IMA Architects flex design muscles with £1.9m gymnastics project
Leicestershire-based architects, IMA Architects, has successfully delivered a brand-new, purpose-built gymnastics facility for Rugby Gymnastics Club.
IMA has been part of a team including KAM Project Consultants and BWB, on behalf of Sport England, that has worked with the Gymnastics Club to realise the 19,655 square foot scheme at its new home on Kilsby Lane.
IMA Architects was part of the design and delivery team consisting of main contractors, Wilten Construction, and Civil and Structural Engineers, Jackson Purdue Lever. As Architectural Consultant, IMA oversaw the coordination of the project.
Joe Travers, associate director at IMA Architects, said: “We have enjoyed working on this project to deliver a purpose-built gymnastic facility for a thriving club. At IMA we’re well known for our attention to detail and commercial awareness in seeing projects through to completion, and we have worked with Wilten as main contractor and the Gymnastic Club to produce a building which is both fit for purpose and financially viable, that accommodates the Gymnastics Club’s required layout.”
Construction at the site started in August 2022 and practical completion for the first phase of works was achieved on 6 February 2023, with the Gymnastics Club due to relocate to its new home in the coming weeks.
Simon Barnett, project manager at Wilten Construction, said: “The project has resulted in a massive improvement on the Club’s previous facilities which had become inadequate for the current needs of members. The new building allows them to have more gymnasts and facilitate holding their own events and competitions.”
Rugby Gymnastics Club is a long-established Gymnastics Club in Warwickshire, which is dedicated to training young gymnasts, both boys and girls of all levels and ability from pre-school through recreational to elite standard and competitive squads. It offers children the opportunity to experience gymnastics in a safe and friendly environment with tuition provided by professional coaches. The new building will enable the Club to expand the sport into a wider community.
With an estimated construction cost of £1.9m, the Club has generated the majority of the funds from the sale of its existing premises as well as various fundraising schemes and donations. It has also received circa £500,000 in funding from Sport England. Anyone interested in supporting the project with donations to help fund internal fit out and contribute to the rest of the venture is encouraged to contact the Club directly.
Gill McKee, development director at Rugby Gymnastics Club, said: “We are thrilled with our new home and can’t wait to fully move in. We are an ambitious club with over 1,000 members so needed an amazing facility to match our aspirations. We currently have a waiting list of 500 gymnasts, so the new facilities will allow us to approve more memberships and provide gymnastics facilities to more people in the local area.”
Lucy Litwinko, director at KAM Project Consultants Ltd, said: “We are pleased to see the project come to fruition, on time and on budget. We hope that the facilities will inspire the next generation of Team GB athletes in the future. It would be fantastic to know one of the gymnasts started their careers at the facility we had a role in creating.”
Demand high at Stud Brook as developer gets ready to name contractor
Groundworks are nearing completion at Clowes Developments’ 20-acre Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington.The mixed-use scheme will include employment, amenity, office and industrial units for sale or let ranging in size from 1,500 to 45,000 sq ft – as well as a high-quality retail offer.Clowes Developments have brought forward fresh site branding for Stud Brook Business Park ahead of naming a contractor to deliver the units at the start of Autumn. It is anticipated that construction work on the units will begin in September.James Richards, development director at Clowes Developments, said: “It’s great to see Stud Brook Business Park coming to life. Our infrastructure and groundworks contractors JC Balls & Sons are nearing completion which will enable the next phase of construction to start by the end of Summer. The enquiry schedule of interest parties is full, and we have a number of freehold and leasehold deals lined up and committed to the legal process.”Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants and Richard Sutton at NG Chartered Surveyors have been instructed as agents on the scheme.Richard said: “Stud Brook is one of the East Midlands’ most exciting mixed-use developments, and we’re delighted once again to be working with our colleagues at Clowes Developments to secure the deals that will make it a thriving business hub.“We’ve been proactively marketing the units at Stud Brook and demand has been huge. I’d urge any interested parties to contact myself or my colleague Charlotte Steggles for more information on this exclusive opportunity, or our joint agent partners – Tim Gilbertson and Darran Severn at FHP.”Tim added: “We really think this scheme will fly out of the doors as it ticks so many boxes for occupiers, fantastic road access being next to the M1 and A50, equally distant from Derby, Nottingham and Leicester so easy for staff to get to, and of course sitting almost next to East Midlands Airport. “The units will look great given the quality of construction Clowes always bring to new schemes and we can’t wait to see these new units progress. Demand is strong already as you would expect from such a fantastic opportunity.”
