A row of empty high street units could be transformed as part of early plans to bring more shoppers and visitors into Eastwood.
Broxtowe Borough Council says it is exploring options for part of the former Central Co-operative site on Nottingham Road, where a number of units remain vacant.
The area includes the former Peacocks store, which closed in March 2024, and the former Maxisaver shop in the old Wilsons building, which shut in late 2023.
Boyes moved into the former Wilsons building in August 2025 from its unit next door, but other units along the strip remain empty.
Council leader Milan Radulovic (Brox Alliance) said the authority was “more than interested” in developing the site, with the aim of attracting small businesses and potentially a supermarket.
He said: “Our officers have been in communication to Lidl and Aldi and explained our interest in putting in an incoming proposal in developing a town centre site – it is early stages and we haven’t confirmed anything.
“I have full support off my colleagues. Hopefully we will be able to bring development on board and develop the site for the long-term interest of Eastwood town centre.”
Cllr Radulovic said he was concerned about the wider issue of “decaying town centres” and the decline of small businesses.
He said: “To bring another food anchor in the town would greatly increase footfall and make it a focus for employment, e-commerce and trade – what we need to see is town centres evolve to meet current market trends and need.”
He said the aim would not simply be to renovate the units, but to give the site “life and purpose”.
He added: “It’s not just about bringing a supermarket in, it’s a whole raft of plans alongside it.
“The new D.H. Lawrence country park, Colliers Wood plans, Brinsley Headstocks – it’s all to protect our cultural heritage… to bring investment into the town.
“That will then be a boom for small business to set up alongside us. We’re not looking to compete with them, but to work alongside them.”
No decision has been made on whether the council will acquire or redevelop the former Co-op site.
A council spokesperson said: “A number of options and the feasibility of these are being considered but we are not able to share more details at this stage due to commercial sensitivity.”
If the plans progress, Cllr Radulovic said existing businesses on the site would be retained in any updated facilities.
Lidl said it was “always open to exploring new opportunities” for more stores, including expanding in Nottinghamshire, but said no specific sites in the county had been secured at this stage.
