Work begins on transformation of iconic pub site
Work has started on the £1.5 million transformation of the former site of Lincoln’s famous Golden Cross pub, which closed in 2020.
Following the recent demolition of the old pub, the Gelder Group has embarked on a special housing project, after being awarded a contract by Framework Housing Association.
Although the building site is quite small, the Young People’s Learning Provision (YPLP) – which is part of the county council’s Children’s Services – has kindly allowed the company to park site traffic on their land. This has removed the need for additional traffic to be on the road, relieving potential congestion.
The new building will comprise 15 supported housing flats, which meet the Secured by Design accreditation. This is a police-preferred specification which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said: “We are delighted to be working on this project for several reasons. Obviously, winning this work was great news for team Gelder.
“It is also special to be transforming a site which, historically, had connections with Lincoln City Football Club. Being so close to City’s Sincil Bank ground, it was a natural watering hole for Red Imps’ fans.
“On a more serious note, we have also long admired the amazing work done by Framework, in supporting people who are homeless or at risk of being so. Also, it doesn’t stop there, because it also supports its ‘clients’ with their health, social care and employment needs.”
The building is due to be completed by March 2025.
Framework Director of Corporate Services, Dave Newmarch said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to help address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln with these purpose-built premises providing 15 self-contained, one-bed units for single homeless people.
“Framework is a registered charity and a registered provider of social housing and we have been providing services for homeless and vulnerable people in Lincolnshire since 2011.
“This new housing on the High Street will be our fifth major capital investment in Lincoln to provide good quality, purpose-built accommodation for people in need. It brings our total investment in the city to more than £9.6m and enables us to provide accommodation for more than 100 homeless people at any one time.
“With support from the City of Lincoln Council, the £2.65m project has been funded under the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme which provides homes and crucial support for people with high and enduring support needs, including rough sleepers.
“The government grant of £1.7m has been supplemented by a contribution from Framework itself worth £850,000.
“We are delighted to be working with the excellent Gelder Group – keeping the work in Lincolnshire and ensuring that the project is delivered to the high standards we wish to provide for the people we support.
“When the flats are occupied in spring 2025 residents will receive dedicated support from staff who will be on site 24/7 to address the issues that contributed to residents’ homelessness in the first place.”
Frasers Group acquires Doncaster Shopping Centre
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster.
The 770,000 sq ft retail centre is a major regional shopping destination welcoming over 16 million customers a year.
The shopping centre is a key part of the retail offer within Doncaster town centre and the South Yorkshire region, with major high street tenants, including Next, H&M and TK Maxx.
The deal facilities the opportunity to more than triple the Sports Direct store size to over 35,000 sq ft and provide customers with access to other brands from the Frasers Group ecosystem including USC, GAME and Evans Cycles.
Michael Murray, Chief Executive, Frasers Group, said: “The acquisition of Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to investing into brick-and-mortar.
“Acquiring property in key trading locations to unlock new opportunities for our retail and leisure businesses, such as Sports Direct, Everlast Gyms, Frasers and FLANNELS, is a key
priority.
“We are committed to re-inventing retail and injecting new life into high streets across the UK to bring the very best brands, environment, and experience to customers across the country.”
Frasers Group was advised by CBRE on this acquisition.
Senior partner appointed at GSSArchitecture
Kettering-headquartered architecture practice, GSSArchitecture, has appointed Jonathan Hunter as senior partner, following the retirement of Tom Lyons in June.
Jonathan has been part of GSS for over 23 years, having first joined in 2001 as a graduate architectural technologist. He soon progressed through the company, gaining promotion to associate in 2007 and then partner in 2010.
Jonathan has been central to the growth of the practice over recent years. Building on established relationships in the Midlands, Jonathan has built and nurtured strategically important long-term relationships with key clients across Yorkshire and the Northeast.
In 2009 Jonathan had the vision to establish an office in Yorkshire to provide a stronger, locally focussed service to clients in the region. Continuing to enhance the practice’s reputation, he then went on grow the business in the Northeast, opening a Newcastle studio in 2016.
Both studios have gone from strength to strength under Jonathan’s direction. The Yorkshire team has recently moved into central Leeds while the Newcastle team has moved into larger premises, to accommodate their sustained growth and strengthen their offering in both regions.
Jonathan has also been directly responsible for delivering many large-scale developments throughout his career to date. Across a range of sectors, projects include the Catalyst at Newcastle Helix and more recently the £500m masterplanning of the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood in partnership with Newcastle University and Genr8/Kajima JV.
As senior partner, Jonathan will maintain his focus on continued growth at a national level. He will utilise his extensive technical knowledge and cross-sector experience to set the strategic direction for the practice at all six of its office locations and will build on the foundations laid by previous partners delivering high-quality, sustainable architecture for clients.