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel shortlisted at UDine Awards
Nottingham Venues’ Orchard Hotel has been shortlisted in the upcoming UDine awards.
The 4* eco hotel, located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre within the grounds of The University of Nottingham, has been named as a finalist in the University Hotel of the Year category, which recognises those hotels linked with universities that provide an excellent experience for their guests.
The Orchard Hotel comprises 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a restaurant and welcomes thousands of business and leisure guests each year. It has been built to the highest environmental standards and has achieved a BREEAM rating of excellent. In December 2022 the hotel was awarded Greengage’s ECOsmart Silver accreditation.
Tom Waldron-Lynch, general manager of Nottingham Venues, says: “The Udine Awards are a landmark event within the university hospitality sector, and I am delighted that The Orchard Hotel has been shortlisted.
“Whilst we enjoy strong links with the University of Nottingham, the hotel welcomes thousands of business and leisure guests each year and, in many ways, our setting and facilities are one of Nottingham’s best kept secrets. Fingers crossed we can scoop the award on the day.”
The UDine awards are a joint initiative between Inside Foodservice and University Hospitality Seminars. The annual event celebrates excellence in the university hospitality sector and recognises the organisations that are leading the way in the industry.
The awards will take place at The Orchard Hotel on Tuesday 20 June 2023 and will be hosted by celebrity chef, restauranteur and TV host Simon Rimmer.
New Midlands Hub for UKAA
In response to regional demand, the UK Apartment Association (UKAA), the membership organisation for Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK, has launched a brand-new Hub in the Midlands.
Co-chairs Rebecca Taylor, Managing Director of BTR at Long Harbour, and Tom Grey, Build to Rent director at David Phillips, will lead the organisation’s work in the region as part of the 2023 UKAA Manifesto, which outlines a growth and outreach strategy aligned to the regional needs of the UK’s burgeoning BTR sector.
The new Midlands Hub follows the successful launch of UKAA Hubs in Scotland and the North West in early 2022. The two co-chairs bring together a wealth of experience of the local Midlands BTR landscape.
Rebecca Taylor is the Managing Director of Long Harbour’s UK Multi-family / BTR business. Since joining the firm, Rebecca has created one of the strongest and most dynamic teams investing in the UK BTR sector; has raised £1.4bn in equity and deployed over £850mn of equity.
Her previous experience includes eight years at Laing O’Rourke, as well as project work in Australia, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. Rebecca is also the chair of the British Property Federation BTR Committee and a member of the Urban Land Institute UK Residential Council.
Tom Grey, as Build to Rent director at David Phillips, supports clients creating beautiful, robust, and sustainably furnished interiors as well as with full lifecycle furniture management. David Phillips has furnished over 18,000 BTR units in more than 100 different schemes over the last decade. Tom’s experience includes 14 years as owner/director at BTR consultancy Grid Property Solutions and over 20 years’ experience in the residential sector. Other UKAA Midlands Hub committee members include Andrew Yates, DLA Piper, Trevor Ivory, DLA Piper, Harpreet Donsajh, Touchstone Residential, Steph Douglas, Touchstone Residential, Andy Hill, Apache Capital, Tomasz Romaniewicz, Bond Bryan, Neelam Saihjpal, Centrick, Olivia Seaton, Patrizia, Krassi Stoyanova, Godwin Group, Kishor Tahiliani, Dandara Living and Rebecca Whitehead, Urbanbubble.“We are delighted to welcome Rebecca and Tom as co-chairs of the new UKAA Midlands Hub. The Midlands is a region packed with opportunity and innovation in the Build to Rent industry, making it the ideal location for the latest UKAA Hub,” said Brendan Geraghty, CEO, UKAA.
New phase of business space delivered at Lincoln commercial park
A new phase of business space has been delivered at Lincoln’s premier commercial park, Leafbridge.
Lincoln-based construction contractor and developer, Stirlin, was appointed as lead contractor to deliver the new units on behalf of their client, PKS (UK) Ltd.
