Royal approval for Notts net zero firm’s historic library project

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Royal approval for Notts net zero firm’s historic library project
A Nottinghamshire firm that specialises in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings has been praised by the Princess Royal for helping to preserve a rare collection of books in an historic church library. Viridis, based in Collingham, near Newark, recently completed work to optimise energy efficiency, costs, UV exposure and humidity control at St Botolph’s Church, in Boston, Lincolnshire. Part of the medieval church, also known as the Boston Stump, houses a library containing around 1,200 historic books that are often sought after by academics. One of the books – St Augustin’s Commentary on Genesis – dates back to 1170, and it had been feared that over-exposure to natural light, temperature and humidity variations, would permanently damage an important part of our literary history. Viridis was therefore commissioned by the Boston Stump Restoration Trust to design a new energy system that would help to preserve the books for enjoyment by future generations. The finished project, which also included improving energy efficiency in the main church and neighbouring Blenkin Memorial Hall, was inspected by the Trust’s patron, Princess Anne, on a recent visit. Lee Marshall, managing director of Viridis, said: “Princess Anne accompanied me to the library with just a small handful of other staff and proceeded to spend 25 minutes discussing the improvements we had designed. “I was amazed at her deep level of interest – she was really keen to find out more about what we had done. And she was extremely impressed by the achievement.” Lee said that the first thing his team of scientists, architects and engineers did on an important heritage asset like St Botolph’s was to understand how the building worked as “a piece of technology.” The next stage is figuring out how the team can optimise the internal environment while at the same time reducing the level of mechanical and electrical services that go into running the various parts of the building. “In terms of the library, which is a relatively small space, it was receiving too much natural light through its large, ornate south-facing window and two smaller windows, so we had to address that as it was damaging the books,” he said. “With its thick stone walls, which can keep heat in as well as out, we also manipulated physics to ensure the internal temperate remains at a moderate 17 degrees – which is not too cold and not too hot for the delicate books.” The excess of natural light in the library was reduced by building bookshelves in front of the two smaller windows and installing louvre blinds in the large window, which can be manually controlled by staff according to needs. Viridis also installed a humidification unit, about the size of a small filing cabinet, to ensure the air was not too wet and not too dry, both of which can damage ancient books. “As engineers, we work with the environment,” said Lee. “Instead of wasting energy by using a third-party water source in the event that the air is too dry, our unit stores and utilises the free moisture that exists in the atmosphere. It is these small details that help to provide our clients with the big benefits.” In the main St Botolph’s Church, parts of which date back to 1309, Viridis re-ordered the heating system. It reduced the building’s boiler capacity by 50 per cent and reduced its operation and energy use by up to 400 per cent, vastly increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. As a result, the building is now much warmer than before, it costs less to heat and, significantly, the church has reported a huge increase in visitor numbers, which it puts down to the warmer environment inside. “It’s now warmer and therefore more welcoming, which was a very important part of our brief,” said Lee. “The church as a whole is now far more sustainable, and we have created an environment in the library that saves some very historic books. I’d like to thank the team at St Botolph’s for their vision and support.” Other important books housed in St Botolph’s Library include a 1542 edition of the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, a Book of Common Prayer printed in 1549 and a collection of books by Dutch philosopher Erasmus, published between 1545 and 1548.

Detailed planning application submitted for Louth development

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Detailed planning application submitted for Louth development

Developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for a site near Louth.

The 12-acre plot off Daisy Way is an extension to the popular Westfield Park and already has outline planning permission for up to 90 new properties.

Now a detailed application has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council for the next stage of the development.

The proposals are for 90 properties, including a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation.

Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “We are very pleased that Charterpoint and Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for this site off Daisy Way near Louth.

“In conjunction with Charterpoint, Snape Properties has built a flourishing community at Westfield Park and this additional plot will bring more much-needed homes to the town.”

The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will be accessed off Daisy Way and will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being.

Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity.

