Multi-discipline contractor Miller Knight has transformed a vacant space at 9-11 Low Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, delivering a future-proofed learning environment as part of a wider regeneration initiative across the East Midlands. In partnership with Ashfield District Council and the Academy Transformation Trust, the contractor was appointed to recast and reconfigure a long-standing empty retail space in Sutton-in-Ashfield into a dynamic educational hub. Aiming to reinvigorate the high street, this latest transformation project reveals an engaging educational hub for the students at the academy, while providing a useable, modern space serving the wider community, breathing new life into the town centre while supporting local initiatives and businesses. Dianne Holmes, head of curriculum strategy and partnerships at the academy, said: “Academy Transformation Trust Further Education College is delighted to be moving into this new facility with the aim of supporting lifelong learning and community activities to benefit the people of Sutton-in-Ashfield. “We hope that our approach to using a centrally located facility will encourage people to visit their town centre, supporting local businesses and positively impacting the regeneration of the town centre. “We are grateful for all the work that has taken place to make this project happen and would like to express particular thanks and recognition to Ashfield District Council, Kinver Solutions, Gleeds, and Miller Knight.” The project marks the third in a series of collaborations between Miller Knight and Ashfield District Council, forming part of the £6.3 million Future High Streets Fund initiative aimed at regenerating the town centre, creating new opportunities, and encouraging community engagement. Executive director for place at Ashfield District Council, John Bennett, said: “This project is another important step in our programme to revitalise Sutton town centre. Ashfield District Council is purchasing disused commercial properties in the town centre, renovating them and bringing them back into active use. “We are pleased to have worked with Miller Knight, who have carried out the works to a high standard and delighted to have ATTFE as tenants for 9-11 Low Street, bringing their valued services to even more local residents.” Site construction manager, Dave Swift at Miller Knight added: “We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in bringing this project to life. From the commencement of the works, we understood the importance of creating a modernised space that would serve as a foundation for growth. “Seeing the completed project and the response from the client and the community is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the trust Ashfield District Council have in us to deliver their vision.”

Nottingham’s plan to introduce a £2 per night levy on hotel stays has been delayed until January 2026. The levy, designed to generate £1.7 million annually for the city’s economy, will be implemented through an Accommodation Business Improvement District (BID), similar to Manchester, Liverpool, and Bournemouth models. The BID, led by ItsInNottingham, will collect contributions from accommodation providers and reinvest the funds into local initiatives. A vote among BID members on the plan was initially scheduled for 2024 but has been pushed to late 2025 to allow for further consultation and economic assessment. The Nottingham City Council will review the BID’s renewal plan on March 3, and a final vote among members is set for later this year. The delay is not expected to affect the planned 2026 launch.

A £1 million funding proposal from the East Midlands Combined County Authority could enable the construction of 200 additional homes in Wingerworth, Derbyshire. The funding would support a new southern access road to The Avenue, a former industrial site that underwent a £185 million remediation effort.

The Avenue, once a heavily contaminated coking plant, closed in 1992 after four decades of coal, gas, and chemical production. The site was redeveloped after extensive cleanup with housing and a 220-acre country park.

North East Derbyshire District Council approved plans for 469 homes in 2014, with 252 already completed by Tilia Homes. However, further expansion is contingent on infrastructure upgrades. Derbyshire County Council has proposed a £1.3 million project to upgrade the junction at Derby Road and Mill Lane, adding traffic signals to improve access. Work is expected to start in October and be completed by March 2026.

The improvements would also unlock 10 acres of commercial space and enhance public transport connections. Local officials stress that without public funding, further development of homes and business facilities may be stalled.