Blaby District Council has approved plans for Peaceful Paddocks, a nature-based care farm at Fossefield Farm in Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire. The facility will provide therapeutic and educational activities for autistic children and those at risk of school exclusion.

Designed to support up to 10 children aged five to 18 at a time, the project includes a log cabin for educational and welfare needs and a stable and tack building. The farm may also offer short sessions for adults with learning difficulties and dementia.

The initiative, led by Brian and Hazel Sutton, aims to assist children struggling with traditional classroom environments, including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, the temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions. Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -20⁰C. The 474,283 sq ft development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy. The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from retailers. The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site. An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays. The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia. With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.”

Homes England has been revealed as the purchaser of Nottingham’s Broad Marsh site, pushing forward the regeneration of the city centre. The Government’s housing and regeneration agency will acquire the council’s land ownership of the former shopping centre, land to the west of the Green Heart, a multi-storey car park, Severns House and a former college site. The next stage of development will include de-risking of the site, such as demolition and enabling works, to attract private sector developers with the necessary credentials and proven track record to deliver transformational city centre projects. The development of the site will bring forward around 1,000 homes, up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community spaces and create around 2,000 full-time jobs. Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to finally reveal the name of the buyer for such an important site. I have confidence in Homes England and the work they have already delivered across the country. “This is really positive news for Nottingham and marks the start of a major redevelopment for this key part of our city. “We know that people have wanted to see progress here for a long time and we understand that it has been a frustration for some that this hasn’t happened. “We’re excited by the plans that Homes England has, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring these to fruition.” Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “The acquisition of Broad Marsh is a major milestone in the city council’s vision of regeneration for this area of Nottingham. “We have worked closely with the council since 2022 to provide professional advice and support. Now that we have acquired the site, our teams will be working with partners to attract the right developer to deliver the new homes, employment spaces and leisure facilities necessary to create a vibrant city centre neighbourhood that the people of Nottingham can be proud of.” Broad Marsh is Nottingham’s top priority regeneration project, with significant progress already made by Nottingham City Council in advancing its vision. Key achievements include the establishment of a new Nottingham College hub, the opening of the Central Library, Broad Marsh bus station, car park, and, most recently, the completion of the Green Heart public realm. The project will also benefit from investment by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), underlining Broad Marsh’s strategic significance to the region and showcasing the collaboration of organisations skilled in delivering complex regeneration projects, in line with the Government’s new Devolution arrangements. The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “Homes England’s purchase of Broad Marsh is an investment into the future of Nottingham – a future that the people of Nottingham have been asking for and the city council has been pushing for, which can now be realised. “As the Mayor of the East Midlands, I have been pleased to lead EMCCA into investing its resources so that this purchase could occur. This is exactly what the region expected when it chose to have a directly elected Mayor, and EMCCA will continue to work closely with Homes England as they transform the area.” Homes England will maintain close collaboration with the council, ensuring the strategic vision for Broad Marsh is successfully realised. The Agency will also commit to continue the work undertaken so far by the council, to engage residents, partners and stakeholders in shaping the delivery of this important project.

NatPower UK has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request to Harborough District Council for a proposed 1GW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Leicestershire. The Swinford Energy Park, planned for a 197-acre site at Lambcote Hill Farm in Walcote, would be co-located with a 400kV transmission substation, connecting to existing overhead power lines.

The site, currently arable land, already hosts two wind turbines from the Swinford Wind Farm. The project aims to store excess electricity during low-demand periods and release it when demand peaks. NatPower has indicated that integrating the facility with the existing wind farm and a consented solar farm could create a combined generation and storage hub, supporting the UK’s net-zero targets.

David Lloyd Clubs has submitted plans to North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) for a large health, racquets, and wellness club in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The proposed facility, located off Hanwood Park Avenue near junction 10 of the A14, is part of the wider Hanwood Park development.

