Wavensmere Homes and Clowes Developments have submitted a full planning and listed building application to Derby City Council for the redevelopment of the city’s historic Friar Gate Goods Yard.

The detailed design proposal sets out the vision for the reanimation of two landmark Grade II listed buildings into over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, with 276 new homes also planned for the 11.5-acre (4.96Ha) site.

A painstaking restoration of the 19^th Century Bonded Warehouse and Engine House could deliver a total of 111,275 sq ft of flexible offices, health and fitness space, a restaurant/café, together with a regional sales centre for Birmingham-headquartered Wavensmere Homes.

The plans also include extensive new areas of Public Open Space, including play spaces and pocket parks. A new multi-purpose public realm and community space is also proposed for the elevated area adjacent to Friar Gate Bridge, with retention of some of the original railway arch facades.

New vehicular, pedestrian and cycle access would be created at various points around the site, from Uttoxeter New Road, Great Northern Way, and Friar Gate, with the Mick Mack cycling route also extended.

Friar Gate Goods Yard has been in the ownership of the Clowes family for over 40 years, with a number of options for redevelopment proposed but not progressed, due to heritage constraints and commercial viability. Wavensmere Homes and Clowes developments have worked with Glancy Nicholls Architects and Pegasus Group to incorporate the views from over 200 local public consultation responses into the plans for the redevelopment of the derelict site.

​James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This is the most comprehensive planning application we have ever submitted. We have fully 3D modelled the entirety of the 19^th Century Bonded Warehouse and Engine House, which has enabled us to present how the buildings could be carefully brought back to life.

“The context of the new homes and several acres of new Public Open Space are also fully illustrated. The opportunity to work collaboratively to reanimate this landmark city centre site is an honour and the plans showcase our vision, fine attention to detail, and bold investment into this nationally important regeneration project.

“When we first revealed our indicative plans during the public consultation process, we received a pleasing amount of interest from prospective operators of the health and fitness centre, office space, and the restaurant/café – all of which will be within the Bonded Warehouse.

“We also have a database of over 500 prospective purchasers wishing to buy one of the townhouses, indicating the pent-up demand and appeal. We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council’s Officers, Councillors, and wider stakeholders, as this planning application is considered.”

Adam McPartland, Director of Glancy Nicholls Architects, said: “The Friar Gate Goods Yard redevelopment plans illustrate the millions of pounds that need to be invested into saving these distressed 150-year-old listed buildings. Glancy Nicholls Architects has brought its expertise in restoration and retrofit design to sustainably restore two of Derby city centre’s most notable historic structures, providing a vibrant new chapter of their story.

“The overarching brief from Wavensmere Homes was for a huge emphasis to be placed on exemplary placemaking. By having a mix of commercial uses within the two buildings – and opening the inaccessible site up to create a series of new linear parks – it could enable hundreds of people to appreciate these heritage assets on a daily basis.

“In addition to the proposals for the listed buildings, the designs for the 227 two- and three-bedroom townhouses are bespoke. Curved and terraced street scenes celebrate the beauty and vista of the Bonded Warehouse, while incorporating a range of energy saving technologies and strategies.

“We have also proposed a four-storey apartment building containing 49 apartments to reinstate the lost streetscape of the Stafford Street frontage. The highest EPC rating of A is being targeted for the new homes and commercial space to keep energy consumption and carbon emissions to a minimum.”

The site sits just outside the Friar Gate Conservation Area, which features notable Georgian townhouses with high-quality brickwork and fine architectural detailing. The Friar Gate Goods Yard was intended as the main goods depot for the Great Northern Railway line, to handle coal, livestock, timber, and metals.

Designed in 1870, and entering operation in 1878, the Bonded Warehouse building contained extensive warehouse space and offices. It was used as a store for the American Army in WWII to house ammunition and other supplies.

The Engine House was also built for the Railway by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford. It is Italianate in style and built from Welsh slate roofs. The Engine House supplied power to the hydraulic lifts and capstans at the Bonded Warehouse.

The site first became derelict in 1967, and over time became overgrown and fell into a poor state of repair. An arson attack took place at the Goods Yard in 2020, which exposed the whole inner iron structure of the two historic buildings.