Throughout his time at GSS, Jonathan has worked side-by-side with Ian Bray, and this relationship will continue with Ian Bray remaining as the practice’s managing partner.
Ian Bray said: “We have been planning for Tom’s retirement for the past few years to ensure we have a robust succession plan and management structure in place to deliver a seamless transition for our clients and teams. I have every confidence in Jonathan as he continues to drive the practice forward in his new role.”
Jonathan said: “I’m really excited about the future! We have a fantastic team at GSS, full of dedicated and creative people who are at the heart of what we do. There are many exciting opportunities for us to grow the business together, building on our history, substantial experience and by driving innovation.
“Stepping into this new role as senior partner is an honour. I have a duty to do my best for this practice and to represent every member of our extensive team in the best possible way. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I hope to do the team proud during my time in post.”
Timms Solicitors expand in Burton to pave way for team growth
Timms Solicitors have moved into larger offices in Burton-upon-Trent to pave the way for further team growth.
The firm, which also has offices in Derby, Swadlincote and Ashby, have moved to fully refurbished offices at Anson Court in Horninglow Street in a deal handled by commercial property consultancy, Salloway.
Managing partner Fiona Moffat said: “We have been established in Burton for many years and had outgrown our previous offices in the town centre.
“We were keen to remain on the ‘high street’ in Burton and were particularly drawn to how Anson Court has been sympathetically restored from its industrial heritage. This therefore echoes the investment we made in Derby with our move to the restored St Michael’s Church in the Cathedral Quarter.
“Anson Court gives us the contemporary and flexible space to grow our teams and we are particularly grateful to the property owners and to Simon Walker at Salloways for helping us to establish the letting and move on schedule.
“We are keen to begin introducing our clients to the new office, as the space provides a great look and feel and reflects how we see ourselves as a business. The building is also really easy to find and with ample car parking to improve accessibility for our clients.”
Emma Thacker, Director of Ednaston Investments, continued: “We are delighted to welcome Timms Solicitors to Anson Court, the award winning, go-to boutique office destination in the thriving Midlands Golden Triangle.
“As a leading national business hub for tech, new media, healthcare and professional services, Timms are setting the pace for the ‘Next Thirty’ years and affirm our commitment to well-managed, sustainable heritage buildings.
“Stunning original features of this former brewery provide a unique backdrop for exciting contemporary workspace, reflecting Timms leading edge philosophy with a traditional approach.”
Simon Walker, commercial property surveyor at Salloway, concludes: “Making the decision to relocate a business to new premises is often a difficult one, with so many factors needing to be considered.
“I have been working closely with Timms for some time in helping them to find the right property solution to match their brief. As soon as I knew 3 Anson Court was going to be re-let, I contacted Timms straight away and set up a viewing as I believed the office space and location would tick a lot of boxes for them.”
Rowleys welcomes new tax partner
Rowleys, a Leicester-based accountancy firm, has appointed Clare Clifford as its new Tax Partner. Clare, a respected Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, brings a wealth of experience to the firm.
Clare Clifford joins Rowleys from Azets, where she was a Partner and Head of Tax for the Midlands. With a career that began in accountancy and evolved to specialise in tax, Clare’s expertise spans a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, farming, and healthcare.
She has a proven track record of working with owner-managed businesses, family companies, individuals, and large international organisations, advising on both personal and corporate tax matters.
“I am excited to join Rowleys, a firm that truly values building strong, personal relationships with its clients,” says Clare.
“I look forward to working with the team to provide tailored tax solutions that help our clients achieve their financial goals. It’s great being back in the East Midlands, where I live and have long-standing professional relationships.”
Clare is particularly passionate about working with owner-managed businesses and developing lasting relationships with families to help them achieve tax efficiency.
Tom Copson, Managing Partner at Rowleys, says: “We are delighted to welcome Clare to our team. Her extensive experience and client-focused approach are invaluable assets as we continue to grow and enhance the services we offer. Clare’s approach aligns perfectly with Rowleys’ commitment to providing a personable and bespoke service to its clients.”
Blueprint Interiors appoints award-winning project designer
Blueprint Interiors, a workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, has appointed award-winning designer Jed Salmon as a project designer.
With a BA in Interior Architecture & Design and recognition as Mix Interiors’ 30 under 30 Interior Designer in 2023, Jed brings expertise in designing hospitality-inspired workspaces to enhance employee experience.
Having recently supported a project that achieved the SKA Gold Rating, Jed will support Blueprint Interiors’ increased focus on sustainability in workplace design.
