Wymeswold Business Quarter, an industrial development adjoining the existing Wymeswold Industrial Estate, is set to expand with the recent granting of planning permission for its next phase.

Located in Prestwold, near Loughborough, Wymeswold Business Quarter is a meticulously planned industrial development, that currently features 20 purpose-built new industrial units developed to the highest standards, with sizes ranging from 1,900 square feet to 12,000 square feet. The completion of phase two works will provide a further 21 units which will be available for lease or sale in early Q1 2024.

The development has already created 95 local employment opportunities and 80-100 more are expected.

The development sits on land within The Prestwold Estate, managed by the Loughborough-based specialist land development and property consultancy, Mather Jamie. Serving as the strategic land adviser, Mather Jamie played a pivotal role alongside The Prince Group who are the owner and developer, in conceiving the Wymeswold Business Quarter, facilitating planning permission, managing construction, and promoting units for sale or lease.

Hamish Byers, associate director, said: “When phase one was released all units were occupied almost immediately and underlines the success of the development. The demand for industrial units in a rural community is high and with careful planning these projects can help local communities to thrive and alleviate the impact on the environment.”

Geoff Prince, Managing Director of the Prince Group, expressed his gratitude, saying: “Yet again, the advice provided by Mather Jamie has helped secure planning on phase two of this development and assisted us to provide much sought after quality commercial units for small businesses which will also create local employment.”

The Prince Group and Prestwold Estate will be compensating the loss in biodiversity arriving from the development by investing in 14 acres of environmentally enhanced land providing a significant biodiversity benefit. The estate is a major investor in the environment and are again pioneering initiatives in the Leicestershire area for the benefit of nature.

To further reduce the development’s environmental footprint, The Prince Group has implemented several eco-friendly measures, including a green travel plan, ride-to-work scheme, and free bus passes.

Property developer Godwin Developments has exchanged contracts with a consortium of landowners on a 54-acre site in Daventry, which it intends to transform into a high-quality, sustainability-led employment hub. The site – known as ‘South East Gateway’ – benefits from an existing allocation of 32 acres in the Daventry Local Plan for industrial, logistics and business uses. It is well positioned off the A45 London Road at the southeastern entry point into the town, next to similar uses, and offers quick access to the M1 Junction 16 which lies only 6 miles away. Marcus Phayer, development director, industrial and logistics, at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really pleased to have secured this key allocated employment site in Daventry. With its proximity to the town centre and the M1 motorway, as well as the Grade A specification we have in mind, we are certain it would attract strong interest from potential occupiers. “Our proactive and collaborative approach, combined with our proven track record, has enabled us to conclude this deal despite the current turbulent market conditions. “We are keen to work closely with West Northamptonshire Council and local stakeholders, and are targeting a planning submission for circa 500,000 square feet of employment space in the first half of 2024. “We also continue to seek opportunities in well-established distribution corridors, close to major population centres and transport networks – whether they are ‘oven ready’, allocated for employment, or strategic land promotions.” Godwin Developments was advised by Fisher German and Irwin Mitchell, with Howkins and Harrisons acting as the disposing land agent. Retained advisors will be Fisher German, CBRE, and Howkins and Harrison.

Three landmark care homes in Derbyshire have finished pivotal works this summer to improve facilities for residents.

Led by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, and delivered for Derbyshire County Council through the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework, the works have included a range of improvements to bring the ageing buildings up to an approved standard to enhance the experience for residents.

The three schemes include £3.1m works to Briar Close House Care Home in Borrowash, £2.9m works to New Bassett House Care Home in Shirebrook and £2.7m works to Rowthorne Care Home in Swanwick, all of which started in summer 2021 and are due to be finished by autumn 2023.

Derbyshire County Council commissioned the improvements as part of a scheme of major refurbishment works to council-run care homes across Derbyshire.

Improvement upgrades included asbestos removal, structural roof repairs, new insulation, partition alterations, new ceilings, plaster works, repairs to doors and ironmongery together with the installation of new sprinkler and fire safety systems and new kitchen facilities. The schemes were finished off externally with hard and soft landscaping which included new planters, pergolas, and decorative garden areas for residents to enjoy.

The landscape improvements have ensured that all outdoor spaces are safe and accessible, with wider paths and raised beds to enable residents to tend to and enjoy new planting areas. The outside areas have also been designed to be Dementia friendly – and include a sensory garden with lights, wind chimes and fragrant flowers and plants specifically to stimulate participation.

Civils works involved the construction of new footpaths and roadways to improve circulation and make the homes easily accessible to care staff and visitors. New drainage has also been installed throughout the sites.

As part of their commitment to the environment and supporting local wildlife, G F Tomlinson installed hedgehog highways at each care home.

