High streets could be revitalised as the government hands councils new powers to tackle the scourge of empty shops. From this week local authorities will be able to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been empty for long periods, helping bring business back to the high street and drive growth across the country. High Street Rental Auctions will create a ‘right to rent’ for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites. The changes will stop disengaged landlords sitting on empty lots for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, before councils can auction a one-to-five year lease. With growth a key mission for the government, it is committing over £1m in funding to support the auction process, which will create jobs for local people and boost trade by bringing local businesses back to the heart of our communities. Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: “High streets lie at the heart of communities the length and breadth of this country. But in many areas, they are not what they used to be. “Small businesses need our support and that’s why we are creating a ‘right to rent’ so that high street lots that have been left empty for far too long can be brought back to life. We want shops and shoppers back on the high street – and that’s what these changes will help to bring.”

Derby-based design, refurbishment and fit-out experts, DSP (Interiors) Ltd, have completed a significant transformation project for Promethean Particles, a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Nottingham. This project transformed a mezzanine floor, previously only used for storage, into a functional and efficient workspace. Promethean Particles Ltd, renowned for its innovative approach to chemical manufacturing, wanted to upgrade its workspace to support its growing team and operations. The project involved a comprehensive reconfiguration of the mezzanine area, starting with the installation of fire-rated partitions to define the office layout and ensure compliance with safety standards. To improve access and functionality, the existing staircase was removed and reconstructed, seamlessly integrating it into the new design. Advanced mechanical and electrical systems were implemented to provide optimal lighting, ventilation, air conditioning and connectivity throughout the space, while the addition of a ceiling grid with quilt insulation enhanced both acoustic performance and temperature control. The transformation was completed with the specification and installation of ergonomic furniture, chosen to complement the modern design and create a workspace that enhances productivity. Darren Ward, director at DSP (Interiors) Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Promethean Particles on this exciting project. Our team worked closely with their vision to create a tailored workspace that enhances their operations whilst reflecting their innovative approach. “This project reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to our clients’ individual needs. We wish the team at Promethean Particles the best in their new space.” James Stephenson, chief executive officer of Promethean Particles, added: “The DSP team have done a brilliant job! We’re thrilled with the transformation of our mezzanine space – it’s modern, practical and perfectly aligned with our needs.”

Derby’s Becketwell Live has moved a step closer to completion as the final auditorium seat was fixed into place with a ‘golden’ seat made for the occasion. Main Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K), developer St James’ Securities, building owner Derby City Council and venue management company ASM Global were there to mark the occasion and joined by a selection of representatives from B+K’s supply chain who had all worked together to get the project to this stage. With the handover date of January 2025 only seven weeks away, the £45.8m venue is almost ready to welcome entertainment seekers from across the city and the wider East Midlands. Work between now and practical completion includes testing and commissioning, including 150 acoustic tests. The main auditorium has flat floor seating, a lower tier of retractable bleacher seating, an upper tier of fixed seating and there is a ring of VIP seating on the central and side balconies – enabling a capacity audience of 3,500 to enjoy the range of concerts, family and comedy shows, theatre performances, and more that the venue will host. Investing back into the local area has been at the heart of the project. Of the 1,424 people who have worked on site, 51% are from within 20 miles of Derby and over the span of the whole project, £5.3m has been spent within the local area. The project has supported 36 apprentices and T-Level students equating to 506 weeks of on-the-job training. Robert Kirkland, Bowmer + Kirkland Life President, said: “Becketwell Live has been an important scheme for us all. It has continued a long-standing relationship we have with the city of Derby, it will bring vibrancy and much-needed commerce to this area of the city and we are all very proud to have been part of this exciting development.” Paul Morris, Development Director at St James Securities, said: “We are thrilled to see the Becketwell Live entertainment, events and conference venue reach this important milestone. This project represents a significant step forward in revitalising Derby’s city centre and providing a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the people of Derby and the wider region. “We are proud to have created a scheme that will bring new energy to the city and provide a platform for a diverse range of performances and events. “This is an exciting moment for Derby, and we look forward to seeing the venue open its doors in 2025.” Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “Installing the final seat is a huge and very exciting step in the Becketwell journey, bringing us closer to realising our vision of transforming Derby into vibrant city centre that puts culture at the forefront. “We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences from across the region into the city centre to enjoy a variety of performances and functions, with tickets already on sale for some of next year’s shows. A huge thanks to all of our partners and everyone involved for getting us to this stage in the journey – the final seat is in place but this is just the beginning for Becketwell Live.” Marcus Sheehan, Manager at ASM Global, said: “The installation of the final seat is a major milestone bringing us one step closer to opening our doors to the people of Derby. We’ve already begun announcing our first confirmed events for 2025 and beyond here at Becketwell, featuring live music, comedy, and more. “The future here is bright, and we’re committed to delivering the very best guest experiences and unforgettable live entertainment. I look forward to seeing you all in a packed-out auditorium very soon!”

