Green light granted to change Derby pub into student accommodation
Planning & Design Practice have secured planning permission for change of use of The Mile pub in Derby city centre into student accommodation.
Situated within the Friar Gate Conservation area of Derby and standing proud on one of the main routes into city centre, the former pub had been popular over the years as part of the infamous ‘Derby Mile’ pub crawl. This began at Markeaton Island, continued down Ashbourne Road to Friar Gate and then onto the city centre for anyone left standing. ‘Crawlers’ would take on the challenge of having a drink, usually a pint, in each of the pubs.
The Mile pub used to be owned by Marston’s Brewery until it was bought out privately. The pub has had a few different names above its door, from The Thirsty Scholar, The Wheel Inn, The Old Wheel Inn, and The Garrick back in the 1970’s.
Over the years, with increased competition plus changing tastes and social attitudes, the pub seemed to lose its curb appeal, and as customers coming in for a drink dried up so did the money.
As such the current owners looked to find another use for the building. As the upper floors of the pub had already been converted into residential accommodation, it seemed the preferred option was to convert the ground floor into residential too, given the area comprises a mix of commercial, student living and shops and being in such close proximity to the city centre.
Having worked with the client previously on another residential scheme, the client returned to Planning & Design Practice to help them visualize a scheme and layout design which would preserve the character and history of the pub as well as the street scene, and for Planning & Design Practice to help them get the best chance of an approval in planning terms.
The final scheme includes a two-storey rear extension, a courtyard to the rear for an amenity space for the residents and a cycle store.
Top UK supplier of sparkle and feathers moves into new Mansfield business park
The UK’s leading supplier of ostrich feathers and sequins to customers like Strictly Come Dancing and the X-Factor has moved into a new Mansfield business park.
Diamante Crafts has bought a 2,500 sq ft unit at Aria Park, off Sherwood Avenue, built by commercial property developers Priority Space, working with HG Sites.
The family business, which sells quality arts and craft supplies, is expanding into its new larger workspace, in response to increased demand for its products from makers, designers and creatives across the UK.
Its colourful ostrich feathers and own-brand diamante jewels have been sought out for Anton Du Beke stage productions, Elton John music videos and Gok Wan fashion shoots. They have added sparkle and colour to Notting Hill Carnival and the latest Dumbo film produced at Pinewood Studios.
Jacqueline O’Neil, who founded the business in 2006, said: “We source our own products globally and have built a reputation for quality over the years, increasing sales ten-fold since I started running the business from my home.
“Lately, we found we were bursting out of our former rented unit at Old Mill Lane and the business was just standing still because we didn’t have the room to grow.
“The new unit we’ve bought at Aria Park allows us to extend our range and buy more in bulk so that we can respond quickly to increased demand for our products.”
Sales have also grown recently since the company became one of only two UK authorised sellers of Italian heat transfer vinyl brand, Siser.
Run by Jacqueline, husband Michael and their three children with one other staff member – Diamante Crafts hopes to create new jobs within the next few months.
They have already added a mezzanine floor to the unit, effectively doubling storage and display space to 5,000 sq ft, and plan to start craft classes with local makers shortly.
Director of Priority Space Lee Buchanan said: “We’re really pleased to see Diamante Crafts move into Aria Park and expand their business. This is what we are all about, creating spacious, high-specification units which SMEs can customise to their requirements and grow successful small and medium enterprises.”
All 18 units at Aria Park have now been taken by SMEs including an electrical engineer, homeware wholesaler, and automotive shrink wrap specialist.
Built by Britcon, the £4.5 million development adds 36,250 sq ft of premium industrial and warehouse space to 2.7 acres of unused land at Sherwood Oaks Business Park, close to Mansfield town centre, with easy access to the A38 and M1.
Lee Buchanan, director at Priority Space, added: “Many businesses moving into Aria Park are investing in these properties to support growth in response to increased online trade and a greater need for storage and distribution capacity. The site is the perfect location for enterprises needing either a regional or a UK-wide reach.”
Jacqueline added: “We aim to boost sales via our website but also welcome shoppers to the unit. We already have visits from schoolteachers preparing wall displays to dance troupes getting ready for shows and even anglers making flies for fishing! We look forward to supplying more creative types across the UK and locally.”
Palatine-backed CTS Group strengthens with geo-environmental deal
Palatine-backed CTS Group has acquired the geo-technical and geo-environmental specialist In Situ Site Investigation Limited, the latest of nine acquisitions that have given the technical consulting firm a leading position in testing infrastructure materials, surveying and monitoring services.