Nottingham immigration law firm makes trio of strategic hires

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Nottingham immigration law firm makes trio of strategic hires
Nottingham-based UK immigration law firm, OTB Legal, is expanding again, after making three strategic new hires. The firm has welcomed two associate solicitors and a new paralegal.Highly-experienced Kate Gamester joins OTB Legal as associate solicitor. She specialises in business immigration, sponsor licence management and compliance and right to work checks.
Kate has worked for a number of multinational household names throughout the course of her career, across a wide range of business sectors, and is also experienced with UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence applications.Meanwhile, Amie Higgins also joins OTB Legal as associate solicitor. Called to the Bar in 2005 and admitted to the Roll as a solicitor in 2008, Amie is a highly experienced and sought after human rights and public law specialist.Amie is accredited as a Supervising Advanced Caseworker under the Law Society’s Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Scheme (IAAS) and a former winner of the LAPG ‘Immigration Lawyer of the Year’ award.
Amie provides advice and assistance in all aspects of asylum and immigration law challenges on both a private and legal aid basis, where available. Amie also works as a legal compliance consultant, providing training and support to lawyers and law firms on legal aid, quality standards, equality, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding.
Finally, OTB Legal welcomes Bridget Umoru as a paralegal. Bridget was called to the Bar of England and Wales and has worked with various legal charities providing practical and emotional support to vulnerable clients. She is also experienced in providing high level day to day support to solicitors, particularly in immigration and personal law matters.OTB Legal’s Marcus Worthington said: “I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to Kate, Amie and Bridget – they’ll be key members of the team as we move forward and have extensive experience in immigration law.
“The high calibre of legal professionals we’re now attracting to OTB Legal is testament to our track record of getting the very best outcomes for our clients. I have no doubt that our new trio will build upon and enhance this tradition and their arrival is well-timed and builds momentum after our encouraging rankings in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.”

CMA inquiry launched for Alumasc acquisition

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CMA inquiry launched for Alumasc acquisition
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun an investigation into the anticipated £10m acquisition by The Alumasc Group PLC of ARP Group Holdings Ltd and Rainwater Online Holdings Limited. Alumasc, a Kettering-based sustainable building products, systems and solutions group, revealed the deal for Leicester-based ARP Group, a manufacturer and distributor of specialist metal rainwater and architectural aluminium goods, in July. Now the CMA is considering whether it may be the case that this transaction will result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services. When announcing the acquisition, Paul Hooper, Chief Executive of Alumasc, said: “We are delighted to welcome ARP, along with all our new colleagues to the Alumasc Group. This acquisition aligns with our strategy of accelerating our organic growth with complementary bolt-on acquisitions. ARP will broaden the group’s existing product offerings, and augment the routes to market for both businesses.” The CMA’s deadline for its phase 1 decision is 22 December.

White Hart Hotel to reopen in historic Uphill Lincoln

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White Hart Hotel to reopen in historic Uphill Lincoln
Following a comprehensive six-month refurbishment, the White Hart Hotel in Lincoln is set to open its doors to the public on Monday 6th November. Purchased in 2022 by Lincolnshire resident and businessman, Andrew Long, the hotel has been completely transformed and now offers both locals and visitors to Lincoln a truly stylish place to stay, eat and celebrate. Originally one of the oldest Coaching Inns in the region, the White Hart Hotel is located on Bailgate, one of the city’s most historic streets, within yards of the iconic Lincoln Cathedral and medieval Lincoln Castle. As well as a tasteful renovation of the bedrooms, the hotel now proudly boasts the fully refurbished and renamed Colonnade Cocktail Bar & Lounge at the very heart of the hotel, the all-new Gibson Club Bar for more relaxed occasions and a wealth of additional wedding and function suites. The hotel’s stylish new Antlers Restaurant, will be opening at the start of December, serving the very finest local and seasonal produce from a host of local suppliers and artisan producers. Andrew Long says: “Since acquiring the White Hart, we have had ambitious plans to turn it into one of the most elegant and desirable hotels in the region. The comprehensive yet sensitive and respectful refurbishment we have carried out on Lincoln’s most historic hotel should ensure that it quickly regains its reputation as the city’s leading ‘special occasion’ destination for both locals and visitors alike. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests, old and new to see what we’ve been able to achieve.” Andrew added: “The White Hart first opened more than 600 years ago as a Coaching Inn and has been one of Lincoln’s premier hotels since being substantially rebuilt and extended in the mid 1800s.” Hotel General Manager, Paul Noble, said: “We’ve spent the last few months training and developing our highly valued team and getting ready to reopen, so we’re excited to be able to put our carefully laid plans into action. “Not only have we considerably improved our food offering and menu choices, but we’ve also had a complete overhaul of our renowned cocktail menu to ensure each guest has a truly memorable experience – whether they are visiting for a few hours or staying for several days.” Andrew Long has also acquired the nearby Judge’s Lodgings, a similarly historic gem close to the White Hart Hotel on Castle Hill. Andrew plans to refurbish and redevelop the Judge’s Lodgings in conjunction with the former White Hart Hotel Garages and 2 Bailgate, providing fully serviced ‘apartment style’ Rooms, Restaurant and Licensed Cafe Bar, together with a high quality Retail Arcade and the continued provision of approximately 30 customer car parking spaces.