Rushton Hickman has let Unit 5 Maltings Industrial Estate to Bambinos & Beyond, a retailer specialising in new, ex-display and preloved baby and nursery items. It comes as Bambinos & Beyond expands its operations and now occupies a total of three units marketed by Rushton Hickman. Bambinos & Beyond required additional storage space to accommodate their expansion. The newly acquired unit, with a gross internal area of 2,264 sq ft, is located on Maltings Industrial Estate, less than two miles from Burton upon Trent town centre and close to Bambinos & Beyond’s existing units at Albion Gateway. Jade Martin, Associate Director at Rushton Hickman, said: “Working with Bambinos & Beyond has been a pleasure and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Maltings Industrial Estate, which is an ideal location for their growing business.” Jade continued: “We believe this unit offers the necessary space to enhance their operations and meet increasing customer demand. This letting exemplifies the confidence that businesses like Bambinos & Beyond have in both the properties we have available and the service that Rushton Hickman so proudly delivers.”

Updated plans for the potential development of three key sites within Derbion’s footprint will be unveiled at a public exhibition this week. The Derbion Masterplan is a framework for the long-term development of under-used land that will complement and support the existing centre and its significant position within Derby. It is a starting point for exploring future opportunities over the next 10 years and beyond, that will benefit both Derbion and the ongoing regeneration of Derby City Centre. Plans were originally presented in 2022 and considered the potential of two sites, Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way. They have now been updated with a revised layout and reduction in height of the proposed buildings. A third site, the Riverside Quarter, is also included. Planning permission has already been granted for the Eastern Gateway project, which forms the first phase of the proposed Eagle Quarter development. Work is now underway to create a new public square on the corner of East Street and Morledge and provide an enhanced gateway to the city from the bus station. The Derbion Masterplan proposes how the rest of the Eagle Market site could be developed for around 500 new homes and commercial uses, within a framework of green, accessible routes and new public spaces. The updated plans for the Eagle Quarter also include the retention of Derby Theatre, providing a green cultural square at the heart of the project. The proposals for Bradshaw Way include around 480 new homes and commercial space around landscaped public areas, transforming the gateway site and improving links to the Nightingale Quarter. Following the closure of the Riverside car park last year, the masterplan has been extended to encompass the Riverside Quarter, presenting an opportunity to provide around 380 new homes with new public spaces and walkable streets that will improve connections towards the river and into the rest of the city centre. Commenting on the masterplan proposals, Beth McDonald, Managing Director at Derbion said: “As Derbion continues to attract leading retail and leisure brands, our position in the heart of the Derby means that we have an important opportunity to evolve and develop our wider footprint to improve the vitality of the city centre and increase connectivity. “The masterplan proposals are a framework for development over the next 10 years and beyond to revitalise three key sites that will support the wider regeneration of Derby and attract and engage more people to visit and explore the city.” An exhibition of the masterplan proposals will be open to the public on Level 2 of Derbion, opposite Zara, on Thursday 5th December from 11am to 4pm and Friday 6th December from 11am to 3pm.

Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE. Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson – driving collaboration, time efficiency and cost savings. The landmark scheme involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building which now features an exhibition hall, meeting room and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium. Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building. Designed to inspire interest and careers and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility will also help to increase annual footfall to the location. G F Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction, and multiple educational and employment opportunities were provided through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). 76% of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77% of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000. The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience. T level students spent time weekly on site with the design management team, and the contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. “The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space. “We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.” Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager, said: “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork. The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible. “We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be a part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings and help embed social values initiatives. “Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield. “It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process. “The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space. “It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.” One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Solar panels at the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society and the Changing Places toilet by East Midlands Rail.

A digital marketing agency has relocated in Nottingham as it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Nzime has taken a 2,292 sq ft office unit on the first floor of 19 Stoney Street – a period building in the heart of Nottingham’s Lace Market. The deal was brokered by Thomas Szymkiw, Head of Agency at NG Chartered Surveyors. Andrew Horner-Glister, the founder of Nzime, said: “After 20 years of being on Woolpack Lane in the same offices a move has come as an opportunity to shake up what ‘the office’ means to Nzime and its team as this is very different than in the early 2000’s. “We have been looking to move for the last few years and finding the right space has been a challenge as we wanted a space with soul and personality rather than a regular carpeted, ceiling tile environment.” Andrew said the move will give him the opportunity to listen to his team and create an environment in the heart of the Lace Market which suits their needs. He added: “We will be able to close the gap between an office environment and a more comfortable social, hospitality, home feel. We have embedded a cafe feel in the heart of the space for the team to come together over food and drink with plenty of options for people to work in different environments. “For those wanting to get their head down we still have a quieter studio allowing for minimal distractions and then we have a much more open plan environment containing dedicated meeting and video call spaces. “Running a hybrid working approach means that when people do come into the office they are often wanting lots of face to face time with colleagues and clients so the new space has been built around this.” Thomas said: “19 Stoney Street is the ideal place for Andrew to take his company to the next level. The market for high-quality period offices in Nottingham – and especially the Lace Market – remains strong as they often add that something extra to a more modern setting. “19 Stoney Street is the ideal place for Andrew to take his company to the next level and we wish Nzime well in their new home.”