A business which provides equipment and training to NHS Trusts, universities and colleges has opened a new facility in Chesterfield. Sim & Skills will be based at the Peak Business Park on Foxwood Road in Sheepbridge, occupying the building which used to house local radio station, Peak FM. Listeners to the old radio station will be happy to hear the company will be giving new life to the studio, using the space to showcase its latest products with webinars and online demos. The company was founded during lockdown back in 2020, and since then has become one of the fastest-growing distributors of Healthcare simulation and clinical skills trainers in the country. The business is now a team of seven people, all of whom boast a wide range of healthcare simulation experience. It says the town’s central location and transport links make it an ideal place to grow. The new warehouse, office and training space have been created with the help of local businesses and suppliers. Sim & Skills aims to provide the training equipment that doctors, nurses and health professionals need. Having the resource to practice with specialised equipment in a simulated hospital environment enhances skills and improves patient safety. The company has customers based across the country and beyond, and has already supported many local training providers, including Chesterfield College. Managing Director Mark Cook said: “We’ve been searching for the ideal property for some time. When we saw Radio House in Chesterfield, we knew it was the one for us. The studio space is unusual but great for what we need. The building is a good size and will support us as we continue to grow.” One visible change the company has made to the building is the installation of a defibrillator. As a medical training equipment provider, Sim & Skills believes it’s important to support the saving of lives. A spokesperson for the business said: “We hope the defib is never needed, but if any of our Peak Business Park neighbours ever find themselves in an emergency situation, the defibrillator is there to be used and could save a life.” Sim & Skills also has plans to support the next generation of professionals as the business grows. Operations director Chris Dinsdale said: “As we expand our warehouse and customer service team in Chesterfield, we’re really keen to help local young apprentices who have an interest in business and logistics.”

Harris Lamb has secured food on-the-go favourite Greggs as the occupier of a new retail unit in Hinckley.

The 1,200 sq ft premises are part of a newly developed two-unit site constructed by developers HDD and subsequently purchased by Heart of England Co-Operative Society.

Further to the Fieldfare Road development being completed earlier this year, Heart of England Co-Operative opened a 4,300 sq ft convenience store at the site, and tasked Harris Lamb’s Retail team with securing a tenant for the neighbouring unit.

David Walton, head of retail, said: “This is a prominent roadside unit with an estimated 25,000 vehicles passing its A47 location every day, which attracted significant interest from potential occupiers.

“Around 850 new homes are being built to the rear of the site, which was a key factor in us identifying it as a suitable location for Heart of England Co-Operative Society in its drive for additional convenience store locations.

“Greggs is a great fit for this location and we are delighted to have completed a new lease with them. Both occupiers complement one another with well-established, quality convenience retail offerings and will benefit from high levels of passing trade.”

Simon Smith of Wright Silverwood advised Greggs on the acquisition. The unit is now fitted out and Greggs has opened the shop to the public.

An industrial unit in Northamptonshire has been sold for £3.2 million. Warwickshire-based The Wigley Group has sold Unit 1-7 Crick Industrial Estate, Eldon Way, to a London-based real estate investment firm. The Wigley Group, which owns and manages business and commercial property across the Midlands, initially purchased the site with vacant possession in 2017 for £1.8m and has carried out a series of improvement works at the premises since. Most recently, it has equipped the site with a new kitchenette, new offices, refurbished toilets, and carried out extensive maintenance works for logistics specialist Nu Vision Logistics, who have just moved in on a 10-year lease to facilitate their long-term business plan. Set within a three-acre site, the 42,000 sq ft unit is located in the heart of the UK’s distribution network adjacent to J18 of the M1 at Crick, providing easy access to Northampton, Rugby and the wider West Midlands. James Davies, Chief Executive Officer at The Wigley Group, said: “During the six years this unit has been part of our portfolio, we have carried out a series of improvement works, driven rental value, and secured a new tenant who sees their long-term future of the business at Crick Industrial Estate. “With our property portfolio evolving and a series of construction and redevelopment projects due to begin shortly, it’s an exciting time for all of us at The Wigley Group and we are delighted to complete this latest deal, which is a reflection of our positive management of the site.” The Wigley Group was represented by Nick Howe of Edgerley Simpson Howe LLP, while the Purchaser was represented by Ben Wisher of CBRE. James Polo-Richards of J G Poole & Co LLP supported The Wigley Group on the legals.

