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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
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
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
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.”
East Midlands devolution takes step closer to reality
The proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has moved one step closer to reality after key legislation was approved in Westminster.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been granted Royal Assent after completing its passage through Parliament, paving the way for the creation of the EMCCA and the region’s very-first Mayoral elections next May.
Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council will now decide whether to move forward with devolution plans, with decisions expected before the end of the year.
The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from £1.14 billion of funding to invest in local projects related to transport, education and skills, housing, the environment and economic development.
Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “This is a key milestone on the road to agreeing plans to bring in £38 million a year for the East Midlands and move major decision-making to the people who best know our communities, rather than Westminster.
“It’s about improving the lives of people across our region by bringing more and better jobs, opportunities for training, better transport and housing, improving the local economy and accelerating our route to Net Zero. But that’s just the start. If this deal is agreed, we’re determined to build on it over time as other areas have done, bringing further benefits for our residents in the future.”
Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is truly a milestone moment in the quest for devolved powers for our region. Now we know this is definitely happening, and we’ve secured more powers, local control, funding and independence from central government to affect real change in the East Midlands. That’s fantastic news.
“In truth though, it just confirms the start of the journey. The end game is delivering outcomes like better transport, quality jobs and new training opportunities for local people.”
Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said: “Devolution will bring much-needed funding to Derby and the wider region, especially with so many of our residents experiencing the cost-of-living crisis.
“It’s also important that more decisions affecting the region are made by locally elected representatives, so I welcome the news that plans for an East Midlands Combined County Authority are taking another step forward.”
David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This is positive news and allows us to move forward with devolution plans which will make a significant difference to people, both in our city and the wider region.
“More investment and the power to make local decisions on how money is spent would lead to better jobs, housing and training opportunities. Our region has been underfunded for too long and I will work to make sure we get our fair share of funding and maximise its potential.”
The powers and funding will be held by the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority, for which there will be an elected mayor from May 2024, and is presently being steered by the elected leaders from the two city and two county councils which signed the deal.
Representatives from District and Borough Councils, alongside wider partners from business and other sectors, will further support the organisation’s development and governance.
Devolution plans for the East Midlands are similar to those already in place across other mayoral regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.
More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.
Earlier this month, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor, who would be in place from May 2024.
Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.
Further investment to boost local projects across the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.
PwC appoints new regional leader for the Midlands
PwC partner David Morris has been appointed as regional leader for the Midlands region, overseeing the Birmingham, East Midlands and Milton Keynes practices.
David succeeds Matthew Hammond, who is taking on new roles after a decade as a regional leader.
Matthew initially led PwC’s West region for two years and has spent the last eight years leading PwC across the Midlands, whilst also being Senior Partner for the Firm’s Birmingham office.
During that time, PwC’s Midlands practice has almost doubled in size, with investment in over 1,000 new roles and 44 new Partners over the last eight years. In addition Matt has successfully led PwC’s Midlands firm through the opportunities and challenges presented by Brexit and the pandemic, while achieving rapid growth.
Matthew will continue to be based in Birmingham. He will add to his extensive multi-sectoral client portfolio, continue to lead PwC’s Strategic International Markets group, and has been appointed to Chair PwC’s Financial Crime business. Matthew has a number of external roles and he will continue to Chair the West Midlands Growth Company.
Matthew Hammond said: “It’s been an honour to lead the Midlands firm for the last eight years, during which we have delivered record growth through investments in our people and Partners, to serve the whole of the Midlands market.
“Congratulations to David on this appointment. This is a critical period for the region’s economy, and we have the strongest pipeline to deliver against as our clients seek increasing collaboration to meet their growth aspirations.
“I am confident that the breadth of industries across the region and the cross-sector insights and experiences this creates will enable Midlands businesses to capitalise on new and emerging technologies to feed the next stage of growth.
“I am very proud of what our people and Partners have achieved over the last eight years. Amongst them the ongoing work on Inclusion & Diversity, equipping the next generations with digital skills to create their opportunities, supporting our colleagues through the unprecedented times of the pandemic, creating the best workplace at One Chamberlain Square, and our work with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are just some of them.