With headquarters in St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex, In Situ Site Investigation employs 37 staff and operates internationally across many locations. The company is a well-established ground investigation services business founded in 2008 by Managing Director Darren Ward. It has grown strongly over the years based on a strong client focus, enabling them to branch out into other areas of Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) as well as Pressuremeters such as Self Boring Pressuremeters (SBPs), High Pressure Dilatometers (HPDs), Ménard Pressuremeter tests and Cone Pressuremeter testing.
Phil Coles, Chief Executive at Leicester-headquartered CTS Group, said: “With this latest acquisition, we are creating a premier infrastructure testing, consulting, inspection and compliance company and I’m delighted to welcome the In Situ Site Investigation team to the CTS Group.
“In Situ Site Investigation is an extraordinary company with a fantastic service offering and team, an incredible reputation and we are thrilled that they are joining the CTS Group. Continuing to grow our capabilities and expand our portfolio whilst at the same time growing and further strengthening our client relationships across our business is critical to our ongoing success and is at the very heart of our strategy.
“This acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the past two years and reinforces our commitment to growth through attracting complimentary businesses and market leading talent.”
Darren Ward, Managing Director at In Situ Site Investigation Limited, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for In Situ Site Investigation, one where we will be able to accelerate our vision of providing quality site investigation services whilst maintaining our good, friendly customer service and continuing to deliver on our clients’ requirements.
“I’m delighted to be continuing to support the future growth of the combined business and integration process. Our existing clients will be able to benefit from CTS’s extensive experience and knowledge within the testing, inspection and compliance industry.”
Tom Hustler, investment director at Palatine, said: “Since we invested in CTS in 2018 we have successfully supported the management team in implementing a Buy and Build strategy to accelerate growth and amplify the many and varied qualities within the business.
“This transaction, CTS’s second acquisition within a week, represents our continued commitment to broadening CTS’s geographical coverage, as well as diversifying the group’s infrastructure services offering, in a bid to align a fragmented marketplace.”
New Derby headquarters for medical implant specialists
Salloway Property Consultants have let 3 Pinnacle Way to Medartis Limited on behalf of a private landlord client.
The medical implant specialists are relocating to larger and more prominent offices at the heart of Pride Park, in close proximity to Derby Train Station. The building provides an attractive two storey office premises of approximately 5,360 sq ft, which will now serve as Medartis’ new UK headquarters.
Medartis Limited, the UK subsidiary of Swiss-based Medartis AG, is a global innovation leader who develops, manufactures and sells titanium screws and plates, surgical instruments and system solutions for fracture fixation; enabling patient rehabilitation following the surgical reconstruction of fractures, mal-unions and deformities or skeletal diseases and their adjacent soft tissues.
Hugo Beresford, of Salloway Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of the landlord, said: “I am delighted to both secure a high-quality tenant for my client and also to assist Medartis with their relocation and significant plans for growth. They are a company going from strength to strength and the property occupies a great position on Pride Park – I’m sure that it will provide them with a perfect base from which to continue their expansion plans.”
Andrew Wilcher, Medartis’ general manager for the EMEA North Region, said: “We are delighted to have secured the much-needed extra space that we require for our continued growth and future plans.”
Urgent need for safety checks after rise in East Midlands farming fatalities
A risk management expert is urging the region’s farmers to improve their health and safety standards after official figures revealed the East Midlands is one of only two areas in Britain to see a rise in the number of fatalities in the agricultural industry.
Latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that three people in the region’s agricultural sector were killed in 2021/22.
Across Britain, however, there were 25 fatalities – 16 fewer than last year.
Alex Cormack, of Lycetts Risk Management Services, said: “It is tragic that the number of deaths in the region has increased. And while the drop in fatalities across Britain is to be welcomed, I would urge those who work in the industry not to become complacent.”
Fatal injuries were most commonly caused by people being struck by moving vehicles. This was followed by being struck by an object, contact with machinery, falls from height and animal-inflicted deaths.
The latest figures suggest considerable progress in agricultural risk management since the early 1980s, when there were around double the number of fatal injuries. This year’s total number of fatalities, which includes three members of the public, is the second lowest number of deaths recorded in the last five years.
Agriculture, however, remains the riskiest industry to work in, with fatal injuries around 18 times higher than the ‘all industry rate’.
A 38-year-old self-employed farmer in the East Midlands was killed by slurry gas when he entered a slurry tank.
In another incident, a 19-year-old worker was killed when he was struck by an HGV.
The third fatality saw a 58-year-old self-employed farmer getting crushed by a falling bale.
Cormack added: “Figures for the last five years reveal that more self-employed workers are killed than employed workers, suggesting that while employers may be taking care to implement health and safety measures, and educate and train their staff, they are not giving their own personal safety enough attention.
“Death and injury can have a devastating effect on families, as well as destroying businesses, yet risk-taking seems to be an underlying problem in the industry.
