Plans from Leicestershire retailer Next to build on its Enderby HQ have been recommended for approval. The proposal involves the erection of a new storage building to be accommodated through the relocation of current recycling facilities. The new building will provide: a new location for staff ‘Direct to Desk’ collections (whereby staff can collect items ordered online whilst at the workplace; a permanent storage facility for samples currently stored in shipping containers across the site; additional storage for homeware samples; general storage for IT equipment. Associated external works to accompany the new storage building will see recycling facilities relocated to the existing container yard, a new access ramp to the side of the multistorey car park to allow movement of goods to the Phase 6 building, and new staff amenity space to the side of the multistorey car park. The proposed storage building will have a gross internal area of 1,077 square metres at ground floor plus 1,036.5 square metres at first floor, totalling 2,113.5 square metres. Alongside the proposed storage building, a service yard is proposed to the rear. Next’s headquarters have been based at the current Enderby site since 1986. The site has been progressively expanded, with the most recent addition being the purpose built Photo Studio completed in 2016. A document from Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee, which the plans will go before on 8 February, says: “The proposal will assist Next in managing storage requirements at their Head Office site and reduce the need for temporary buildings and structures. “It is considered that the building, although relatively plain and functional, is in keeping with the design and scale of other buildings on site and whilst likely to be visible from outside the site (in particular from Forest Road to the rear), would be viewed in the context of the existing buildings and would not be detrimental to the character and appearance of the countryside. “The proposed building would result in a reduction in the overall quantum of car parking on site, but the applicant has demonstrated that a surplus of parking now exists due to changes in working practices in the last four years and so the loss would be acceptable. Furthermore, as the building will accommodate existing uses on site, it will not result in additional trip generation or parking requirements. “It is recommended that planning permission is granted.”

Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, Derbyshire are now finished. 

Horizon 29 is a new distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North).

Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating. 

Phase 1B, involved the construction of units 4 and 5, alongside all subsequent mechanical and electrical works, office fit outs and external works to ongoing conference laboratory car parks. 

The contractor also delivered earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding.

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works for both Phase 1A and 1B are finally complete.

“Once all phases are finished, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.

“We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the second phase of this landmark scheme.”

Derby-based Nimbus Disability has moved to new offices in Sir Frank Whittle Road, opposite Derbyshire County Cricket Ground, to pave the way for future expansion. The social enterprise, which is run by disabled people for disabled people, is now based in Grade A 4,077 sq ft offices on the ground floor at Pentagon House which, over the years, has been home to some of the city’s largest Blue Chip companies. The fully-accessible offices are home to Nimbus Disability’s 28 staff who administer the award-winning Access Card which is held by more than 350,000 disabled people and is recognised by more than 1,600 venues and events across the world who offer accessible tickets. Many of the venues and events are seasonal such as Alton Towers and Glastonbury Festival and employee numbers are set to increase in the coming weeks to cope with the annual increase of new and renewal applications for the Access Card. The Access Card is the first accessible ticketing scheme of its type in the world – offering a universal and consistent way of disabled people evidencing and communicating their needs to providers quickly and discreetly. Powered by ‘NOS’, Nimbus Disability’s bespoke software, the system translates its holder’s disability/impairment/access requirements into symbols and when booking online, informs providers quickly and discreetly about the access requirements that individuals need. It is already widely recognised at major venues including West End theatres, The London Eye and the O2 Arena to venues in the USA, Europe and New Zealand. Martin Austin MBE, who set up Nimbus Disability eight years ago, explained: “We have outgrown our previous offices in Pride Park and needed somewhere with the space and accessible facilities that our growing team needs. “We have particularly seen increased numbers of Access Card applications since we were recognised with The Queen’s Award for Innovation two years ago and our members now make at least 2.5 million visits a year using this invaluable service. “Our innovative Access Card scheme is improving the lives of thousands of disabled people across the UK and across the globe – opening up the opportunity for them to visit and engage with events and destinations and enabling them to play a more participative role in society. “These high quality offices will therefore pave the way for future growth as we onboard even more venue and event partners and the benefits of the Access Card are further recognised by disabled people both in the UK and abroad.” As a social enterprise, Nimbus Disability was established to donate most of their profits for a social or environmental purpose. At the official opening of the new offices, Mr Austin announced that £340,000 had been donated back to its sister charity Disability Direct in 2022/23 which provides information and advice service for disabled people, older people and carers and is the East Midlands’ largest user-led charity. Disability Direct CEO Dr. Amo Raju OBE DL congratulated the Nimbus Disability team on their success so far. He said: “We are incredibly proud of the growth and direction of travel which Nimbus is experiencing. “Whilst we naturally welcome the yearly donation for our vital projects for disabled people in the community, we are equally thrilled it’s meeting a genuine need nationally too. We’re looking forward to see Nimbus thrive and reach even greater heights.”