Tourism strategy launched for Northamptonshire

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Tourism strategy launched for Northamptonshire
To coincide with English Tourism Week, a new tourism strategy for Northamptonshire has been launched by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). The Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy sets out a vision and approach to nurturing and enhancing the county’s visitor economy and aims to improve pride in place, generate inward investment and create new employment opportunities as well as reduce carbon emissions in line with both councils’ sustainability goals. The strategy, which has been developed over an 18-month period and co-produced by WNC and NNC alongside partners and stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors, will be implemented between now and 2030 focusing on 4 key themes: Visits and Value, Great People, Better Business and Inspirational Places. A total of 150 representatives from across the industry, both councils and stakeholders gathered for an event at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery (on 19 March) to hear about opportunities to progress the development of a Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, as well as see the new strategy and hear from presenters including Visit England. National statistics show Northamptonshire receives over 18 million visits each year. This totals a spend of close to £1billion which supports over 30,000 jobs and 3,000 businesses across the county, including a wide range of attractions, hotels, pubs and other venues that visitors value and enjoy. NNC and WNC want to grow this economy to not only support local businesses and increase footfall and spend, but to raise the profile of Northamptonshire on a global scale as a unique destination to visit time and time again. Cllr Helen Howell, NNC’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “While we all know that Northamptonshire is a hidden gem, combining gorgeous countryside, ancient woodlands and cultural treasures, we need to let the rest of the world hear what’s on offer and invite them to relish in our county’s grandeur. “The recent 2023 cinema smash, Saltburn showcased the stunning heritage we have right on our doorstep at the wonderful Drayton House but this is just a tiny slice of what we have with the county bursting with stately homes and countless honey-stone villages. We really are the envy of others around the globe. “I’m tremendously proud that we’re part of a partnership which has launched a new tourism strategy for our county and we’re determined to work with the industry and local businesses and attractions to ensure that Northamptonshire’s visitor economy is supported to maximise tourism. “Whilst both councils are working together on delivering the strategy, we are also committed to our respective areas and, here in the North, we have provisionally been allocated £5 million from Government which will help develop our cultural offering even further.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration & Growth at WNC, said: “Everyone in Northamptonshire knows our area is a unique destination for every resident, visitor, business and investor to enjoy time and time again, before relocating here permanently. “The offer of this county combines the beauty of the Cotswolds with the excitement of London; there is an unlimited number of things to see, do and experience and we know that the strength of our combined voices will continue to get Northamptonshire showcased on a global stage. We are dedicated to working with as many partners as possible to enhance the local visitor economy and achieve pride in place for everyone within the area. “Here in West Northamptonshire, we’re proud to be home to Silverstone which just received a 10-year extension of the Formula 1 grand prix, we’re hosting large scale music events in the summer including A Perfect Day concert featuring award winning headline act James Arthur, and next year we’ll be hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup. “Northamptonshire is an area that has a unique offering, a robust heritage and an incredible potential for growth. I’m extremely excited to see this develop and our Economic Growth & Inward Investment service will be working diligently to secure LVEP status for Northamptonshire as soon as possible.”