You need to read this in advance of 2024…

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You need to read this in advance of 2024…
Advertising your products and services with high quality video is more necessary than ever and, with so much advice out there on what to do and what not to do with your video marketing, it can be difficult to plan a perfect strategy. Optimise your video marketing in 2024 with the help of this free, comprehensive guide – created by our local recommended video production company, Glowfrog. 34 action points you really ought to know – click the button below to read it now.

READ FREE GUIDE

Full planning application submitted to redevelop Derby city centre site

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Full planning application submitted to redevelop Derby city centre site

A full planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council for the redevelopment of one of the final plots of vacant land within the Cathedral Quarter.

186 one and two-bedroom apartments are proposed by Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments for Cathedral One – a nine storey, u-shaped, red brick building.

The site was previously home to a police station, constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016,  including the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex, some 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel.

The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme.

Franklin Ellis Architects has designed the scheme, which also includes 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street. Uses earmarked for this space include a new café and facilities such as a gym, co-working zone and concierge point.

James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This challenging brownfield site occupies one of the best locations within Derby city centre and benefits from rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent.

“It has been vacant for 10 years and the opportunity to create an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location is exciting.

“The plans we have submitted for Cathedral One would help towards Derby City Council’s target to provide a minimum of 11,000 new homes throughout the city over the coming decade.

“By appropriately densifying this derelict brownfield site within such a prized and popular city location, we will create highly energy-efficient homes for well over 250 people who will then spend their time and disposable income locally.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council’s Officers, Councillors, and wider stakeholders, as this planning application is considered.”

Matthew Branton, Managing Director of Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Whilst designing Cathedral One, our team at Franklin Ellis were conscious of the need for this proposed development to carefully close the wider urban block and positively front Full Street, Cathedral Green and the waterside, improving the safety, attractiveness, and animation of the adjacent public areas.

“We have taken a context led approach to a layered facade design, incorporating quality detailing and a refined material palette whilst paying homage to the surrounding architecture and heritage assets, ensuring the Cathedral is always the star of the show.

“We have spent many months refining the design and generating these comprehensive plans, which reflect feedback from the recent public consultation, together with the Council’s Design and Heritage Review Panels – creating Derby’s most sought-after apartment development.”

Frasers Group divests IP of Missguided to SHEIN

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Frasers Group divests IP of Missguided to SHEIN

Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has divested the IP of Missguided to SHEIN, which it says is “in line with its disciplined approach to managing its portfolio of brands.”

Under the terms of the transaction, SHEIN will acquire the IP and trademarks of Missguided, whilst Frasers will retain Missguided’s real estate and employees which have now been integrated into Frasers’ fashion division.

Frasers noted that the transaction has enabled “exciting discussions with SHEIN around opportunities for potential collaboration across our brand portfolio.“

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, said: “With I Saw it First and Missy Empire, we now have a foothold in women’s digital-first fashion.

“Retaining the combined Frasers fashion teams whilst rationalising our portfolio in this space to focus on fewer brands makes a lot of sense in the current climate. We are also excited about the ongoing discussions around further collaboration between Frasers Group and SHEIN.”

Meanwhile the retail giant is touted to be considering an offer for online bikes retailer, Wiggle, following its collapse into administration, according to Sky News reports.

