Work begins on £8.6m Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe

Tess Egginton
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Work begins on £8.6m Campus for Future Living in Mablethorpe

Construction to bring the pioneering health and education facility The Campus for Future Living has officially started in Mablethorpe.

Contractors Lindum Group cut the first piece of turf for East Lindsey District Council’s flagship Town Deal project at a celebration event on Wednesday, 8 February. The £8.6m project, supported by the Connected Coast board, is the first council-led Town Deal project to start being delivered to level up the district and transform communities. The programme of works is scheduled for completion in spring 2024. Cutting the first piece of ground was Victoria Atkins MP for Louth and Horncastle, watched by Cllr William Gray, Campus Political Lead for East Lindsey District Council; Chris Baron, chairman of Connected Coast; Professor Mark Gussy from the University of Lincoln and local and national partners including representatives from the Marisco Medical Practice, Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea Town Council, Health Education England, Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Linkage Trust and NHS Lincolnshire ICB. The Campus for Future Living on Stanley Avenue offers significant potential to improve the health and wellbeing for residents in Mablethorpe, the Lincolnshire coast and wider East Lindsey. For the first time, Mablethorpe will be at the forefront of medical innovation, training, research and development. The main Campus building will include the following facilities: •    Two large consultation rooms •    Seminar and teaching rooms •    An event space including a coffee hub •    Pathology laboratory and additional laboratory space The campus site also includes an accommodation block, a children’s play area, a 35-space car park including eight disabled bays and electric vehicle charging points. Cllr William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing and Political Lead for the Campus for Future Living, said: “This is an exciting day for Mablethorpe and for everyone involved in making the Campus of Future Living a reality. “Through the backing of the Government through the Town Deal, we are enabling millions of pounds to be invested in Mablethorpe to help improve the lives of residents, bring them new health opportunities and attract inward investment to the Lincolnshire coast. The benefits will be long lasting for our communities. “We will, of course, be keeping residents and stakeholders updated on the progress of the construction works as the Campus for Future Living takes shape. I look forward to seeing it progress over the coming year.” Chris Baron, Chair of Connected Coast, said: “The start on site is a significant milestone that takes us a step closer to realising the exciting vision for the Campus for Future Living. “The Campus is the flagship Town Deal project in Mablethorpe and through this project we have a huge opportunity to create a national exemplar in medical technology and innovation in the area. “The beginning of work on the ground is the culmination of partnership working to translate the ambition for the campus into reality, and I look forward to seeing the development progress over the coming year.”

