A further £135,000 in Central Government funding has been received to help Blaby District Council continue its ambitious plans for a potential future Garden Village site.
Set against the challenge for local authorities to provide large numbers of additional new homes in the coming decades, the Council says it has worked proactively to carry out its responsibility of planning for this need.
Whetstone Pastures, a proposed development in the south-east of the district, was one of only 19 local authorities to be awarded Garden Village status in 2019 by the then Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, now Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The Council has previously received £300,000 of capacity funding since this status was awarded in 2019.
Garden Villages are a Government initiative for proposed developments of between 1,500 and 10,000 homes. The status ensures that any site has a mixture of housing, housing types, green spaces, employment opportunities, and social infrastructure, all delivered with strong local vision and engagement, with the aim of creating sustainable, vibrant, diverse and, importantly, affordable communities.
The Council has now been given a further £135,000 for the next stage of this pro-active growth of the district to ensure that larger-scale, sustainable development sites are utilised to be the home of future district residents and to help prevent existing communities losing their sense of identity.
This capacity funding will be used for specialists advising the Council on matters including master planning, urban design, and viability. Blaby District Council considers it vital that developments like this are shaped to include those things deemed to be essential for a sustainable and future proofed true Garden Village Community.
The funding will also boost resource within the Council’s Planning Department, helping to ensure that whilst the development if approved is still many years away, Blaby District Council are able to input into the proposal at the earliest possible stage.
It is important to note that the site does not benefit from planning permission, nor does it have any planning status in terms of an allocation in the Council’s Local Plan. Any proposals must go through the planning application process before receiving any permission.
Councillor Terry Richardson, leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This Government funding is something all residents should be delighted with.
“We have to keep making sure that the homes we need to build are placed in sustainable communities. If we don’t do this our only other choice is to add on large numbers of houses to existing villages.
“If permission for this proposed Garden Village is given, we can work hard to plan and take control of how new communities look. Our track record with New Lubbesthorpe proves this is something we are excellent at doing.
“We are confident that Blaby District Council can and will deliver and, in turn, protect our existing towns and villages.”
Council creates new hope for derelict grammar school with plans for mixed-use development
Amber Valley Borough Council has taken ownership of the former Heanor Grammar School and has commenced with developing proposals for returning the building to its former glory.
The council has acquired the site in support of its Future High Streets project, which has secured £8.6m of Government funding, as part of an overall £17.8m town centre regeneration programme.
The future of the former school, in Mundy Street, Heanor, which was previously owned by Derby firm Vale Property Limited, has been a subject of discussion for a number of years, with local residents growing increasingly concerned as the building visibly deteriorated.
Having now secured the Grade II-listed building for redevelopment, Amber Valley Borough Council now plans to see it restored and repurposed as a mixed-use development, with some work and business space, as well as community facilities for local residents to use.
The council has moved quickly to appoint an architect who is experienced in sensitive historic buildings and has commenced the process to appoint the principal contractor to move the project forward quickly due to tight deadlines.
Councillor Tony Harper, Amber Valley’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “It is with huge pleasure that we are able to announce the acquisition of the former grammar school site.
“I’m also pleased that we’ve been able to hit the ground running, by appointing the architect and commencing the procurement of the principal contractor, so that we can meet what are very challenging deadlines.
“The council is fully aware of how important the building is to the local community and also Heanor’s heritage, and we will now be in a position to preserve and re-purpose it for future generations.”
Relevant partners and members of the community will be invited to help shape the overall development through a planned consultation process.
Previous plans by the former owner to turn the listed building into 24 apartments, with a further nine apartments in the former science block and 19 homes in the school grounds, were turned down in 2018.
Heanor Grammar School operated at the site from 1912 until 1976, at which point it became an annex of South East Derbyshire College before being taken over by Derby College in 2010.
Garden Communities schemes to get funding injection in North Northamptonshire
A funding injection for new Garden Communities which will put green, wildlife friendly spaces at the heart of new development has been welcomed by North Northamptonshire Council.
The Government has announced that the Council will receive money to take forward projects in support of Hanwood Park in Kettering, and Stanton Cross in Wellingborough.
Both projects will deliver footpath/cycleway infrastructure, integrating these new communities into routes that follow the Ise Valley Way, receiving £200,000, and the Nene Greenway receiving £241,000.
Tresham Garden Village is another new Garden Community receiving funding support from the Government in its planning.
The development of the garden communities is key to regenerating local areas by providing housing and creating job opportunities.
The programme provides support to progress long-term major housing projects from their earliest stages. It enables local authorities to recruit specialist staff, undertake the required planning and receive advice and support from the housing delivery body, Homes England.
