An application to extend a housing scheme at Cork Lane, Glen Parva, has been approved by Blaby District Council’s planning committee. Developers Vistry are already working on the site after permission for a 165-home scheme was granted on appeal in January 2023 by a government planning inspector. This latest proposal for Phase II, featuring 26 homes, was recommended for approval due to this being an existing development. It will be at the south-western corner of the site continuing the line of planned houses. Conditions have been imposed to ensure disturbance is limited for existing residents living nearby. Lessons learned from the initial works will be taken on board by the developer when Phase II begins. Ground preparation works, including piling, on the first phase have caused concerns among some neighbours. The piling is necessary to provide stable foundations as the area is a former landfill site. Blaby District Council continues to act on these concerns and officers are actively monitoring the site to ensure all actions are within specified national guidelines. At a recent meeting between Vistry, Council officers and local Councillors, Vistry agreed to look at a series of extra mitigation measures for the current works. They also agreed to provide further information on dust sampling and piling work and liaise more closely with local Councillors and residents to keep everyone informed. A more detailed plan of action is expected from them within the next few days. The regional managing director from Vistry has also sent a letter to local residents recognising the disruption, thanking them for their patience and providing contact details for residents to raise issues. Councillor Lee Breckon, Chairman of the planning committee, said: “While we recognise there has been concern from local residents about the development at Cork Lane, the main housing scheme is progressing. As such we have approved the extension to the scheme. We will continue to work with Vistry to minimise disruption and act in the best interests of residents.”

Construction works to protect and enhance the Grade II* Listed buildings and onsite museum at Taylor’s Bellfoundry in Loughborough – the last bellfoundry of its kind in Britain – are now complete. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Loughborough Town Deal, alongside other Trusts and Foundations, private donors, organisations and communities, the project has been led by the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, working in partnership with the bellfounding firm of John Taylor and Company. In a remarkable triumph for British heritage conservation, the completion of works means the bellfoundry is now saved from closure and can continue its centuries-old craft of casting and restoring bells. The construction works have seen the restoration and modernisation of the Bellfoundry buildings and the redevelopment of the site’s museum. The new museum will give visitors a glimpse into the world of bellfounding and provides an educational experience for all ages, safeguarding the bellfoundry’s legacy for generations to come.

The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust was set up in 2016, when a small group of passionate individuals from the bell-ringing community came together to rescue the bellfoundry. Their collective determination saw the start of a 10-year journey to restore and safeguard it. Taylor’s Bellfoundry – which was built in 1859 and is on the edge of Loughborough town centre – has cast more than 25,000 bells which are located in over 100 countries. Bells from the foundry hang in famous landmarks including London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, the Washington National Cathedral in the US capital, Australia’s National Carillon in Canberra, and South Africa’s Cape Town City Hall. Following a tender process, construction works commenced in spring 2023 by specialist heritage conservation firm Messenger BCR, working alongside architects Caroe, who drew up the comprehensive plans to restore the Victorian site. Other specialists involved included exhibition designers Redman Design and museum retail experts cre8. Phase one of the programme of works included the stripping out of the existing museum, removing internal walls – which were added to the bellfoundry in the 80s – and replacing the leaking roof. Accessibility for all was a key objective of the renovation, with a lift and disabled and baby changing toilets now installed. Phase two of the project started earlier this year and saw the reconfiguration and improvement of the company archive room – which is home to an extensive working archive with documents dating back to the late-18th century, offices, and board room which is now available to hire as a meeting space for outside organisations and community groups. Further works included the restoration of the original historic entrance to the site, used by generations of the Taylor family, and the relandscaping of the Carillon Courtyard for visitors to explore and enjoy the grounds upon arrival. The museum has had a complete transformation. Its increased footprint will enable more visitors to explore the history, craftsmanship and engineering that has made the bellfoundry a world leader in bell-making. It now features an accessible, multi-function activity room and provides an interactive and inclusive experience to visitors of all ages.