Agreement paves way for development of Rolls-Royce nuclear reactors in Poland

Stuart Pearcey
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Agreement paves way for development of Rolls-Royce nuclear reactors in Poland
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a memorandum of intent with Polish industrial group Industria allowing the companies to collaborate on the deployment of small modular reactors in Poland. Industria has selected Rolls-Royce SMR technology to fulfil the zero-emission energy goals of Poland’s Central Hydrogen Cluster, and as part of their plans to produce 50,000 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen every year. Industria is part of the Group of Industrial Development Agency JSC. Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Tom Samson said: “This is an important step in our relationship with Industria – setting out the basis on which we’ll work together to develop joint plans for using our SMR technology in Poland to decarbonise energy intensive industry and produce clean power for generations to come. “Poland is one of the key international markets for our factory-built nuclear power plant which provides 470MW of clean, affordable electricity from a sustainable source. This partnership has enormous potential and could support thousands of high-skilled, long-term jobs in Poland and the UK – both directly and in the supply chain.” Cezariusz Lesisz, President of the Board of Industrial Development Agency JSC (IDA), said: “Cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR is a great opportunity for the ?wi?tokrzyskie region and IDA’s capital group companies in developing a high-tech industrial base for small scale nuclear power in Poland. “Building new competencies of Polish industry is part of a trend of focusing on energy transition and strengthening our country’s energy security and resilience. The Industrial Development Agency wants to support projects to transform energy intensive industry, which will be able to benefit from both renewables and nuclear energy, which will be available in Poland in the next decade or faster.” Poland and the wider region are seeking to decarbonise, while bolstering their energy security. Rolls-Royce SMR offers a factory built power solution that is perfectly sized to connect to the electricity grid or for off-grid industrial use such as hydrogen production. Industria, which is wholly owned by the Polish Government as part of IDA Group, is leading an effort to develop a supply chain of parts and modules for SMR production. As a leader of Central Hydrogen Cluster, Industria is looking to deploy up to three SMRs to produce hydrogen and decarbonise regional energy infrastructure. There are additional future opportunities to replace more than 8GW of coal-fired power plants in southern Poland with SMRs throughout the 2030s. Szczepan Ruman, CEO of Industria, said: “Rolls-Royce SMR is unmatched in terms of manufacturing concept and processes. Participation in a supply chain of parts and modules for Rolls-Royce SMR is a great opportunity for our region and for entire industry in southern Poland – which has built all the existing Polish power plants. “We have a platform of cooperation for the industrial companies across southern Poland, which is our Central Hydrogen Cluster in which we cooperate with companies from our region as well as from three hydrogen valleys: Lower Silesia, Silesia-Lesser Poland and Subcarpathian. With the support of IDA Group, we aim to create jobs and secure Polish industry’s strong participation in the SMR industry of the future. “Central Hydrogen Cluster and the hydrogen valleys’ aim is to secure clean energy sources for grid, industry and clean hydrogen production. Plans for deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR power plants in central and southern Poland will help meet these goals in the 2030s.”

Derbyshire industrial scheme takes shape

Tess Egginton
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Derbyshire industrial scheme takes shape
An industrial scheme in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, is beginning to take shape with the steel frame now erected. Pent-up demand for quality industrial space is set to bring forward five new industrial units at the Stanton Forge development. The speculative scheme, by local company D M Hartshorn Investments, follows the successful first phase on Littlewell Lane at the business park, which was completed in 2016. Each of the five 1,383 sq ft units are available on new leases through commercial property specialists NG Chartered Surveyors. Richard Sutton, Managing Director at NG, said: “It’s great to see this fantastic scheme progressing. These units are perfect for start-up businesses and with Junction 25 of the M1 only 10 minutes away, offer an ideal location and excellent connectivity to the motorway network. “When we launched the first phase we had over 60 enquiries for the units and agreed disposal terms on all of them before they were completed. “Pent-up demand for this calibre of small unit industrial space is high and NG is already taking deposits to secure the units.” Lisa Hartshorn, director of D M Hartshorn Investments, added: “We have total faith in our scheme and the quality of build; Stanton Forge is the perfect location for ambitious local businesses.” The units are set to be completed in June 2023. Each unit has three car parking spaces and is available on a new lease for a fixed term of 3 or 5 years.

Conference hears how public, private and education collaboration is set to address construction sector skills gaps in North Derbyshire