Each project achieved scores ranging from 38 to 41 ‘Very Good’ on the National Considerate Constructors scheme, in recognition of the consideration the contractor gave to residents, staff and nearby neighbours during the construction period.

Giving back to the local communities, G F Tomlinson provided a range of social value opportunities at each care home. At Briar Close, the team provided 24 days of work experience to students from local schools and colleges. Other initiatives included Christmas gifts to local residents and furniture replacement following the handover of each area.

At Rowthorne, a new washing machine and temporary kitchen was fitted, local litter picks and hedge cutting took place and 15 days of work experience for local young people was provided. The company also donated a defibrillator to the Rowthorne and New Bassett Care homes on completion of the schemes.

At New Bassett Care Home, old wardrobes and timber pergolas were disposed of, and the care home entrance slabs replaced, along with moving furniture back in after works and re-fitting curtains, all of which were not part of the original works package.

Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Delivering these pivotal works for three main care homes in the county has been a tremendous honour and we’re proud that the improvements will ensure the preservation of these much-needed residential care homes as part of the local social care provision.

“Despite delays due to Covid-19 vaccination requirements, as we approach completion, we’re looking forward to residents moving back into the new and enhanced homes which will significantly improve their quality of living.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to our different site teams for delivering exceptional quality and going above and beyond to deliver social value opportunities in the local communities.”

Scott Rice, Project Manager, Concertus Derbyshire Limited, said: “Projects like this make a real difference to the lives of our most vulnerable elderly people. At all times, GFT acknowledged they were working in what are in reality people’s homes. The homes remained occupied during the works which took place over a number of phases.

“GFT worked closely alongside the home management in order to minimise any disruption – the site teams and operatives have been recognised by the home managers for their consideration towards the residents.

“Covid threw us a curve ball, and throughout the project the nature of working in phases on old buildings led to many unforeseeable issues arising which were dealt with smoothly and efficiently.

“We have been kept appraised of progress and changes at all stages which has resulted in remarkable high-quality improvements to what were very tired and outdated properties.”

Elliott Talbot, Framework Manager for Pagabo’s Refit and Refurbishment Framework, said: “We’re delighted to see these care home improvements reaching completion thanks to the great work of G F Tomlinson.

“Our Refit and Refurbishment Framework allowed Derbyshire County Council to find the most suited contractor for this project and streamlined the whole procurement process. A massive well done to everyone who made this scheme a reality.”

James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, has appointed Fisher German as joint agents with FHP Property Consultants at Nottingham’s brand-new commercial development, Fairham Business Park. Joint agents will be marketing design and build opportunities ranging from approx. 44,000 sq ft to 120,000 sq ft on a leasehold or freehold basis. Situated in Fairham, the flagship new neighbourhood just minutes from the centre of Nottingham, Fairham Business Park offers one million square feet of purpose built commercial space. Recently, international property investment and asset management company, Hines took ownership of three stand-alone industrial/distribution units with warehouse and ancillary office space totalling 260,000 sq ft. Additionally, Clowes and their lead construction contractor, TanRo have recently achieved practical completion on a custom built 56,000 sq ft facility for clients, Scientific Laboratory Supplies. Despite such heavy investments, there remains ‘design and build’ opportunities ranging from 44,000 – 120,000 sq ft units on an all enquires basis. Rob Champion, partner at Fisher German, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to act as joint agents alongside FHP on this high-profile business park. “Fairham Business Park is extremely well located and represents a nationally significant development in which global, national and local businesses can thrive supported by first rate public transport and road links as well as being part of the wider Fairham community which will be an exemplar sustainable mixed-use development.” Tim Gilbertson, director at FHP Property Consultants, added: “The four buildings disposed of so far on Fairham have given us a flying start to the scheme, with over 300,000 sq ft built and our first couple of occupiers fitting out at present ready to move in. “Still though we have plenty of space available to take advantage of what is one of the finest sites in the East Midlands, offering fantastic transport links and accessibility but also for those Nottingham centric companies a scheme and location which is outside of the City Council’s Workplace Parking Levy. “Having the ability to offer buildings both to purchase and rent is a massive advantage, and as we can accommodate distribution, industrial and office uses on the site, I am sure we will have plenty more good news to report shortly. Indeed, we already have ongoing detailed discussions with three more potential occupiers who are looking at the design and build route and hopefully we will bring further good news soon.”