This appointment underscores Blueprint’s commitment to fostering innovative and inspiring workspaces that cater to the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Jed’s experience in designing office spaces with a hospitality-inspired twist aligns with Blueprint’s mission to create functional and inviting human-centric workplaces that boost employee engagement, company culture, and overall wellbeing.
Commenting on his appointment, Jed said: “As soon as I met the team, I knew this was the perfect place for me. Blueprint’s company value of ‘love what you do’ and their dedication to creative office design really sets them apart from the competition. I’m excited to contribute my skills to design sustainable workspaces that inspire and empower people.”
Chloe Sproston, creative director at Blueprint Interiors, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Jed to the team. His design talent, combined with his experience and passion for creating human-centric workspaces, aligns perfectly with our core values. We’re confident he will play a key role in delivering exceptional design solutions for our people-focused clients.”
Immigration law firm expands further with capital investment
Nottingham-headquartered UK immigration law firm, OTB Legal, is spreading its wings once more – this time with a new office in London. The firm will be based from Uncommon in Liverpool Street, in East London.
The move follows OTB Legal’s recent opening of a Manchester office to support its clients in the north-west.
Offering expert legal advice and support from sponsor licences and skilled worker Visas to spouse Visas and citizenship, OTB Legal has grown consistently from its Chase Park headquarters just outside Nottingham.
Now, the firm is ready to make the major move into the capital, as Director Sally McEwan explains.
“We’re thrilled to announce OTB Legal’s expansion to London, a milestone that aligns perfectly with our vision for the future,” she said.
Sally added: “London, as a global hub, presents an incredible opportunity to extend our expert legal services to a wider audience at a time when the demand for top-tier immigration and business law advice is soaring.
“This move enables us to provide even more responsive, innovative, and client-focused solutions, meeting the needs of our clients in this dynamic and fast-paced environment.”
Cost pressures and weaker than anticipated sales see profit warning at Shoe Zone
Shoe Zone, the Leicester-based shoe retailer, has issued a profit warning following continued cost pressures and weaker than anticipated sales.
The business says it has continued to experience cost pressures associated with container prices due to a reduction in the supply of shipping vessels and the continuation of a reroute away from the Suez Canal. As a result, container prices have risen significantly over the last six months.
Alongside an increase in shipping costs, the company has experienced weaker than expected Spring Summer sales from April to June, due to unseasonal weather conditions.
As a result, the company now expects adjusted profit before tax for the financial year ending 2 October 2024 to be not less than £10m, compared to more than £16m in the year prior.
Consultation extended on National Grid power line proposals for Derbyshire
National Grid is extending its public consultation on its proposals to build a new 60-kilometre, high voltage electricity power line running between a new substation at Chesterfield and an existing substation at Willington.
The public consultation has been extended until 11:59pm on Tuesday, 17 September 2024 to give people additional time to have their say and provide feedback.
National Grid says building a new power line between Chesterfield and Willington will increase the capacity in the centre of the country, enabling cleaner, greener energy to be carried around the network, benefiting homes and businesses in Derbyshire and beyond, and supporting the UK’s offshore wind and net zero targets.
Leanne Evans, Project Director for Chesterfield to Willington, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for taking part in our consultation so far, your comments and feedback are invaluable in helping to refine our proposals for this important development.
“Feedback previously submitted during this consultation remains valid, but if you haven’t yet done so, please do get involved, visit our website and find out more.”
Mexican food chain chooses Nottingham for second UK mainland eatery
Mexican brand Boojum is planning to open a second UK mainland restaurant in Nottingham this autumn.
The news comes hot on the heels of the opening of its Leeds eatery, which launched in April this year.
The new 2,377 sq ft restaurant will be located on Lower Parliament Street, opposite the Victoria Centre in Nottingham city centre, close to the Nottingham Trent University Campus. It will create 25 local jobs and have seating for 42 diners.
Established in 2007 in Belfast, Boojum has 17 outlets across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK mainland. The Nottingham operation will be its 18th eatery.
Boojum CEO, David Maxwell, said: “We are hugely excited to be launching our second UK mainland operation. We have been overwhelmed with the huge success of our Leeds launch with customers loving our energetic and vibrant atmosphere and are looking forward to creating more ‘Boojum addicts’ in Nottingham.”
Boojum operations director, Rob Powell added: “Boojum Nottingham marks the next phase in our national expansion strategy, which will see us open 25 new stores over the next five years.
“A lot of love goes into what we do, with a huge passion and commitment for quality and the best tasting Mexican food. Nottingham is an ideal fit for us with its eclectic student population and a vibrant and diverse culture and we can’t wait to bring the Boojum vibes to the city’s food offering.”