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Conference hears how public, private and education collaboration is set to address construction sector skills gaps in North Derbyshire
A powerful collaboration between Chesterfield’s public, private and education sectors – working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council – is set to roll out two initiatives which will address skills shortages within the construction sector. The initiatives – Careers Made in Chesterfield and the Construction Skills Hub – were showcased at the annual Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, held on 8 February at The Winding Wheel Theatre. Currently being piloted with Parkside Community School, the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative aims to deliver careers support and guidance in schools and also forge links with businesses within the local construction and property sector. Already, the initiative is reporting increased interest in construction careers from the pupils who have been involved with the pilot. Mr Riggott, Headteacher, Parkside Community School, said: “The Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot represented a step change in creating sustained connections between our Year 10 students and some great local companies. Our students loved it! “This model is fantastic for a number of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, students build their knowledge of and relationships with employers across the programme, which in turn enhances their confidence and the likely outcomes of work experience following an extremely informed choice. “I am a huge believer in the power of schools working closely with local companies in this way. As a school leader, I have seen first-hand the transformational potential of such partnerships, including through the hugely successful Avenue School Challenge in 2019 which led to apprenticeships for a number of our students following the programme. As a parent, this year I have also seen one of my sons begin a degree apprenticeship with the company with whom he completed work experience back in Year 10.” Careers in Chesterfield has been supported by the Chesterfield Property and Construction Forum, which is led by Andy Dabbs, a Chartered Architect and Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects. Members of the Forum have delivered in-school talks, hands-on activities, and workshops to raise awareness of the sector and jobs and roles available within it to the entire Year 10 group at Parkside Community School. Mr Dabbs said: “Collaboration between businesses and schools is crucial in addressing the skills shortage in the property and construction industry. The Property and Construction Forum’s involvement in the Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot is a prime example of the importance of creating pathways for young people to enter the sector. Without these efforts, the industry’s growth will be hindered, both regionally and nationally.” Subject to funding, Chesterfield Borough Council will work with partners to roll out the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative to more schools and sectors across the borough from September 2023. Mr Riggott added: “Chesterfield schools, the College, other education providers and businesses have a real opportunity to work with Chesterfield Borough Council and sector forums on programmes like the Careers Made in Chesterfield project and to shape wider skills planning for an exciting future for our young people. We are very much looking forward to being part of that work.” Both locally and regionally, the construction sector is suffering a skills shortage. In the East Midlands an extra 17,500 construction workers will be needed from 2023-2027, an annual requirement of 3,500 new workers every year. Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “We’re proud to support and strengthen partnerships between businesses, education, and the public sector, by bringing together these sectors we can help ensure that young people receive the training and support they need to develop great careers in Chesterfield. This is all about ensuring that our borough continues to thrive and that the quality of life for local people is improving. “We’ll continue to proactively support initiatives like this conference and Careers Made in Chesterfield because they really do help ensure young people can have the best start to their careers and can then stay and progress in Chesterfield. Developing skills though is not just about helping young people and our new Construction Skills Hub will help people who want to retrain and access careers in construction.” Further addressing the increasing construction skills shortage within Chesterfield, the Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor will welcome learners from autumn this year. Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the skills hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site. Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain. The Hub will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners over 10 years. Chesterfield College with support from the University of Derby have been appointed to deliver the training. It will be delivered in collaboration with the Devonshire Group, which is bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor. Speaking at the conference Principal and CEO of the Chesterfield College Group Julie Richards said: “We firmly believe in providing the skills and experience necessary for a successful career to support the local economy we serve. We must work in collaboration with local employers and other stakeholders. As such, we’re delighted to be part of a variety of significant local projects such as partnering with Devonshire Group for the Construction Skills Hub servicing Staveley and surrounding areas. “The unique initiative provides a huge variety of work-based training opportunities on one of the largest housing developments in local history delivering qualifications from Entry Level to Higher Education progression in partnership with the University of Derby. “To provide a pipeline of highly skilled workers for years to come the hub has a firm focus on skills for the future and will deliver both traditional trade skills alongside cutting edge methods of construction including low carbon technologies.”

Heating technology giant to create hundreds of jobs with new Derby production site