Loughborough University’s research with adidas wins best UK industry-academia partnership

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Loughborough University’s research with adidas wins best UK industry-academia partnership

Loughborough University’s twenty-year partnership with global sports brand adidas was named winner of the 2023 Royal Academy of Engineering Bhattacharyya Award in recognition of their stellar academia–industry collaboration.

Drawing on the University’s first-class capabilities in engineering, aerodynamics, ergonomics and sports science, project teams have worked to make sport safer, more accessible and allow people to perform at their best, whilst developing the adidas talent pipeline. For the first time in the Bhattacharyya Award’s history, joint winners were declared with the University of Manchester and for its twenty-year partnership with the nuclear decommissioning sector, providing expertise for quicker, safer nuclear decommissioning. The Bhattacharyya Awards were presented by Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, with each industry-academia partnership receiving a £25,000 prize to further extend the impacts of their work. Funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the annual Bhattacharyya Award is awarded to a UK university or college that has demonstrated a sustained, strategic industrial partnership in any academic discipline that has benefitted society and is deserving of national recognition. The Award was set up in tribute to the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya KT CBE FREng FRS, Regius Professor of Manufacturing at the University of Warwick, and founder of WMG. Collecting the award with Dr Tim Lucas, adidas Vice President of Engineering and Technology, Professor Andy Harland, Director of Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute, said: “Lord Bhattacharyya was a pioneer in his field, and it was fitting for us that Professor Roy Jones – the world’s first Professor in Sports Technology – was with us to collect this award. “Roy pioneered the discipline of sports engineering at Loughborough and his values and principles still guide our group today. It was his vision, together with that of Dr Tim Lucas in adidas Innovation that started our journey that has shaped the lives of so many colleagues and researchers over two decades. “Tim and his team have been critical in translating Loughborough research to influence so many iconic sporting products and given international reach to our impact. “This award is for everyone who has played a part, from academic colleagues, to students, researchers, technical and admin staff as well as all our partners within adidas who have made the last twenty years so fulfilling and enjoyable. “We look forward to building on this award to extend our partnership and influence more lives through great engineering research.” Loughborough University was shortlisted for the 2019 Bhattacharyya Award for its partnership with Rolls-Royce, which first began in the 1960s and was formalised in 1991 with the establishment of the Rolls Royce University Technology Centre – later leading to the establishment of the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology, on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park. Professor Nick Jennings, Loughborough University Vice-Chancellor said: “I am hugely proud that the University’s outstanding collaborative track record with adidas has been recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering as the UK’s most exceptional industry–academia partnership together with the University of Manchester and the nuclear decommissioning sector. “adidas has enabled the University to raise the level of its research ambition, creating a world-class environment that continually opens new opportunities to advance original knowledge, drive innovation and enrich our student experience.”

Leicester mayor calls on Government to increase council funding

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Leicester mayor calls on Government to increase council funding
Leicester’s City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to warn that the city council will struggle to balance its books in the next 18 months unless there is a change to Government funding. In his letter to Michael Gove, Sir Peter said: “Hardly a week goes by without a local authority warning that it faces financial crisis and the equivalent of bankruptcy, were it a private company. Thanks to extremely prudent financial management we are not there yet, but without a serious rethink from the Government we are rapidly running out of options.” Like other councils across the country, Leicester City Council is facing huge cost increases for social care, with more adults needing support with day-to-day living, and more children needing care. Social care services in the city are on course to cost an extra £50m a year by 2025. The council also faces cost increases from the recent rise in inflation. Sir Peter added: “The pressures on social care are huge and are being experienced by all authorities. I don’t believe that the Government has the slightest awareness of the impact the rise in costs will have on councils. Indeed, we have been warned to expect a further round of austerity in 2025, which would be disastrous. “Previous Government cuts have forced us to reduce spending on our other services by 50%. I now fear for the future of services such as parks, sports, museums, libraries, cultural services and community centres – indeed all those services that make our city a pleasant place to live. “Without more Government money, these services face savage cutbacks, and Leicester faces the real prospect that the council will join the ranks of those receiving a section 114 notice before we can set the council’s budget for 2025/26.” Amy Oliver, the council’s director of finance, said: “Councils are under unprecedented financial pressures. It is a legal requirement for councils to provide some services, such as social care, and if the cost of these services continues to go up, either the Government must provide more money or other services will have to be cut.”
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