Construction at Sherwood Observatory hits new heights

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Construction at Sherwood Observatory hits new heights
The steels for the planetarium dome at Sherwood Observatory have now been installed, marking a huge milestone in the build. The planetarium construction is part of Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society and Ashfield District Council’s development to create a Science Discovery Centre and planetarium at Sherwood Observatory in Sutton. The project is one of 16 being funded by Ashfield District Council’s £62.6million Towns Deal. The impressive steels can be seen from as far as Penny Emma Way in Sutton, giving residents, and visitors to the District, a sense of what the finished building will look like. Councillor Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, and Local Planning visited the site and said: “It is incredible to see the steel work for both the planetarium and the Science Discovery Centre in place. We are all getting really excited now that we can see the final footprint of the building. “This project is one that will truly benefit the entire District, attracting visitors from across the county and beyond. When combined with the Council’s other projects you can see our vision for the future of Ashfield; a place with a thriving visitor economy, and a great place to work, live, and learn.” The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. The observatory, on Coxmoor Road, sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir which will be sympathetically transformed into an education and exhibition space. The original features of the reservoir, such as the intricate brick arches, will be kept preserving the history of the building. Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of the Council, said: “The speed of the progress on site at Sherwood Observatory is fantastic. This project is exciting and innovative and will make a difference to the children living in Ashfield. “They will get to experience a world-class educational centre right here on their doorstep, the power of this cannot be understated. One of Ashfield District Council’s aims is to improve skills and employability and having a centre like this here will help inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.” The Planetarium is being built next to the Science and Discovery centre, that sits on top of and within the reservoir, and will immerse visitors in space with a wraparound experience. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS), who own and run the observatory, currently run outreach programmes with local schools, group visits for adult and children’s groups, public open events and night schools, and the new building will allow them to expand this valuable work in Ashfield and beyond. Steve Wallace, Planetarium Project Manager, said: “Sherwood Observatory is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap within our community. We will do this through an ambitious outreach programme that uses astronomy as a means of inspiring people of all ages to take an interest in STEM subjects and careers, particularly for disadvantaged young residents, through extracurricular activities and a world-class visitor attraction. “Recognising that we can inspire the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs, we would love more businesses to get involved. The project team have developed a pledge list for those who share our vision, so please get in touch and add your name to this fantastic project.” In January 2023, it was announced that £3.1million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund had been awarded to the project. Since then MSAS have been working to secure match funding and they have now received contributions from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and National Lottery Heritage Fund that total £850,000.

Historic first meeting for new East Midlands Combined County Authority

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Historic first meeting for new East Midlands Combined County Authority

The first meeting of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) took place this week – with council leaders making a series of decisions that establish the organisation’s constitution, budget and plans to improve the lives of everyone who lives and works in the region.

The EMCCA Board, made up of the four leaders and deputy leaders from Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham councils debated a number of key reports at their first meeting on 20 March at Chesterfield Borough Council.

They were joined by representatives from district and borough councils across the area, who will join the Board at the next meeting planned for after the mayoral election.

The meeting was chaired by Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, who said: “Our shared ambition for our place and the people we serve has united us over the past few years and will continue to be the driving force behind all we do as EMCCA develops and grows.

“The £4 billion of government funding on the table for us through the devolution deal is just the start.

“We aim to attract more investment by making things happen and turning round historic under-investment in the East Midlands so the regional economy is stronger and better for local residents.”

The board meeting took place in Chesterfield ahead of elections for the region’s first Mayor, on Thursday 2 May. After the election future board meetings will be chaired by the Mayor.

Following the board meeting more than 100 partners and stakeholders joined political leaders in a launch event to hear more about EMCCA’s future plans.

The group discussed the strategic framework that focuses on the importance of growing the region’s economy for everyone’s benefit by targeting investment to speed up economic growth, improving transport links to towns, cities and major employers in the East Midlands and improving skills support and training in key sectors.

The launch event was supported by SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading public sector procurement authorities, which is wholly-owned by six local authority shareholders, including the four constituent councils involved in the EMCCA.

End of production at Alstom in Derby would be a “death-knell for the city”

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End of production at Alstom in Derby would be a “death-knell for the city”

A key member of the Midlands rail industry has described the news of how Derby’s Alstom train-building plant could stop production this week as “a death-knell” for the city – and the tragic result of a long history of short-term economic thinking.

Malcolm Prentice, group chairman of rail maintenance firm MTMS and former managing director of Derby rail engineering firm Garrandale, said it would take many years for the city to recover should the factory have to close, with the loss of 3,000 jobs.

His comments follow an interview on BBC Radio Four with Alstom managing director Nick Crossfield, in which he said that production at the firm’s Litchurch Lane site was nearing the end, with an 18-month gap until the next order.

He added that the firm could no longer guarantee a presence in the city, admitting that any loss of work and jobs in Derby would have a knock-on effect on the local and national supply chain.

Mr Prentice, whose company is based in Moira, Leicestershire, and maintains depots across the country for a host of train operating companies, said its fortunes would not be affected by the lack of work at Alstom.