The complex would include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, four exercise studios, an indoor sports hall, padel courts, tennis facilities, lounge areas, and a 234-space car park. Developers state the project will address growing demand for sports facilities and create 100 full-time jobs.

The proposal aligns with the Hanwood Park masterplan, which designates the area for employment and leisure use. A public consultation is open until 19 April, with a final decision expected in June.

The Rushton Hickman Property Management team has been appointed at Maltings Industrial Estate. Situated on Derby Road in Burton upon Trent, the estate comprises seven industrial units catering to a diverse array of local businesses. Currently, only one unit is unoccupied, recently becoming available. It is now being actively marketed by the Agency Team at Rushton Hickman. Richard Fairey, director at Rushton Hickman, said: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with the management of this estate, especially after many years of working with both the client and the site.” Jade Martin, associate director, added: “It’s a privilege to be actively working with Maltings Industrial Estate and our long-standing relationship has equipped us with a deep understanding of their needs and vision, allowing us to enhance the site’s potential even further.”

Leicester College has opened a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus. The Hub will enable construction students, staff and employers to gain hands-on, practical experience with the latest green technologies. The new state-of-the-art green tech equipment in the Green Tech Hub includes air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations. The Green Technology Hub will support a range of Leicester College courses from Level 2 to Level 4. Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College, said: “Green technology is already having and will continue to have an increasing impact on the UK construction sector. It’s vital that our students have access to this equipment, to learn how to use the technology and understand the impact it will have when they get into the workplace. “The new Green Tech Hub will provide students with a strong foundation to learn more about these technologies and incorporate that knowledge into their future work with employers.” The Hub is funded by the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund and has been fitted out by Quantum Training, a UK renewable training provider, which also trains Leicester College staff on the equipment.

Demolition of the former Galaxy cinema and Stage One nightclub in Long Eaton will begin in April as part of a £25 million town centre redevelopment. Erewash Borough Council has secured funding for the project, which includes new homes, business premises, and retail spaces.

The Galaxy Row development will feature 16 flats, four townhouses, and three commercial units, and construction is set to be completed by August 2026. The broader regeneration plan also includes a £10 million refurbishment of the High Street and transforming the former Stable Block into modern office space.

With ownership of the derelict site secured, the council avoided a lengthy public inquiry, ensuring the project moves forward without further delays. Demolition is expected to take four months, with construction beginning immediately after.

Devonshire Property Group, the commercial arm of the Devonshire Group, has acquired the Poundbury West Industrial Estate in Dorchester for an undisclosed sum. The estate, spanning over 18,000 sq ft, is occupied by Jewson and Screwfix.

The company has also purchased the 40,000 sq ft City Trading Estate in Norwich from a UK-based fund. The site includes six units ranging from 4,970 to 8,720 sq ft and houses tenants such as Screwfix, CEF, and Easy Bathrooms.

The acquisitions align with Devonshire Property Group’s strategy of expanding its portfolio with multi-let revisionary assets. This follows last year’s sale of two properties, including a 102,000 sq ft warehouse at Markham Vale. The firm aims to grow its portfolio by a third by year-end.

CBRE Bristol advised on the Dorchester deal, while Cushman & Wakefield London facilitated the Norwich transaction.

Contractors are set to begin work on a new residential site in Derby to provide homes for families in housing need. Derby City Council has appointed Tanbry Construction to build two blocks of six flats on the previously vacant site on Barlow Street, near London Road. The project is expected to complete in July 2026. The homes will be owned by the Council, managed by Derby Homes and will be made available to rent through Homefinder. The three-bedroom homes will be built to a high standard of thermal efficiency and all flats will be heated by electricity. Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “Like many other cities in the UK, Derby faces many challenges in meeting demand for housing. “Building these new council homes will help those who struggle in the private rental market access to safe, affordable, and good-quality places to live. We want to provide a solid foundation for some of the most vulnerable people in Derby, and this development is a step in the right direction to directly address their needs. “Ultimately, it isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in people, strengthening communities, and creating a society where everyone has access to a safe and secure place to call home.”