Northern Lincolnshire is being considered as a potential artificial intelligence growth zone, a move that could make it one of Europe’s largest data centre hubs. The proposed Northern Lincolnshire AI Growth Zone (NLAIGZ), led by North Lincolnshire Council and developer Greystoke, would include several large-scale AI data centres and attract over £20 billion in private investment.

If approved, the project is expected to create 15,650 jobs by 2029, including 14,000 in construction and 1,650 operational roles. The facilities would provide around 2.5 GW of computing capacity—nearly double that of the existing London cluster—and form part of the UK Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Key locations under review include the A15 Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate and land near the A180 at South Killingholme. The Elsham site has drawn scrutiny from local water companies regarding flooding and supply concerns, though the developer has stated that water-efficient cooling systems will be used.

Officials say aligning AI and data infrastructure with the region’s offshore wind and carbon capture industries could help secure long-term energy resilience, encourage investment in clean power, and promote local use of Scunthorpe-produced steel. If designated an AI growth zone, North Lincolnshire would join national efforts to expand the UK’s digital infrastructure and regional economic development.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has allocated more than £1.8 million to enhance walking and cycling routes in Nottingham. The investment forms part of a regional effort to improve active travel infrastructure and reduce transport emissions.

Pending approval by Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board, £1.3 million of the funding will be directed toward improvements along Gregory Boulevard between the A60 Mansfield Road and Noel Street. The works are expected to include new pedestrian crossings, upgraded cycle paths, and resurfaced routes linking key education, leisure, and transport hubs such as Nottingham Trent University, Forest Recreation Ground, and The Forest Park & Ride.

The project also aligns with a £2.6 million upgrade to The Forest Sports Zone, which was approved earlier in the year. Combined, these initiatives are designed to strengthen local connectivity, encourage low-carbon travel, and support regeneration across Nottingham’s communities.

A public consultation will precede construction, allowing residents and businesses to provide input on the final plans. Once approved, the scheme will contribute to the city’s long-term objectives for safer streets, cleaner air, and more sustainable transport options.

Progress is being made on Bassetlaw District Council’s government funded regeneration projects.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday (14 October), members received an update on several major proposed projects including the Priory Centre and the Creative Village in Worksop, and the North Border School site in Harworth and Bircotes.

They also approved funding adjustments within the Local Regeneration Fund following revised government guidance on delivery timelines and fund distribution.

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, cabinet member for identity, planning and place, said: “These proposed regeneration projects show our continued commitment to deliver developments with real benefits for our communities from accessing services, new facilities, and education provision to town centre improvements.

“From the Priory Centre to the Creative Village Heritage building, we look forward to these projects making good progress over the coming months ahead, subject to planning consents.”

The redevelopment of the Priory Centre aims to create a more modern family focused leisure facility including entertainment and shopping alongside improved pedestrian links, public spaces and a new canal footbridge.

It has already achieved milestones including the appointment of a construction partner, with pre-enabling works on utilities scheduled to take place from November onwards and demolition works planned for early 2026.

It follows delays caused by several different factors including a number of conditions attached to the planning approval that needed to be agreed and discharged before any development could begin.

A new Health Hub is also proposed in the Priory Centre, subject to planning, with an NHS tenant identified to take up part of the building, while early designs for the space have also been produced.

Also going through the planning process is a proposal to extend the Creative Village on Canal Road in Worksop with a second phase.

If approved it will create up to ten educational workshop spaces focused on key growth sectors such as construction, green technologies, and logistics. It hopes to raise educational attainment and expand access to high-skilled, well-paid employment opportunities across the district.

Finally, plans for affordable housing to be built on the former North Border School site in Harworth and Bircotes continue, with planning permission for demolition work granted and an additional planning application submitted to clear the full site to prepare for development.