There are two primary spaces to explore within the museum. Firstly, a ground floor timeline detailing the history of both the bellfoundry and the art of bellfounding. Secondly, the Patternmaker’s Gallery, which displays a series of objects that have been recovered from existing foundry spaces, located in the original patternmaking workshop. Throughout the museum, visitors will have the opportunity to touch and handle objects, making it an immersive and authentic experience for families, schools, bell enthusiasts and history lovers. Trustee of Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, Andrew Wilby, said: “First and foremost, thank you to our funders, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery players who make these funding pots possible. The Loughborough Town Deal, and the many passionate personal donors who supported us – it was incredibly humbling to see the number of people who cared about the bellfoundry and wanted to help protect this important part of British history. “The trustees and I are elated that we have come to the end of our epic 10-year journey. Our aim to restore, enhance and protect the bellfoundry is now complete – and not only is it safe and secure – we now have a modern and engaging new museum which will pass on the history, importance and the magic of this place to people of all ages for many years to come. “A final acknowledgement and thanks to the volunteers who are the life and soul of the bellfoundry and have been a major contributor to this project. Not only will we be able to welcome many more visitors than ever before, and we encourage everyone to come and visit us, the completion of these works means there are now more volunteering opportunities at the Bellfoundry for those who are passionate about bells, heritage and culture.” Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s fantastic that the new Taylor’s Bellfoundry heritage experience is now open to the public, after the extensive redevelopment and renovations to the site’s Grade II* listed buildings. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that we were able to award this project with a grant of £3.7 million, ensuring that this important part of Loughborough’s unique heritage can be preserved, and its story shared for many generations to come.” Martin Traynor OBE, chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said: “Loughborough is known around the world thanks to Taylor’s bells and I am so pleased the work to preserve the bellfoundry has been completed. It is fantastic to see the difference that they have made. “This is a historic industry, not just in Loughborough but in the whole of the UK and it is so important that the Town Deal has been able to support a project to secure its future. “The bellfoundry will now be able to look ahead and keep this wonderful bell-making tradition alive in Loughborough for decades to come and encourage visitors to come to the town and visit its rich history.” The National Lottery Heritage Fund provided a grant of £3.7 million to the bellfoundry thanks to National Lottery players, plus match-funding which brought the total project value to £6.5 million. £835,000 was awarded to the bellfoundry from the Loughborough Town Deal as part of its £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund, to boost skills and support the visitor economy and the town centre of Loughborough. To mark and celebrate the opening of its new heritage experience and to thank all involved, the Trust recently hosted a launch event at the bellfoundry. Messenger BCR, Caroe and all other construction partners were invited, as were special guests including members of the Taylor family, representatives from Loughborough Town Deal and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Dr Jeevun Sandher MP, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE – Mayor of Charnwood, Bishop of Loughborough, Bishop Saju Muthalaly, and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Colonol Murray Colville, TD DL. Now a thriving hub of activity once again, the bellfoundry is still producing some of the finest bells in the world and it will continue to be a vital cultural asset to British industrial heritage and industry. Taylor’s Bellfoundry also known as John Taylor’s Bellfoundry, or simply Taylor’s, is the last major bellfoundry in Britain and Commonwealth.

Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments’ £30m proposals for the redevelopment of one of the final plots of vacant land within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter have been approved by the City Council’s Planning Committee. 195 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments will be delivered at the Full Street site, within a u-shaped nine-storey red brick building. The 0.2Ha site is bounded by Full Street to the west and the River Derwent to the east. Measuring approximately 50m wide by 50m long, the site was previously occupied by a police station, which was constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. Designed by Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects, the apartment scheme has been carefully considered to respond to the historic riverside setting. Phase One of Wilson Bowden’s Full Street development was completed in 2016. It includes the refurbishment of the Riverside Chambers office complex, delivery of 46 new apartments at Number One Cathedral Green, and a Premier Inn hotel. Prior to it being replanned and brought forward by Birmingham-based Wavensmere Homes, this remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for a speculative office development of up to 100,000 sq ft. James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This challenging brownfield site, which has lain vacant for over a decade, occupies one of the best locations within Derby city centre and benefits from rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent. “The City Council’s planning committee took on board how our plans reflect stakeholder feedback and are within the confines of the extant office planning permission. Receiving the go-ahead will help Derby to meet the high demand for new homes – and improve its Five Year Housing Land Supply. “As with nearby Nightingale Quarter and Friar Gate Goods Yard, we will construct an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location. By appropriately densifying this derelict brownfield site, we will create highly energy-efficient homes for well over 200 people, who will then spend their time and circa £5m of disposable income per year locally. “Prior to that, our construction programme will generate around 150 jobs. We look forward to continuing to work with Derby City Council to prepare for a start on site as soon as are able to.” The new apartment scheme will benefit from a waterside location, with views of the 16th Century Derby Cathedral and its 212ft tower. Also lying adjacent to the site is the Museum of Making at the restored Derby Silk Mill, which re-opened to the public in 2021. Wavensmere’s plans for Full Street have been sensitively designed to complete the jigsaw of this prime Derby city centre site by providing dual aspect landscaped public realm over Cathedral Green, whilst enhancing activity at street level. In addition to the apartments, 2,000 sq ft of mixed-use space will be accommodated at ground floor level to overlook Cathedral Green and Full Street, providing an active frontage. A range of uses are earmarked for this space, including a new café and high-quality residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone, and concierge point. The top/ninth floor is set-back by 1.5m to create full roof terraces for nine duplex homes. All plots overlooking Cathedral Green and the River Derwent will benefit from fully glazed cantilevered balconies. The scheme will also feature two communal staircases, courtyard car parking provision and secure bicycle spaces. The latest green energy features will be incorporated into the design for the new homes, to deliver a high EPC rating, whilst exceeding the new Part L building regulations. The highly sustainable new development will utilise low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation via roof mounted solar PV panels. Matthew Branton, Managing Director of Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Throughout the design process, our team has been conscious of the need for this unique development to carefully close the wider urban block and positively front Full Street, Cathedral Green and the waterside, improving the safety, attractiveness, and animation of the adjacent public areas. “Our context led approach to the layered facade design incorporates quality detailing and a refined material palette, whilst paying homage to the surrounding architecture and heritage assets – ensuring the Cathedral is always the star of the show. We are thrilled to have worked with Wavensmere Homes to deliver this terrific result for the Cathedral Quarter and people of Derby.”

