including public and voluntary sectors and managed High - Tech Offices for the private sector
• Indoor/Outdoor market
• Internet Cafe and Tea Rooms
• Gymnasium and Health Club
We believe that future uses should not be in conflict with existing organisations activities.

IDEA believes that acquiring The Red Cow will make a significant contribution to the pride and prosperity of the town through creating the environment for new businesses providing quality jobs. It will also offer the prospect of a return on investment to IDEA providing an income to be spent on its activities arising from the Survey and The Compact with the County, District and Parish Councils. Finally, investment in The Red Cow will make a good return to the local economy in assisting a turn-a-round from businesses closing to businesses opening.

The development appraisal will also examine the opportunity for assembling a housing site for social and affordable homes working with a local Housing Association.

We are delighted that both the District and Parish Councils are giving their full support to the project appraisal and that discussions with the present owners are progressing”