“Some fatalities can be attributed to freak accidents, but others could be avoided by adopting a more rigorous approach to safety. Risk assessments should be thorough, all appropriate training should be undertaken, and safety policies should be implemented.”
‘Levelling Up’ bid submitted for job-creating £40m Link Road
Nottinghamshire County Council has formally submitted a £40m bid to Government for the financing of the planned Toton Link Road.
The council wants the multi-million-pound sum needed to build the road from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, following councillors approving plans for its construction last year.
The new link road would consist of a new one-mile single-carriageway track between the A52 east of Bardills Island and Stapleford Lane, taking the form of a high-quality landscaped boulevard with significant tree planting and walking and cycling routes.
In its funding application to government, the council outlined how the link road has the potential to deliver more than 400 jobs and 2,700 new homes.
A decision on the bid for the road which would enable high-quality development of homes, community facilities and commercial space is expected in the autumn. Works would then start in 2024, with scheduled completion by 2026.
Councillor Keith Girling, cabinet member for economic development, Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire County Council’s bid for the Toton Link Road presents an opportunity get spades in the ground and kick-start major, long-term economic development that is going to bring greater prosperity to Nottinghamshire and the wider region.
“The Government’s Integrated Rail Plan not only confirmed that high-speed rail would be coming to Nottinghamshire, it also gave us the chance to push ahead with plans for a Network Rail Station at Toton.
“The Link Road will be the first stage in that process of unlocking development at Toton, helping us to enable economic growth, and to build a powerful case for the better transport connectivity that a rail station would be part of.
“We’re showing Government that we’ve got oven-ready investment opportunities here, that we want to get on and deliver growth to communities across the region, and that we’re putting the structures in place to make it happen.”
The funding bid by the council has the support of Broxtowe MP, Darren Henry, who says that it promises to be the start of something big.
“I am incredibly ambitious for Broxtowe, and our £40 million bid to the Levelling Up Fund for the Toton Link Road promises to be the start of something big. This is the message I am taking directly to Government.
“We are turning this area into a hotspot for investment. Government has already committed tens of millions to Towns Funds in places like Stapleford, it has committed billions to an HS2 station nearby, and also opened the door to a Network Rail station right here at Toton,” he said.
Mr Henry also highlighted the wider benefits of the link road, including transport links.
The new road would be linked to the A52, the NET tram network, alongside a proposed Network Rail Station and close to the M1 motorway. There will also be an opportunity to add new bus routes.
Mr Henry added: “Our role now is to make the most of major investment in the East Midlands so that we can deliver new homes, new transport links and new job opportunities for our people into the future.
“We are making sure that we are match-fit to manage that investment by setting up a development corporation which will plan and promote these big sites, and by pushing ahead with a devolution deal which will enable us to access more funding and have a greater say in how it is invested.”
As part of its bid for the £40m, the council has highlighted how the Toton Link Road will enable wider plans for growth that are being worked up by the East Midlands Development Company (DevCo), including the transition of the Chetwynd Barracks, which is scheduled for closure, from a MoD site to residential use.
The DevCo was created by five local authorities to coordinate development around the Toton-Chetwynd corridor, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station area and the East Midlands Airport area.
Richard Carr, Managing Director, EM DevCo, said: “Alongside Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station area and the East Midlands Airport area, Toton is one of three large-scale sites in the East Midlands that have been identified as having the potential to enable tens of thousands of new jobs and add billions to the value of the regional economy in the years to come.
“It’s vital that we join the dots between our investment opportunities so that we maximise their potential, and that we push for high-quality development. At Toton, the Link Road is the start of that process, opening up the potential for innovative new development and better transport connectivity.
“As a body supported by local authorities, government, business and universities, EM DevCo is itself evidence of how well the region is coming together to grasp these opportunities and to ensure they translate into developments which work for communities and the economy as we head into a net zero future.”
It is hoped that the DevCo will soon gain statutory powers, after the government flagged the East Midlands’ case for a new type of development corporation in its Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill as an ‘expedient’ mechanism for council areas to join forces and deliver growth.
Plans to convert textile workshops in Nottingham’s Lace Market for mixed use scheme approved
Plans to convert buildings in Nottingham’s Lace Market from textile workshops into a mixed use scheme have been approved by the city council.
Perrymead Estates wants to transform 15-17 Stoney Street into a mixture of apartments and office spaces, with a café / bar on the ground floor.
In addition, the construction of an extension on the corner of Stoney Street and Woolpack Lane, provision of a rooftop terrace on the roof of number 17 Stoney Street and a small roof extension are proposed.