The new phase, named Parkes Way, provides 23,000 sq ft of employment space, split across six individual units – ranging in size from 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft.
The industrial units have been designed to accommodate a variety of business uses, with each unit benefitting from an electric sectional door, DDA compliant toilet facilities and ample parking.
Stirlin has delivered over 49,000 sq ft of commercial property on the 44-acre site so far, split across three phases, providing a mix of light industrial units and hybrid office and warehouse space.
Caroline Parkes, owner of PKS, says: “This is the third time Stirlin have delivered industrial units for PKS (UK) Ltd. These premises are ideally located, with great access to train and road links. Parkes Way offers a great mix of versatile commercial accommodation, available to let.
“Working with the team at Stirlin has been a professional and pleasurable experience from start to finish. The project was delivered on time and within budget, with high quality, desirable results.”
Tony Lawton, Managing Director at Stirlin, says: “Since the first units at Leafbridge were completed in 2021, we have seen a notable demand for new employment space in the area, so we are delighted to deliver this new phase of units on behalf of our valued client, PKS.
“Leafbridge is situated in a convenient, accessible location and is occupied by both local and national businesses, making it incredibly attractive to those seeking investment opportunities.”
Jasper Caudwell, chartered surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says “Leafbridge continues to perform as Lincoln’s Premier business park with the new Parkes Way bringing a much-needed extension to the already flourishing park.
“Parkes Way comprises over 23,000 sq ft of business space available to let and we are delighted to be acting alongside our valued clients in bringing these attractive units to market. We have already received a good level of interest and look forward to seeing these occupied by growing businesses.”
Gunn JCB’s Midlands regional operations sold to Midlands JCB
Law firm Flint Bishop has successfully advised Gunn JCB on the sale of its Midlands division, operating principally from three depots in Smethwick, Stoke-on-Trent, and Hereford, to Midlands JCB, a newly established JCB dealership.
Gunn JCB Managing Director, Paul Hartshorn, commenting on the deal said: “This change is an important step in the continued growth of JCB in a region that is set for considerable investment.
“Furthermore, it will enable Gunn JCB, through its remaining six depots, to focus its operations in the North West of England, North Wales, and the Isle of Man and continue to meet the growing needs of our customers in this area.”
Martyn Brierley, head of corporate and finance at Flint Bishop, led on the legal advice for Gunn JCB on this important disposal.
Senior partner David Nelson and tax partner Natasha Scott, both of PKF Smith Cooper, provided accounting and tax advice to Gunn JCB.
Brierley said: “Having previously acted for Paul Hartshorn and his management team in successfully concluding the MBO of Gunn JCB, it’s been fantastic to advise Gunn JCB again on this important milestone transaction alongside PKF Smith Cooper, and look forward to continue working with Gunn JCB as they strengthen further their leading presence and reputation in its retained regions.”
Nelson said: “We were delighted to act for Paul and Mike on this important transaction, which represents PKF Smith Cooper’s third with the JCB dealership network. We look forward to continuing to assist the management team in the execution of their strategic plans over the forthcoming years.”
Yü Group sees “continued strong trading momentum”
Yü Group, the independent supplier of gas, electricity, meter asset owner and installer of smart meters to the UK corporate sector, has hailed “continued strong trading momentum” in a new update, with key performance indicators of revenue, profitability and cash generation “all showing very strong growth.”
Meanwhile the run rate growth of average monthly bookings achieved in Q4 2022 has continued into 2023.
Following a detailed review by management, revenue, margins and cashflow for the year to 31 December 2023 are now expected to be substantially ahead of current market expectations.
Bobby Kalar, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m delighted to report a further increase in our expectation of revenue, profit and cash, and I’m looking forward to present a ninth consecutive half year improvement in our interim results.
“I look forward to updating shareholders as the Group continues to deliver and set new records.”
Funding secured for £24m Build to Rent scheme in Leicester
United Trust Bank (UTB) is providing £15.3m of funding to growing Build to Rent developer Oblix Living to complete their conversion of Saxon House in central Leicester.
Founded in 2020 by Rishi Passi and Anthony James, Oblix Living is a specialist developer, investor and operator of residential rental assets in strategically selected locations across the UK. It develops mid-sized schemes in urban areas where there is demand for well serviced rental accommodation. Its developments are service led, technology enabled and focus on young professionals seeking flexibility, security and amenities fit for modern day living.