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Heating technology giant to create hundreds of jobs with new Derby production site
Heating technology giant Vaillant has announced it is to open a production site in Derby creating hundreds of new jobs. The firm, which has its UK headquarters at Belper, has taken a 12,000 square metre unit at St. Modwen Park Derby, a brand-new industrial scheme being built by St. Modwen Logistics. Expected to open in 2024, the Derby site, which will create more than 200 jobs, will allow Vaillant to meet the increasing demand for heat pumps. Henrik Hansen, Managing Director at Vaillant Group UK, said: “This new, custom-built site at St. Modwen Park will play an instrumental role in delivering the low carbon heating solutions needed to deliver a net zero future, while also creating valuable new jobs within the local community.” Councillor Chris Poulter, leader of Derby City Council, said: “We’re thrilled that Vaillant has chosen to further invest in Derby. St. Modwen Park is an exciting development with the potential to bring huge investment and many jobs to the city.” John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “We have been working with the team at Vaillant, together with our partners at the city council and St. Modwen, during the past year to secure this landmark investment.” The investment at St. Modwen Park Derby follows hot on the heels of Vaillant opening a multi-million-pound heat pump production line at its Belper headquarters, making it the first UK manufacturer of both energy efficient boilers and heat pumps. The official opening of that production line, which took place in November, was performed by Mr Forkin, along with Pauline Latham, MP for Mid-Derbyshire. Reacting to Vaillant’s Derby investment, Mr Forkin said: “This is such an exciting time for the city and the continued investment from Vaillant into manufacturing sustainable heating systems will place Derby at the heart of the green jobs growth. “Vaillant is a modern, forward-looking manufacturer with years of experience in Belper and will bring so much learning to the area.” Ben Silcock, development and leasing manager at St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are incredibly proud of our work at St. Modwen Park Derby, and we are really pleased to welcome a company as prestigious as Vaillant. “It is fitting that Vaillant have chosen this sustainable warehouse to manufacture products which help people to reduce energy consumption levels and lessen their environmental impact.”

Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange application submitted to Planning Inspectorate

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Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange application submitted to Planning Inspectorate
Developers Tritax Symmetry have submitted their application for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI) to the Planning Inspectorate. Blaby District Council now has 14 days to comment on whether it believes the developer’s consultation on the plans was adequate. The Planning Inspectorate will then have until 6 March to decide whether to accept the application. If the application is accepted, the Planning Inspectorate will begin assessing the developer’s plans. There will be a six-month-long examination phase, including hearings, towards the end of the year, and a decision is expected by the middle of next year. The scheme, earmarked for 440 acres of land between the M69 and the Leicester to Birmingham railway line, falls mainly within the boundary of Blaby District Council, south-west of Elmesthorpe village. The scheme is of such scale and national importance that the application for its development will be ultimately decided by the Secretary of State for Transport. Blaby District Council has no power to veto the project but is instead a statutory consultee in the process. The Council will be carefully scrutinising the developer’s proposals, commenting on the scale, scope and location of the scheme and how it will affect local residents and the District as a whole. Tritax Symmetry are already aware the Council has significant concerns about the impact the development will have on the District. Councillor Terry Richardson, leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This application has been a long time coming and the source of great concern for many residents in our District. Since it was mooted, the Council has worked tirelessly to engage with the developer and critique their plans, for example raising strong concerns during the consultation period last year. “There will be lots of information to review and comment on throughout this year. However, I can assure residents that the Council has dedicated significant resources to assessing these proposals and we will not shy away from making our views known in the strongest possible terms; starting with commenting on the adequacy of last year’s consultation process.” The scheme is part of the Government’s long-standing plan to divert container transport traffic off major roads and onto the rail network for the bulk of its journey after arriving at major sea ports. To provide for this the HNRFI will incorporate new rail sidings from the existing Leicester to Birmingham lines to accommodate up to 16 trains per day, of up to 775m in length which can link into warehousing and storage areas. The warehousing and ancillary buildings themselves are expected to total up to 850,000m2 and reach up to 28m in height. There will also be a lorry park, energy services area and associated landscaping with new access routes, a major new link road from the M69 to the B4668/A47 Leicester Road at Hinckley and southern facing slip roads at Junction 2 of the M69.

Property lender provides £38m loan to refinance acquisition of two Midlands retail schemes