But he could not say the same for Derby, where he worked for the majority of his 40-year career in the rail industry and whose fortunes and identity rely heavily on its train-making industry.

And he said it was another sign of how under-investment in the UK’s railways over the past decades is now starting to catch up with the country, which has already seen the HS2 project heavily scaled back due to cost-cutting.

He said: “This is a death knell for Derby, and for Derbyshire, in so many ways. We’ve gone from being at the heart of the Industrial Revolution to being on the verge of losing the very industry that helped to build the city because there has been a lack of investment in home-grown manufacturing building trains for our own rail network.

“That’s a legacy of a political and business approach that has focussed on the short-term economic gain from cutting costs and selling off assets to overseas companies rather than investing for the long term.

“Once these factories are gone and the skills are gone, they’re either gone for good, or it takes many years to build them back up again. If we lose Alstom and those 3,000 jobs, plus all the jobs in the supply chain, then it will take Derby very many years to recover.

“I certainly don’t think I will see its recovery in my lifetime, and that makes me feel very sad.”

MTMS, which services and maintains rolling stock and equipment at more than half of rail depots across the UK, serves such familiar names in mainline rail as First MTR South-Western Railway, Govia ThamesLink Railway, Arriva and Siemens.

It is also a patron of the Midlands Rail Forum, which is the biggest forum of its kind in the UK.

Malcolm added: “This isn’t just about manufacturing. Transport is an important part of our country’s infrastructure and vital to us being a strong nation. Our economy relies on being able to transport the goods we import around the country and rail should be a big part of that, especially since the UK wants to cut emissions and become more sustainable.

“I don’t see the electric lorries, or the fleet of electric Amazon vans, that will deliver that to us, but I do know that rail is far more environmentally friendly than road haulage and should be at the heart of our national transport strategy.

“That isn’t happening, but it is across the rest of Europe, which has invested in their rail industry and are now way ahead of us.”

Plans for entertainment hub in Northampton given the green light

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Plans for entertainment hub in Northampton given the green light
Plans to transform the vacant Market Walk shopping centre in Northampton town centre have been given the go ahead by West Northamptonshire Councillors at the Strategic Planning Committee this week. Leisure developer STACK’s planning application will see the creation of an exciting and innovative entertainment hub with independent street food outlets, bars and a dedicated space for interactive games. The scheme also includes a main stage, which will be used for live music and entertainment. The facility is set to be the first in the Midlands and will enhance the town’s vibrancy and vitality, supporting both the daytime and night-time economy and complementing the adjacent ongoing transformation of the historic Market Square and public realm of Abington Street and Fish Street. STACK completed on the site in August 2023 and the planning approval takes it one step forward, license approval is still pending but once granted the design development can be progressed to the next stage. The scheme is being supported by the council, which is providing up to £4.2m investment through the Towns Fund, with a further £8m investment from STACK which will enable the space to be transformed into a new leisure, entertainment, and social community hub. Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “I am delighted that plans for STACK’s first facility in the Midlands have been given the go ahead and look forward to seeing works begin to set up this innovative entertainment space in the heart of Northampton town centre. “STACK offers something truly unique for our town centre and will see footfall increase significantly, attracting more families and people who might not normally have visited the area. “Together with our other regeneration projects, the leisure economy in Northampton is set to rocket and provide a diverse mix of entertainment, food and drink, and retail opportunities which will benefit residents, local businesses and traders.” The plans for a STACK in Northampton are the latest in a number of announcements made by the company as it rolls out its master plan to become a nationally recognised brand. Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: “We are thrilled that we can now start to move forward with our plans to bring STACK to Northampton and to create an exciting leisure destination for local residents and visitors. “STACK will play a vital role in the plans to regenerate the Market Square area – of which Market Walk Shopping Centre is a part – and which will make a massive, positive difference to the local economy.”

Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25%

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Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25%
The Bank of England has held interest rates for the fifth time, at 5.25%. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet a 2% inflation target, which is expected to be achieved temporarily in Q2 of 2024. At its meeting ending on 20 March 2024, the MPC voted by a majority of 8–1 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%. One member preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5%.

Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “The Bank of England has as expected chosen to keep interest rates on hold for the fifth occasion, following February’s inflation number which came in at its lowest since 2021.

“Nonetheless, services inflation, though falling in line with expectations, remains relatively high at 6.1%. And wage inflation, while likewise having fallen back is still running too hot to sustainably deliver 2% inflation, with risks that the forthcoming rise in the national living wage may yet spur renewed wage pressures.

“The CBI’s own surveys have shown the downward trend in price expectations stall across much of the private sector recently, amidst a renewed uptick in cost pressures. And the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine present further risks to the inflation outlook.

“Unsurprisingly therefore the Bank has reiterated that they’re looking for further evidence of sustained declines in domestic inflationary measures in particular in the coming months before they’ll consider dropping rates, with markets expecting the first downward move to come in June.”

Silverstone electric vehicle firm shuts down commercial arm

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Silverstone electric vehicle firm shuts down commercial arm
Silverstone-based electric vehicle firm, Lunaz Group, backed by David Beckham, has put its commercial arm into administration. The business, which upcycles vehicles to zero-emissions electric powertrains, is shutting down Lunaz Applied Technologies in a major overhaul, with the arm going into administration. A spokesperson for Lunaz, as reported by The Telegraph, said the company was “restructuring its business to re-scope timelines for the start of production for commercial vehicle products.” They added: “This means, the business entity ‘Lunaz Applied Technologies’ has stopped operations.” The Government’s decision to push back the ban of sales of new petrol cars and vans to 2035 was slated to be one of the reasons for the decision. The restructure will mean the business can focus attention on passenger cars, while Lunaz noted intentions for commercial vehicles to be produced when market conditions drive demand.

Nottingham City Council forges ahead with Forest Recreation Ground Sports Zone improvements plan

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Nottingham City Council forges ahead with Forest Recreation Ground Sports Zone improvements plan
Nottingham City Council is embarking on the next stage of developing the Forest Sports Zone, having received approval from Executive Board. Located on the Forest Recreation Ground, where Nottingham Forest Football Club was founded 150 years ago, it comprises a full-size floodlit all-weather 3G pitch, a floodlit sand-based multi-activity pitch, and a new pavilion with six changing rooms, catering facilities and indoor space for education, club and social activities. Since its construction in 2015, in partnership with Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT), the Forest Sports Zone has become a premier community facility and provides a range of football development and other sports activities, for both the local community and teams from around the city. However, nine years on, the lower sand-based pitch which was originally funded by Sport England, is now past its operational best and requires replacement. As a condition of the Sport England grant, the council agreed to set up a Forest Multi-Use Activity Pitch ‘sinking fund’ to help pay for the replacement of the sand-based pitch. To enable the authority to further improve the facilities at the site, £1.8million has been secured from the Football Foundation and £530,00 from Nottingham Trent University (NTU), who are keen to be involved at this site to help provide use for both the university and the local community. Councillor Corall Jenkins, Portfolio Holder for Energy, Environment, Waste Services and Parks at Nottingham City Council said: “We are very excited to have received approval to go ahead with improvement developments for the Forest Recreation Ground Sports Zone. “This project funding is essential to drive forward the improvement of the facilities which are so important to young people in the community and city-wide. We look forward to working with partners and funders to deliver another project that really benefits all our citizens, as well as visitors from outside the city.” Calum Osborne, Chief Executive Officer at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: “I am excited to announce the development of The Forest Sports Zone, currently one of the busiest community football facilities in the UK. “Following the original development in 2015, The Forest Sports Zone has been a hub for physical activity and community football in the heart of our city, engaging more than 2,500 local people each week and helping to divert young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour. “Together with The Football Foundation, Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Forest Community Trust have collectively committed significant investment to further enhance the facilities to offer flexible and accessible spaces for children, young people and members of the community to take part in physical activity and both recreational and organised football. “Locally and nationally, there is a lack of high-quality facilities for people to play football, so to get this project over the line, at a place that Nottingham Forest Football Club once called home is a great result for local football and our communities.” Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. “Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities. “This grant award to Nottingham City Council towards developing the Forest Sports Zone is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.” The plans were given the go-ahead by the council’s Executive Board on Tuesday afternoon.