“I will continue to be based in Birmingham leading a portfolio of International clients and our Strategic International Markets business, and taking a role in our Financial Crime business also which I am looking forward to. Importantly my local work as Chair of the West Midlands Growth Company and as co-founder of Birmingham Digital Futures will continue.”
With over 20 years with the firm, David brings a wealth of experience, most recently having led the Health Services Sector for more than four years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his time with PwC, David has led the support for some of the most high-profile change programmes in the public sector, advising boards, regulators and central Government as well as being on the board of a number of large teaching hospitals.
Speaking about his new role, David Morris, said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role as Midlands leader. Having been born and raised in the Midlands, with a career journey that has taken me around the globe, it’s a full circle moment to be stepping into this role to help shape the future of the Midlands firm.
“The region has so much to offer, from being quite literally a place of 1000 trades to the incredible talent and quality educational institutions we have on our doorstep. Having joined the firm in 2004 as a senior associate, I’ve seen first hand the career journey that PwC can offer and it’s a priority of mine to champion, nurture and develop the next generation.
“I take on this role during a time where some businesses are facing economic challenges as we head towards the end of 2023. That said, there are some real game-changing opportunities too, particularly around productivity, technology and ESG, and I’m keen to see how we can help businesses continue to promote this region as the place to be.
“Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to Matt and the fantastic work he has done over the last decade as our regional market leader; his efforts means he hands over a firm ready to take advantage of the opportunities presented.”
Welcoming the appointment, Carl Sizer, PwC’s Head of Regions, said: “I’m delighted that David will be our new regional market leader for the Midlands. His expertise and experience in the firm will provide a unique perspective to the role, with a keen focus on supporting talent as well as our clients.
“I’d also like to thank Matt Hammond for his dedication to the Midlands for the last eight years. His time in the role has led the region from strength to strength and I’m excited to see what heights the Midlands can reach next.”
Van Elle acquires piling specialist in £3.8m deal
Van Elle, the Nottinghamshire ground engineering contractor, has agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Rock and Alluvium, a piling specialist, for a total consideration of up to £3.8m on a cash-free, debt-free basis, subject to completion accounts.
Based in Leatherhead, Rock and Alluvium was established in 1963, joined Galliford Try in 1989, and has built a strong reputation primarily serving the residential and commercial sectors in London and the South East.
The business operates a well invested fleet of 11 piling rigs which complements Van Elle’s existing capital investment programme, has a highly trained workforce and an experienced management team.
Rock and Alluvium represents a strategic and complementary acquisition for the Group and will be integrated within Van Elle’s General Piling Division. It provides the Group with an established presence in the South East, a region with good mid-term growth prospects which is currently under-served by Van Elle.
The company has also entered into a five-year trading agreement with Galliford Try under which Van Elle will provide piling and geotechnical services. It is anticipated the trading agreement will generate revenues in excess of £10m per annum.
Mark Cutler, Chief Executive of Van Elle, said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of Rock and Alluvium and our Trading Agreement with Galliford Try, which I am confident will deliver positive benefits for both parties.
“This deal accelerates our expansion into London and the South East, by bringing a highly regarded business and team into the Group with a proven track record, a strong order book and a well invested fleet.
“This follows the acquisition of ScrewFast Foundations in 2021. The Board has been very disciplined in reviewing acquisition opportunities in the intervening period to ensure they will support the delivery of our growth strategy. I believe that Rock and Alluvium will prove to be an excellent addition to the Group.
“I look forward to welcoming the management team and all Rock and Alluvium employees to Van Elle.”
For the year ended 30 June 2023, Rock and Alluvium generated revenues of £15.5m and a draft operating loss of £0.2m. The assets subject to the acquisition had a net asset value of approximately £3.7m as at 30 June 2023.
The acquisition is expected to complete in mid-November 2023.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council present £400,000 boost for rural businesses
Rural businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for grants to help them to become greener.