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Property lender provides £38m loan to refinance acquisition of two Midlands retail schemes
Specialist property lender Leumi UK has provided a £38 million loan to Magnetar Capital, a US-based alternative asset manager, to refinance the purchase of two town centre shopping schemes in Perry Barr, near Birmingham, and Corby, Northamptonshire. One Stop Shopping in Perry Barr is a 382,856 square feet shopping centre and retail park, while Corby Town Centre & Willow Place measures 667,121 square feet across the town centre shopping area, retail park, upcoming new sixth form college, office space and residential units. Both assets have a diverse mix of tenants, dominated by essential and convenience-led tenants and including major national occupiers such as M&S, Argos, Home Bargains, TK Maxx, Pure Gym, KFC, Nike and JD Sports. Magnetar is working with specialist operating partner Northdale Asset Management, whose principals have significant experience across all classes of real estate, including retail. Magnetar and Northdale previously partnered on the 2022 purchase of Yate Retail Shopping Center in Gloucestershire. Gez O’Sullivan, relationship director at Leumi UK, said: “It’s been great working with Magnetar again following our previous deal refinancing Yate Retail Shopping Centre in September 2022. Together with its operating partner, Northdale, Magnetar has been astute in selecting well-located retail centres with a robust tenant mix. “The retail sector is facing a distinct set of challenges, which requires lenders take some caution, but the value-led and essential nature of these centres’ established tenants in this instance will prove a powerful hedge against macroeconomic headwinds.” Aidan McKeown, portfolio manager at Magnetar, said: “Leumi UK has again demonstrated their customer-first approach and sectoral expertise throughout this transaction, and we’re excited to deepen our partnership with them on these two assets. “Both centres have an attractive range of well-performing and resilient tenants serving the wider community. We look forward to exploring opportunities to further strengthen that and add value to the centres over the medium term.”

2022 sees strong revenue increase for Journeo

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2022 sees strong revenue increase for Journeo

Revenue is up at Journeo, the Ashby-de-la-Zouch-based supplier of information systems, software and services to transport operators and local authorities.

According to a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2022, the business’s order intake increased by 50% to £27m, up from £18m in 2021, while revenue increased by 35% to £21.1m, up from £15.6m in the prior year.

Profit for the full year is anticipated to be in line with market expectations.

In January (2023), the company completed the acquisition of IGL Limited (including Infotec Limited) following the completion of a significantly over-subscribed placing and retail offer.

Russ Singleton, Chief Executive of Journeo plc, said: “I am very pleased with our achievements in 2022 where the group’s order intake, revenues and profits all increased strongly based on growing adoption of our own technology, software and IP.

“We have made good progress in our sustainability strategy, including reducing the environmental impact of our technologies such as introducing ultra-low power designs in our next generation display systems. We look forward to providing more detail in our 2022 Annual Report.

“Following the acquisition of Infotec, the enlarged group is in a stronger position with a healthy order book and a growing sales pipeline of future opportunities for 2023 and beyond based on Journeo IP.

“We continue to evaluate other acquisition opportunities and this potential, together with the on-going successful investment in research and development and organic growth, gives the Board confidence in being able to deliver increasing value to our shareholders.”

Revenue rises at Watches of Switzerland

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Revenue rises at Watches of Switzerland
Leicester-based Watches of Switzerland Group has reported a strong third quarter with revenue on the rise. According to a trading update for the 13 weeks to 29 January 2023, revenue grew to £407 million, up from £348 million in the same period of the prior year. The company says this was driven by luxury watches, where demand continues to exceed supply. Brian Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am pleased with our strong Q3 performance which is testament to our continued investment in leading showroom design, the strength of our brand partnerships, our scale, our dedication to omnichannel excellence, and our exceptional client service. “I would like to thank all my colleagues for their ongoing dedication and hard work especially during the Holiday period. Demand remains strong and continues to exceed supply, with client registration lists growing. We exited the quarter with good momentum and are pleased to reiterate our full year guidance. “Our expansion into Europe continued with the opening of our fifth mono-brand boutique, with OMEGA in Stockholm in the third quarter. Early trading remains positive, and we are excited to open our first mono-brand boutique in Dublin with TAG Heuer later this month. “Looking ahead, we remain confident that our strategy will further enhance our leadership position as we continue to deliver on our Long Range Plan objectives.”

Loughborough’s latest Town Deal funding boosts cash commitment still further

Stuart Pearcey
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Loughborough’s latest Town Deal funding boosts cash commitment still further

Nearly £3 million is set to be invested in Loughborough town centre to make it more attractive and safer for visitors thanks to a Loughborough Town Deal grant, adding to funds already committed.