Homebuilder Keepmoat is delivering the first development of new homes to full Future Homes Standard for private sale at its Gedling Green development in Nottingham. The new development includes 33 new homes at the site of the former Gedling Colliery. Located in the village of Gedling, the development forms part of the larger Gedling Partnership Scheme with Gedling Borough Council and Homes England and will deliver sustainable, energy efficient new homes to the local area. All the new homes at the development will feature air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, increased levels of insulation and EV charging points to achieve the new future homes regulations which are set out to replace traditional Building Regulations for new dwellings. Alongside Homes England and Gedling Borough Council, Keepmoat is partnering with a number of specialist organisations on the development including Birmingham City University and Arcadis. Lloyds Banking Group and Leeds Building Society are working with Keepmoat in a lending capacity to support the project with green mortgage products to help make buying an energy efficient home more affordable. Tara Kennedy, Senior Development Manager – Land and Development at Homes England, said: “We are delighted to be working with Keepmoat on this pilot which will bring the first development of new homes, built to the full Future Homes Standard, forward for open market sale. We are looking forward to seeing the first customers move into their energy efficient new homes in early 2024.” Gedling Green is set across approximately 36 acres of land, and will provide two, three and four bedroom homes at the site of a former colliery. Forming part of Gedling Borough Council’s ambitious housing development strategy, the new homes contribute to the delivery of 950 new homes to the local area by 2028. Tristin Willis, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, added: “We’re thrilled to lead the way in developing homes that fully meet the Future Homes Standard ahead of it becoming mandatory in 2025. This has been made possible through our strong working relationships with our partners on this development, including Gedling Borough Council.” Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE added: “It’s fantastic to see the first Future Homes development in the UK being built here in Gedling, and what more of a fitting location than right next door to our beautiful Gedling Country Park. “We are committed to developing a borough that plays its part to tackle the climate emergency and the council has made a pledge to become carbon net zero by 2030. Homes like these which will produce up to 80% less carbon emissions than those from a standard development, will play a vital role in supporting this commitment. “I’d like to thank Keepmoat for their continued collaborative work with our Planning Department to deliver this Future Homes Standard development to bring suitable, energy efficient homes to the borough.” Richard Rothwell, Commercial Development Manager at Leeds Building Society, said: “The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe, and building new homes like this will make a huge contribution towards reducing UK carbon emissions. “As a lender, we are proud to support this important project and look forward to learning more about how we can make buying an energy-efficient property built to the new Future Homes Standard more affordable for customers.” Andy Mason, Head of Housing and Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group, added: “Supporting the drive to make the nation’s homes greener is not only a priority for Lloyds Banking Group, but a key part of helping mitigate the UK’s contribution to climate change. “At the forefront of innovation and sustainability, the home building industry has a vital role to play in this and we are looking forward to learning about homeowners’ experiences in these new highly-efficient homes.” Mike Leonard, Visiting Professor from Birmingham City University’s Centre for Future Homes, said: “We are delighted to partner with Keepmoat in this groundbreaking research which is vital as we enable evidence based decision making as we transition to low carbon homes. “We will be monitoring and reviewing the construction, commissioning, handover and two years of post occupancy using interviews and sensors. We will also support Keepmoat to deliver demonstrable value and work with Lloyds Bank and Leeds Building Society to measure the economic impacts of this first at scale development of the Future Homes Standard for private sale. “Our primary aim is to deliver high quality homes, avoid unintended consequences and evaluate the lived experience of those who are fortunate to secure one of these exciting homes of the future.”

Homebuilder Keepmoat has completed the acquisition of a parcel of land on Thane Road in Nottingham. It sits within the brownfield land within the 286-acre Boots site, which is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. The large-scale regeneration project will see Keepmoat deliver over 600 multi-tenure new homes over a period of six years, with construction due to complete in 2029. Of the 604 new homes, more than half will be delivered on behalf of Platform Housing, one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, for affordable rent, and shared ownership. Commenting on the acquisition of the land, Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat, said: “I am incredibly proud that Keepmoat, in particular our East Midlands region led by Tristin Willis, has successfully completed one of the most significant land deals of the last decade, for the delivery of new homes, in Nottingham. It is a fantastic achievement. “For me personally, having been brought up in Nottingham and lived here for most of my life, I am delighted that we will be delivering this landmark development on this special site, which will bring much needed, high-quality new homes and significant investment to the city. “This development will put our East Midlands region, which was established in Nottingham eight years ago, firmly on the map. It sits alongside nine other new sites that we are currently developing in and around Nottingham which will collectively deliver around 2,700 new homes.” Tristin Willis, Regional Managing Director of Keepmoat, East Midlands said: “I am very much looking forward to working with our partners to bring this fantastic development to life, delivering new homes for the people of Nottingham and the surrounding areas and transforming this area of the city into a vibrant new community.” Stephen Boyce, Director of Estates, Boots UK, added: “This is an exciting development for the Nottingham Enterprise Zone. We look forward to seeing Keepmoat’s vision come to life, developing new high-quality and affordable housing for people in the local area.” The Nottingham office of National law firm Freeths LLP represented Keepmoat on both the acquisition from Boots and the forward sale to Platform.