Derby communications specialist acquired

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Derby communications specialist acquired
Communications specialist Evad has been acquired by one of the UK’s leading providers of essential business technology. The Derby-headquartered firm has been bought by Focus Group to support its plans for growth and development into new sectors. The deal enables both brands to extend their geographical reach across the UK, diversify product portfolios and deliver service expertise to specialist market sectors. Evad, formally owned by Ethos Group, has been rebranded as Focus Group with regional director Matt Hill and sales director Richard Osborn continuing at the helm of the regional office at Cubo Derby. Matt said: “As part of the Ethos Group we enjoyed a lot of success and grew the business organically to be recognised as a leading communications provider. “The last decade has been brilliant, and I can’t thank the Ethos Group enough. “However, the opportunity to become part of Focus Group was too good to miss and perfectly timed as Ethos looked to actively pursue the growth of its core digital print business. “Joining the Focus Group family brings us a wealth of knowledge and provides the ability, and product portfolio, to grow significantly. “Most importantly, our intrinsic company values are aligned. With a focus on ensuring our team and customers benefit from any investment, it is enabling us to provide the same award-winning services, but turbo charged.”

Derby Civic Society names Nightingale Quarter as Conservation Winner at ABCD Awards

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Derby Civic Society names Nightingale Quarter as Conservation Winner at ABCD Awards
Wavensmere Homes’ £175m Nightingale Quarter development in Derby city centre was the double winner in the conservation category at the Civic Society’s annual ‘A Brighter City of Derby’ Awards. The awards were presented in recognition of the painstaking restoration to two pepperpot buildings along London Road – abandoned relics from the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary (DRI), which opened in 1894 and closed 15 years ago. After laying derelict for a decade, Wavensmere Homes purchased the vacant 18.5-acre site in 2019. While the vast majority of the Florence Nightingale-designed Victorian hospital had been bulldozed, the Birmingham-headquartered firm pledged to save and restore the imposing pepperpots, despite one of the buildings being previously consented for demolition. Pepperpot South opened as the marketing suite for the 925 houses and apartments in 2021. With 95% of the homes now sold, the building is being re-purposed as a gym for residents’ use. The second (North) Pepperpot opened on 14th February as The Fulton Partnership’s sixth hospitality venue in the Midlands. Styled by the interior designer for Gleneagles hotel – to introduce a new concept in luxury dining to the city of Derby – no expense has been spared on the Art Deco-inspired furnishings and refined heritage colour pallet. Ashley Waterhouse, Chairman of Derby Civic Society, said: “What has been achieved by Wavensmere Homes and The Fulton Partnership at Nightingale Quarter is remarkable. Being the former DRI, this is a very emotive site for so many local people. “With the surviving hospital buildings not nationally listed by Historic England, their fate was in the hands of the developers. The end result has surpassed all our expectations. The quality of the restoration works across both pepperpot buildings is immaculate inside and out, creating a highly impressive approach to the city centre from London Road.” James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “When we acquired this vacant site five years ago, we set out to design a landmark scheme that embraced the DE1 location and didn’t turn its back on the city centre. “We are proud that the 925 apartments and houses have transformed the city living market, acting as the catalyst for thousands more homes to be delivered within central Derby. “By installing new footpaths, cycle routes and roads – and making a restaurant Nightingale Quarter’s new focal point – we wanted to actively encourage people from across the city and beyond to visit. “The process of selecting the finest operator for what would become ‘The Pepperpot’ took 12 months. Thanks to the vision, significant investment and sheer talent of Graeme Fulton and his incredible team, it has become the heart and soul of this vibrant new neighbourhood. “We are thrilled that Derby Civic Society has recognised the quality of our restoration work, concluding that these historic buildings now serve as assets to the community living at Nightingale Quarter and the city of Derby as a whole.” Wavensmere Homes commenced remediation and construction work at The Nightingale Quarter in late 2019. The complex site is one of the UK’s most significant city centre regeneration projects. Construction work is ongoing for the final phases. A community garden is also being delivered on site, in partnership with Community Interest Company Down to Earth Derby.
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