The Town Deal Board has confirmed £2.87 million to support the Living Loughborough project which will see more events held in the town centre, investment in the town markets, expansion of the CCTV system and digital heritage trails added. Charnwood Borough Council is leading the project and will be working in partnership with Love Loughborough which will deliver some aspects of the scheme. Loughborough Town Deal is supporting 11 projects after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth more than £40 million of investment for the town. The Town Deal Board is co-chaired by Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, and Dr Nik Kotecha, founder of Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Cllr Morgan said: “This is an exciting project for Loughborough, and I am looking forward to seeing it develop. It has many different aspects that will bring numerous benefits for the people who visit, work, trade and live in the centre of our beautiful, historic market and university town. Dr Kotecha said: “The town centre is crucial to our local economy and that’s why the Town Deal Board were keen to support the Living Loughborough project. It will help make our town even more vibrant and attractive to visitors and in turn generate footfall for local businesses.” Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “Shopping habits have changed, and high streets need to adapt and innovate to ensure they can draw people in to support businesses. That’s why we have created the Living Loughborough project in partnership with Love Loughborough. “We are creating innovative digital trails for people to explore and investing in our historic markets. We will also be making Queen’s Park even more attractive and connected to the town centre. “The Living Loughborough project is packed with great ideas and thanks to the Town Deal we can now turn them into reality.” Lez Cope Newman, Chair of Love Loughborough BID, said: “I am so excited by the Living Loughborough project as I think it will be transformational for the town centre. The digital trails and events will help bring life and atmosphere while Love Loughborough will also be offering more support to businesses to help them flourish. “We are also keen to make our town centre a safe and inviting place. CCTV will be expanded but we will also be working with partners, retailers and those involved in the night-time economy to make sure visitors feel safe and secure when in town.” The Living Loughborough project includes:
  • the introduction of new interactive digital trails to encourage people to explore the town centre and its heritage. The trails will feature augmented reality which means they will be able to ‘see into the past’ using a mobile phone app.
  • holding more events
  • digital signage to showcase local events and information
  • investment in Loughborough Markets including:
    • the creation of a ‘plaza’ area with seating, lighting, and planters. The space will give more flexibility to be able to hold different types of events
    • improvements to the infrastructure of the market to include cabins which can be used all year round and an extension of the electrical supply for market traders
    • addition of a covered area in Southfields Park to hold events
    • the expansion of CCTV cameras in four locations to improve public safety
    • the creation of a new post with Love Loughborough to support crime reduction in the town centre including the purchase of 100 new radios for traders as part of the retail radio scheme
    • more 1-2-1 support for businesses on topics including using digital technology and marketing
    • improvements to Queen’s Park including to the entrances from Granby Street and Granby Street car park, the addition of new information points, new lighting to the bandstand and improved lighting of the Carillon Tower.
    • the addition of a canopy over a paved area outside the café at Charnwood Museum with improved lighting and seating
    • the expansion of free public wi-fi in the town centre to include Ward’s End, Devonshire Square, Bedford Square and Queen’s Park
So far, Loughborough Town Deal has already invested nearly £2 million in Loughborough to create a Careers and Enterprise Hub and to support the regeneration of Bedford Square, Ward’s End and Devonshire Square. It has also committed:
  • £2.6 million to create a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College
  • £835,000 to help save Taylor’s Bell Foundry, the last major bell foundry in the UK
  • £885,000 to fund towpath improvements alongside the River Soar
  • £1.6 million to a creative arts hub at the Generator
  • £2.5 million to support the Health and Innovative Loughborough project
  • £280,000 towards the creation of a heritage locomotive works and education centre at Great Central Railway
  • £669,000 for the Lanes and Links project including the Hope Bell
With the confirmed funding for the Living Loughborough project, Loughborough Town Deal’s committed investment has now reached almost £15 million.
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