Leisure developer, STACK is set to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre in Northampton Town Centre as they work with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and acquire the central site. STACK completed the acquisition of the Market Walk site on Monday, 1 August and will now bring forward a regeneration and development project to transform this site to offer an innovative food hall and leisure space. Market Walk, previously known as Peacock Place, boasts a prominent spot at the heart of Northampton Town Centre adjacent to the historic Market Square, but has stood empty for many years. The council will provide up to £4.2 million investment through the Towns Fund, coupled with private investment of £8 million from STACK, which will allow the space to be transformed into a new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. The Towns Fund is part of the Government’s plan for Levelling Up the UK economy and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has secured £24.9 million to invest into transforming Northampton’s Town Centre. As part of the Grant Funding Agreement, the Towns Fund money must be spent by spring 2025, otherwise funds could be withdrawn. The repurposing of the shopping centre will enhance the town’s vibrancy and vitality, supporting both the daytime and night-time economy and complementing the adjacent ongoing transformation of the historic Market Square and public realm of Abington Street and Fish Street. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are delighted that STACK will be bringing their first facility to the Midlands and will be opening an innovative food and leisure space in the heart of Northampton Town Centre. “The scheme offers something unique for our town centre and differs greatly from those previously explored for the site. “Market Walk is situated on Market Square and coupled together these two regeneration projects are set to rocket the leisure economy in Northampton by providing a diverse mix of entertainment, food and drink, and retail opportunities alongside fresh local produce provided by our market traders. “Following the successful acquisition, the developers will now take the first steps to seek the relevant planning and licensing permissions to bring this project forward for delivery over the coming months.” Once complete, the space will host a series of independent street food traders, all with their own unique offer and feel, a variety of bars and a dedicated space for interactive games, all focussed around communal seating and a main stage for live music performances and entertainment – offering something for all the family. This type of leisure concept is already successful in other cities. STACK sites in Newcastle and Sunderland have both been successful in attracting visitors and generating footfall to underutilised sites. STACK Newcastle welcomed over 3 million visitors in the first three years and STACK Seaburn attracts over 70,000 visitors per month. Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: “We are pleased to announce the advancement of our plans to introduce STACK to Northampton. Breathing new life into a long-vacant space is a venture we are fully committed to. “This ambitious project holds the potential to make a substantial positive impact on the town, serving as a dynamic focal point for both the local community and visitors alike. “We are confident that our innovative and inclusive leisure concept, which includes opportunities for local jobs and a platform for local street food traders, will contribute significantly to the local economy. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring the STACK experience Northampton.”

Digital marketing agency, Adtrak, has celebrated its first anniversary at Cubo Nottingham by revealing its plans to expand into the new Cubo workspace at Standard Court in the city. Founded in 1995, Adtrak originally moved into Cubo’s first Nottingham building at Fenchurch House on King Street in May 2022 after deciding to make the move to flexible working. A year on, the company has announced its expansion to a 40-desk office at Cubo’s new Standard Court building in Nottingham, which is set to open in September. Cubo acquired the former Nottingham General Hospital headquarters on Park Row on the Royal Standard Place development in April following accelerated growth at its existing building. The new workspace features 50,000 sq ft of office accommodation arranged over four floors, with 630 desks available. As well as the regular Cubo member benefits, Standard Court will offer a full wellness centre, including gym and spa. It also has a secure car park with 44 spaces. Commenting on expanding their private office at the new Cubo Nottingham workspace, Chris Rutter, IT and systems director at Adtrak Media, said: “When we decided to move to flexible working, we wanted to relocate to a shared office space with a mix of environments. Moving to Cubo has exceeded all our expectations and provided us with a collaborative and inspiring work environment that aligns perfectly with our brand values. “Our people are our best assets, so by becoming members of Cubo, we have been able to give them more flexibility in where and when they want to work, which has created a happier team. Choosing their work environment between the communal space or our private office to work for the day, as well as giving our remote colleagues the choice to work in any of the other Cubo offices throughout the country, is fantastic. “We can’t wait to move into our new workspace at the exciting new Cubo at Standard Court.” Marc Brough, CEO of Cubo, added: “Chris and his team are one of a growing number of progressive SMEs, tech companies and corporate companies who are looking for the best Grade A space in each location. “Over the last two years, Cubo Nottingham has gone from strength to strength thanks to our unbeatable location, amenities and high-quality space. The addition of our second site in Nottingham will enable more local, regional and national operators to take advantage of the unique Cubo offer.”

Approval has been granted by Charnwood Borough Council for the creation of a key access road at Persimmon Homes’ Garendon Park development in Loughborough.

The access route – located off Hathern Road in the town – was initially granted outline approval in 2018, with this latest application seeking to define specific elements of the access. The road will provide access to the community of over 3,000 homes on the Garendon Park estate. Across the whole of the SUE, a cumulative figure of over £43m will be paid to support local infrastructure delivery and ensure economic development. As part of the application process, Persimmon worked with local community groups to inform the proposals, as well as working to ensure that the infrastructure is delivered at an earlier date than required, before Garendon Park is at a larger occupancy. Dan Endersby, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “Approval for the Hathern Road access at Garendon Park comes at a particularly exciting time as we welcome our first residents and continue to build our presence in Loughborough. “Throughout the application process for this vital piece of infrastructure, we have worked hard to engage with key stakeholders and local residents to take their feedback on board. Garendon Park will be one of Persimmon’s flagship communities, with over 3,000 homes, employment and leisure facilities, and a range of preserved historic monuments around the site.”