The announcement builds on plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to put beauty and nature at the heart of new development design, with the introduction of mandatory design codes, which will make sure developers respect styles drawn up and favoured locally – from the layout or materials used, to how it provides green space.
Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the Council, said: “This is fantastic news for North Northamptonshire and is a terrific boost for us to be able to provide the homes and jobs which are necessary to allow growth and prosperity to thrive in our communities.
“We want North Northants to prosper and flourish and be an area that creates great opportunities for our residents, while at the same time being mindful of our environment. Garden Communities are an innovative way of managing long term growth and I’m delighted to see these projects moving forward.”
Cllr David Brackenbury, the Council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “It is a huge undertaking for the Council to plan and manage these projects to deliver the high-quality development and infrastructure that our communities rightfully expect. The funding from the Government recognises this.
“This is exciting news for North Northamptonshire as the Garden Communities offer a positive vision for how development can take place in a sustainable way that respects the existing communities and environment.”
Plans submitted for Health & Wellbeing Hub
Architects working on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council have submitted a planning application to develop a vacant site owned by the Council on Newgate Street into a Health and Wellbeing Hub.
Located next to Newgate Medical Practice, the proposed development would be built by Bassetlaw District Council and leased to the NHS.
Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Simon Greaves, said: “We are working in partnership with the NHS and Newgate Medical Practice to bring forward a vacant site and deliver a new Health and Wellbeing Hub that will benefit residents and patients across the area. A great deal of work has taken place to get us to the current stage.
“The submission of the planning application is an important milestone and highlights the ambition of the Council and our NHS partners. The development is still subject to planning permission and NHS funding, but I am hopeful that we could see works begin over the next year.”
A spokesperson for Bassetlaw CCG said: “NHS Bassetlaw continues to work in close collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council and Newgate Medical Group to support the development of a high quality Health and Wellbeing Hub adjacent to the current site of the Newgate Medical Practice.
“A business case is being developed which seeks to attract several million pounds of NHS investment and, if successful, would mean the commencement of work within the next 12 months.”
Half of firms now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures
New data from the Institute of Directors shows that, as a result of rising energy costs, half of businesses are now more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures.
In a survey of nearly 600 business leaders, 16% also agreed that rising energy costs would make them more likely to invest in carbon reduction measures in the short term, 28% in the medium term and 22% in the long term.
Alex (Alexandra) Hall-Chen, senior policy advisor at the Institute of Directors, said: “With rocketing energy prices, many businesses are increasingly looking at investing in carbon reduction measures to ensure that they are more resilient to the impacts of energy price volatility in the short, medium and longer term.
“However, businesses also need clear signals from government to encourage long-term planning to move towards net zero. That is why we have called on government to introduce a lower corporation tax rate for companies that achieve net zero.”
In its recent policy paper, ‘The Green Incentive: how to put net zero at the heart of business planning’, the IoD has put forward proposals to provide businesses, and particularly SMEs, with an effective incentive to play their part in decarbonising the economy.
Frasers Group sells pair of US businesses
Frasers Group has disposed of its US retail businesses trading as Bobs Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS).
The businesses have been sold for a cash consideration of $70m to GoDigital Media Group (GDMG).
Frasers Group says the funds will go into its general working capital pool.
In a statement, Frasers Group said: “The board of FG is grateful to staff in Bobs and EMS for their loyal service and wishes these businesses every success for the future.”
DCJ Group swoops for fellow Chesterfield business
DCJ Group, which is part of Global Risk Partners, has acquired SM Commercial Insurance Brokers Ltd (SM Commercial).
SM Commercial was founded in 2006 and, like DCJ, is based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The deal is the third acquisition for DCJ since it became part of GRP in 2018.
Steve Higgins, founder and Managing Director, will remain with the business under new ownership along with all the employees.
Chris Breeze, Chief Executive of DCJ, said: “SM Commercial is a highly respected community broker with a reputation for high quality client servicing. I’m looking forward to working alongside Steve and his team to help them take the business to the next stage of its development.”
Chris said that DCJ has an appetite for further acquisitions.
“I am keen to talk to vendors who want more from their business and are keen to build out their footprint. DCJ is fully aligned to vendors who want to do more with their businesses, and, alongside our parent GRP, we create the best possible conditions for brokers to thrive and prosper.”
Steve Higgins said: “Everyone at SM Commercial is excited by the prospect of being part of a bigger family and I’m excited by the opportunity to make a step change in the scale of our ambitions for the future.
“As part of DCJ, with the extra leverage provided by being part of GRP, we will be in a great position to support our clients as the economy emerges from the pandemic.”
