A company is investing around £900,000 to transform a disused factory at Sutton-in-Ashfield into its latest self storage facility.

BE Webbe has bought the former GT Tools premises in Coxmoor Road which have been empty for a year since the specialist manufacturer went into administration.

The company plans will breathe new life into the building which has suffered from vandalism and give it a much-needed facelift.

BE Webbe bought the site through King Sturge. Refurbishment will cost £250,000 and conversion to its new use, which has been granted planning permission by Ashfield District Council, will add on another £600,000.

This will include a new, higher roof, new cladding, new utility services, a lift and new offices, kitchen, toilet, and new shutter doors for access and a loading bay.

Work will be done in two phases. The first phase, which is expected to be completed in the autumn of 2011, will create 17,000 sq ft of storage space. That will create 150 storage units ranging in size from 20 sq ft to 400 sq ft. The company plans to put in a mezzanine floor later to double the storage space on offer.

BE Webbe, one of the first companies in Derby to introduce self storage, has invested in providing facilities in the city, Burton, and Long Eaton, and has been looking around the Sutton and Mansfield area for two years for a viable site having identified a need.

“It’s taken us this long because it is very difficult to find suitable premises that are appropriate for self storage requirements,” said director Richard Blount.

“We are delighted to have found these premises which fit those requirements and we are looking forward to providing self storage facilities in the Mansfield area”

An added bonus with this site is that it has a large yard area at the side of the building which will be used to provide a secure, gated compound.

The units could be used to store items ranging from household items such as furniture to garage and garden equipment, archive files and general goods.

They will have easy access from the M1 and A38 corridor stretching over to South Normanton and nearby Alfreton in Derbyshire.

Refurbishment work will be carried out by Webbe’s associated company Kinsey (Midlands).