A new scheme aimed at boosting the rural economy has been launched by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and will run until March 2025.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to £400,000 of funds from the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Those eligible for the grant include businesses and local organisations that invest in green technologies, as well as those that increase productivity; protect and improve local historic buildings, venues and cultural offerings; provide diversification outside of agriculture and develop local tourism attractions.
Applications are especially encouraged from those who would like to install low and zero carbon-generating technologies, or measures to improve energy efficiency.
There are a range of grants available, with funds from £7,500 to £22,500. The grants also have an intervention rate of 75%, meaning businesses and organisations need only find a minimum 25% of the total eligible project costs to apply.
With a pool of £100,000 available in Year 1 (2023/24) and £300,000 in Year 2 (2024/25), the council is expecting high interest and applications will be treated on a first-come first-served basis.
The fund is open to applications for Year 1 and 2, although applications for Year 2 must be projects that will not commence prior to 1st April 2024.
Executive Member for Rural Affairs at the Borough Council, Councillor Martin Cartwright said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these grants to support our rural communities and businesses, helping them to thrive especially given the challenging and difficult circumstances over the recent years.
“Due to the amount on offer, we are expecting these grants to be very competitive, so please apply straight away if you think you’ll be eligible. Our thanks to the Rural England Prosperity Fund for helping to make this possible. Good luck with your applications.”
The closing date for the first round of funding is midday on Wednesday 29 November 2023.
New future for Newark Castle takes step forward
Newark Castle is taking another step towards opening its gates as a new and improved visitor attraction. At next Tuesday’s Cabinet Meeting, Newark and Sherwood District Council Members will vote on the approval of a delivery funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Heritage Fund previously awarded a development stage grant in March 2022, adding to £3million of funding from Newark’s Towns Fund deal and a capital contribution.
The project will see the original Romanesque Gatehouse, named by Historic England as the most complete example of such a structure in England, reinstated as the spectacular entrance to the Castle. This will lead to five gallery spaces which follow the Castle’s story through time and bring its Medieval history to life through fascinating, fun and interactive interpretation including models, real and replica tactile objects and furniture, embroideries, trails and play, designed by Nissen Richards Studio.
There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook the town and the Castle’s newly enhanced gardens. These have been a focus of the project which also aims to enhance and protect the natural environment and green space within this historic site, establishing more biodiversity and enhancing accessibility through landscape development.
Expert ecologists have been consulted to create a planting scheme which is more wildlife friendly, creating habitats and feeding places for insects, bees and birds, and incorporating bat and moth friendly lighting and bat roosts. There will also be plenty of opportunities for local volunteer gardeners and groups like Flower Pod to get involved.
The gardens were developed in the Victorian era with a commitment to provide a public space for everyone to enjoy. However, this did not account for modern accessibility and the plans will see routes updated for wheelchair users, people with low mobility and those with prams or pushchairs to be able to enjoy them equally as well as increased benches and seating.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It was important to us that local people were consulted during this process and we have listened, ensuring that HE Milner’s beloved flowerbed remains and that wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility are able to enjoy the full extent of the gardens.
“This of course means that changes must be made but our landscape architect at Urban Edge Architecture has worked very hard to create new paths which comply to accessibility legislation and which disturb as few trees as possible. I’m delighted that this work will also see an increase in the biodiversity of this important green space as well as driving visitor numbers to boost our local economy and, hopefully, bolstering our residents’ pride in this very special local asset.”
It’s anticipated that, once works are completed, the Castle will attract almost 17,000 visitors from outside of the district, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth as a destination attraction.
Residents and local communities will also be supported through free participation activities, co-creation and opportunities to promote improved wellbeing. The development incorporates a new facility beneath the gatehouse bridge which will be used for both learning visits and for community groups and outreach, providing an extra space in the centre of town for residents to come together.
The town’s early evening economy will be supported too with plans to improve the lighting in the grounds to enable a safe ‘after dark’ experience.
Designs, which remain conceptual and are subject to further development, have been released to give residents an idea of what to expect from this transformative project. These will form part of the application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the next stage will be waiting for approval of this, expected in early spring.