Saxon House was built in 1993 and occupied by HMRC until 2021. It was acquired by Oblix Living in 2022 with plans to convert the 89,000 square foot, six storey former office building into ‘The Saxons’, comprising 100, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with a gym, workspace, residents lounge and 28 resident car parking spaces.
Specialist lender, United Trust Bank, is providing the £15.3m of funding required to complete the scheme which has an estimated GDV of £24m. This is the second Oblix Living development supported by UTB which also provided £11m towards the developer’s £17.2m, 95 apartment scheme at Iron Yard in Sheffield city centre, which is now complete and leasing up.
Rishi Passi, Chief Executive Officer of Oblix Living, said: “We’re pleased to be working with UTB again to deliver another high quality build to rent development to meet the growing demand from young professionals for professionally managed, well designed, amentised buildings throughout the UK.
“The team at UTB have been a pleasure to work with. Their responsiveness and willingness to go above and beyond have been invaluable in ensuring that we have the financial resources needed to conitue our growth trajectory.”
Hardeep Thandi, Director – Property Development, United Trust Bank, said: “The Build to Rent sector is booming and we are delighted to be supporting another exciting scheme by Oblix Living which will bring much needed high specification rental accommodation to one of the UK’s fastest growing cities.
“Rishi, Anthony and the Oblix Living team have a huge amount of collective experience in residential and commercial development, lending and investment and at UTB we enjoy working with developers who are committed to building outstanding homes and are meticulous in their planning and delivery. Oblix Living are exactly that and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership extending for many years to come.”
Nottingham firm expands global operations
Nottingham-headquartered compliance software company, Ideagen, has boosted its global footprint with a £2.5m investment in two new state-of-the-art facilities in India and Malaysia.
The two offices officially opened in Kuala Lumpur and Hyderabad last week with Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, joining both celebrations with local teams.
Speaking about the investment, Ben said: “Our operations in both Malaysia and India play an important role in helping to support the safe hands and quiet voices that protect the world.
“This investment in our people supports the continued development of our software solutions and growth plans, providing employees with a first-class working environment. It’s important our people have the best facilities with the best equipment and tools available to them.”
Ling Poh Teng, head of development and operations for Ideagen in Malaysia, echoed Ben’s comments at the Kuala Lumpur opening: “It’s a fantastic modern office set-up for our growing team and will help us attract the best talent while positioning us well for the future. Our team will love working here!”
The Hyderabad office provides Ideagen with a second location in the country, already having an established base in Odisha.
Ashish Mohanty, head of Ideagen’s India operation, said: “It’s an exciting time for the team to move into these offices. This investment demonstrates Ideagen’s commitment to growth in India, while also making the employees here feel supported and valued. It will serve us very well as we grow.”
Work completes on Grade II listed buildings at Ruddington museum
Refurbishment works have completed on the Framework Knitters Museum’s Grade II listed cottage and frameshop buildings.
The £62,295 project included external works, which were carried out on the buildings, and repairs to the roofs and chimneys, replacing the gutters, and repointing the walls, as well as insulation to the roofs and walls to improve the energy efficiency and provide much-needed protection from weather conditions.
The funds for the work, which was undertaken by Stevenson Bros, were awarded through the Arts Council of England’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND).
MEND is an open-access capital fund, which is designed to help museums and local authorities to undertake infrastructure and urgent maintenance that are beyond the scope of day-to-day maintenance budgets.
Sarah Godfrey, creative and commercial manager of the museum, said: “We’re delighted that work has completed on our cottage and frameshop buildings, it’s important to keep them alive and thanks to generous funding from the Arts Council we were able to carry out much-needed repairs.
“The restoration, which has also made the buildings more environmentally sustainable, will help to ensure that a wide range of people can continue to access the museum, and to celebrate our historical textile heritage, for many years to come.”
Peter Knott, Midlands area director for Arts Council England, said: “The Framework Knitters Museum is a place of considerable communal and historic value, which tells the fascinating 400-year history of framework knitting.
“It is much loved by its local community and this work will help to secure the long-term survival of the buildings. We’re proud to have supported the project through our Museum Estates and Development Fund (MEND).”