Derby City Council’s iHub set to house Rolls-Royce Submarines’ Nuclear Skills Academy
Rolls-Royce Submarines recently announced plans to open a new academy dedicated to nuclear training within Derby.
The academy forms part of Rolls-Royce Submarines’ plans to boost nuclear capability in the UK and create a pipeline for nurturing talent. In partnership with the University of Derby, the site will create 200 new apprenticeships every year for at least the next 10 years. The academy is set to open in September 2022.
It has been revealed that the Council’s iHub – managed by Connect Derby – will become the home of the new academy, taking centre-stage at the manufacturing-focused innovation and technology site, Infinity Park.
Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “The creation of this Skills Academy is a really exciting opportunity for Derby. We have already firmly cemented our name as world leaders in innovation and technology, and with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and University of Sheffield, the National College for Nuclear, and the University of Derby all supporting this project, we’re poised for success once more.
“It’s so important that we grow and nurture talent in Derby, and with 2000 apprenticeships set to be created over the next 10 years, we’re delighted to be facilitating such a significant project through the use of our iHub.”
Steve Carlier, president – submarines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are fortunate enough to have some of the smartest minds on the planet working for us and the iHub is the perfect place to nurture and develop the nuclear experts of tomorrow.
“Being born and bred in Derby, I am immensely proud that we are playing our part in further boosting the area’s reputation for engineering excellence. The UK is embarking on a nuclear renaissance and we are determined to make the East Midlands the home of nuclear expertise for decades to come.”
Professor Kathryn Mitchel CBE DL, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “At Derby, we understand the importance of ensuring we have the next generation of graduates ready to meet the region’s skills needs, so to be playing a key role in the creation of a Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby is incredibly exciting.
“Through this collaboration with Rolls-Royce, Derby City Council, the National College for Nuclear and the NAMRC, we can further enhance Derby’s international reputation as a centre for industrial innovation and keep the city at the cutting edge of engineering and manufacturing, providing some of the most exciting and globally significant developments as we drive the recovery and future prosperity of our city and region.”
Led by the University of Derby, the new apprenticeships will be spread across four courses: Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Business Degree Apprenticeship, Nuclear Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.
For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield and the new Nuclear Skills Academy will maintain that capability long into the future.
Applications for the September 2022 start are open until Friday 27 May.
RammSanderson snaps up sponsor spot at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
RammSanderson has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, supporting the Contractor of the Year category.
Speaking to Business Link, Oliver Ramm, director at RammSanderson, said: “As ecology, arboriculture, and flood risk consultants, providing services to a wide range of public and private sector clients across all scales of developments, RammSanderson are thrilled to be sponsoring the East Midlands Bricks Awards for the first time in 2022, backing Contractor of the Year.
“We were eager to get involved in such a prestigious event that has become a highlight on the business calendar and can’t wait to recognise and connect with the best firms in the region, hearing how nominees have gone above and beyond to deliver projects.
“The team at RammSanderson are looking forward to attending the awards and networking event in September, celebrating with the winners, and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
“We were eager to get involved in such a prestigious event that has become a highlight on the business calendar and can’t wait to recognise and connect with the best firms in the region, hearing how nominees have gone above and beyond to deliver projects.
“The team at RammSanderson are looking forward to attending the awards and networking event in September, celebrating with the winners, and networking with property and construction professionals from across the region.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
Nottingham’s Power Park industrial and logistics scheme takes shape following close of £53.8m deal
Construction has begun on site at the landmark 28-acre Power Park scheme in Nottingham – formerly known as New Horizon – following the close of a £53.8m forward funding deal between property developer HBD and Oxenwood Real Estate.
Power Park will see the delivery of seven buildings up to 145,000 sq ft, all developed on a speculative basis, providing a total of 426,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space.
Sustainability has been a key focus throughout, with HBD opting to repurpose or recycle over 90% of the material from the original structure. Concrete from the old factory will also be crushed and re-used by contractor Bowmer & Kirkland during the construction works, limiting the scheme’s environmental impact. The new units will each meet a BREEAM sustainability rating of Very Good.
The development is expected to complete in Spring 2023.
Justin Sheldon, director and head of region at HBD, said: “It’s fantastic to see Power Park beginning to take shape – it is a high-quality, sustainable development that will attract new business and investment into the city and could create as many as 1,000 new jobs at Thane Road.”
Jeremy Bishop, co-founder of Oxenwood, said: “Power Park is a very well located logistics development and we are delighted that construction has now commenced – the unit sizes and specification are designed to address the strong supply-demand dynamics in the Nottingham area.”
The forward funding agreement is with Oxenwood Logistics Fund 1 SLP, a discretionary fund managed by Oxenwood Real Estate.