A design statement submitted by Marsh:Grochowksi Architects on behalf of the applicant says: “By converting this building, it is being brought back into use, providing accommodation, office space and amenities to the local community, in a highly sought after area of Nottingham.”
United Living Property Services awarded £3.2m contract to renovate social housing in Grantham
United Living Group, a provider of infrastructure, housing and property services, has been awarded a £3.288m contract for the Earlesfield Estate Capital Works Project by South Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire.
The local authority has identified 152 post-war properties with Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in Grantham, Lincolnshire. A number of the properties to benefit from the works are “Wimpey No Fines” design, a typical post-war construction.
In addition to removing the ACM, replacement kitchens and bathrooms will be fitted in 143 of the homes, accompanied by electrical, heating and door upgrades in a similar number.
During the works, around 112 households will be temporarily rehomed during the renovations to minimise disruption. A property on the estate will become a dedicated information hub where residents can find out more and keep up to date with progress. United Living Property Services will focus on delivering a high-quality renovation and ensuring it takes residents’ views into account.
Simon Will, Managing Director, United Living Property Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to work on this important project with South Kesteven District Council. As a local contractor working in areas such as Wolverhampton and Walsall, the scheme is perfectly positioned to fit in with our local delivery model.
“We look forward to working with both the Council and residents to ensure they have a home that is greatly improved at the end of the scheme.”
Cllr Robert Reid, South Kesteven District Council cabinet member for housing and property, said: “We are very happy to be working with United Living Group on this major Earlesfield Estate improvement programme. We are committed to providing housing that meets the needs of all residents and I am pleased to see our funding approved by the council so that work can get underway.
“South Kesteven District Council has engaged with the tenants on the estate to enable a full understanding of the works to be undertaken and subsequent timeline. I hope they will be reassured by this clear commitment to improving their homes.
“It is a project that will deliver numerous benefits and is further evidence of the wider improvements we continue to see in our Housing service.”
Connect with property and construction professionals at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
While nominations for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 are assessed, book your tickets for the highly anticipated event taking place on Thursday 15 September.
Recognising and celebrating those behind the changing landscape of our region – the very best companies, teams, individuals and projects – the event showcases the exceptional work carried out across the East Midlands over the past 12 months.
The awards also present a perfect networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.
The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking.
Attend the glittering awards ceremony at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground to see who takes home the title of Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agent of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.
Tickets can be booked here.
The event will begin at 4:30pm and continue until 7:30pm, with additional time thereafter for networking and celebrating. Complementary drinks and canapés will be served on arrival. Dress code is standard business dress.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
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Derbyshire housebuilder expanding footprint with £10m funding
A Derbyshire-based housebuilder has secured a £10m funding package from Lloyds Bank to help ramp up activity and capitalise on the growing demand for new homes.
Family-run Woodall Homes, headquartered in Barlborough near Chesterfield, delivers homes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. It has recently developed new properties in Mansfield, Tansley and Bolsover.
Founded in 2011, Woodall will use the funding from Lloyds Bank to increase its number of active sites, expand its footprint across the region and maintain high-quality development across its portfolio.
The firm’s turnover has grown by 25% over the last three years, with Woodall completing 60 homes in the last financial year. Woodall is now aiming to break the 100-home mark this year, with a view to completing 250 homes a year within the next five years. To bolster this growth, the business is looking to recruit five additional staff over the next year.
In December 2020, Woodall received a £4.25m investment from BGF. This created a step change in the aspirations of the group to accelerate acquisition of land in prime locations, and to increase development activity and building output. Finding the right banking partner to support future growth aspirations was the next natural step in the group’s evolution.
Experienced non-executive chairman Derek Mapp has also recently joined Woodall’s Board as it seeks to scale and drive quality. Mapp currently holds the same role at outsourcing group Mitie and has also held chair positions at the East Midlands Development Agency and Sport England.
Ian Grundy, CFO at Woodall Homes, said: “As the demand for housing continues to increase, we want to ensure that Woodall Homes is in the best position it can be to deliver the premium homes that the Midlands and South Yorkshire need.
“We’re doing this by adding fresh talent to our team, and also by working with experienced banking partners such as Lloyds Bank. Their know-how and understanding in this area meant that they immediately bought into our building ethos and ambition to drive quality. The funding from Lloyds Bank opens many new doors in terms of development for the business and I am excited to see where this will allow us to take the company in the future.”
Jeremy Prentice, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Woodall Homes is an excellent example of a business that’s investing smartly and capitalising on demand. Housing is always high on communities’ agendas, and there’s huge demand from families looking for green space following the pandemic.
“Investing in growth, where possible, is a strong way of mitigating current inflationary challenges. We’re committed to helping firms like Woodall target growth and achieving their ambitions, and we’re excited to be by the business’s side as they target this.”