The doors to Dock 3–5 in Space City have officially opened, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, on October 2. The premium managed workspace stakes its ground in the Space City Enterprise Zone and is proud to foster Leicester’s low-carbon hub for high-tech, knowledge-based industries and innovative businesses. The hub will support enterprises and enable job creation, promoting the development of a thriving community of cutting-edge companies in Leicester. Inaugural tenants include Kazzoo IT Solutions, Somerbys IT, IN Focus ITS, Employee Zero, World Products, Translatr, Impact Venture, and The VoIP Shop. Applications are open to other companies associated with the downstream space sector, high tech, sustainability and innovation, or supporting companies. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby delivered a speech, welcoming new tenants and congratulating the project team. He commended the hub’s potential to drive economic growth and innovation in the region. Dock 3 – 5 has been designed sympathetically and with sustainability at their foundation. The buildings are net carbon zero, no oil and gas is used on site, and all heating is powered by electricity only. A sustainable drainage system and ecological considerations such as bird boxes, retention of established trees, and reduced external lighting to minimise disruption to local wildlife like bats, were key considerations in the design. The design also maximises flexibility of accommodation with the office buildings, which speaks to its forward-thinking ethos. They are designed to operate independently whilst still ensuring that occupiers feel integrated into the overall building. Offices in Dock 3 and Dock 4 can be combined, providing scalability for businesses to expand as they grow and need more space. When these buildings are fully occupied there will be over 120 businesses with more than 600 employees working in these five Dock buildings. The Dock 3-5 expansion follows a cohesive campus-style design, visually in line with the adjacent Dock 1 and Dock 2 units. The project reflects a consistent approach to sustainability, aligning with Leicester City Council’s commitment to achieving net carbon zero goals. The development is part of the Council’s efforts to regenerate the area. It attracted significant investment from the Levelling Up Fund to deliver Dock 3, 4 and 5. Leicester-based firm Brackley Property Developments served as the development partner, with construction carried out by county-based Wilten Construction Ltd. Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor, said: “The Dock expansion marks an exciting milestone in Leicester’s sustainable economic development. We’re not just supporting local businesses and job creation; we’re also paving the way for long-term regeneration in Leicester. “This project is a testament to the council’s proactivity in fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth within – and most importantly for – our community. I’m excited to see the impact it will have on the region.” Crystal Carter, workspace development manager at Dock, adds: “After months of hard work, we’re so pleased to see this ribbon finally cut and the doors officially open. Dock 3–5 represents the future of managed workspaces, where innovative businesses can grow while contributing to Leicester’s drive toward net zero and a more sustainable future. “Both economically and environmentally. We’re excited to welcome a new set of companies to this vibrant community, which is a testament to the success of what we’ve built with Dock 1-2. Please speak to us if you want to join the community.”