Green light granted for A38 Derby Junctions upgrade

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Green light granted for A38 Derby Junctions upgrade
National Highways’ plans to improve congestion at three bottlenecks on the A38 around Derby have been given the go-ahead.
The Government has given the formal green light by granting a Development Consent Order for the project, which will see journeys improved by upgrading the roundabouts at Kingsway, Markeaton and Little Eaton. National Highways’ proposals were initially granted consent in January 2021. Following a legal challenge and a High Court ruling that the decision be quashed, the application has undergone a thorough redetermination process.   Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We continue to invest to improve our roads in the East Midlands and across the country, which will help create jobs, grow the economy and reduce congestion. “We have allocated £24bn in funding to ensure we have a road network that is safe, reliable and well-maintained whilst implementing our clear plan to reach net zero.” National Highways Regional Delivery Director Anita Prashar said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement which means we have successfully achieved a major milestone on the project to improve the A38 round Derby for the thousands of people who use the route each day.  “The A38 is an important route from Birmingham to the M1 at junction 28. Where it passes through Derby, long distance traffic interacts with a large volume of vehicles making local journeys resulting in congestion and delays. Our upgrade will change that. “This vital work will deliver much-needed additional capacity, providing better connectivity for people and businesses and safer journeys for everyone.  “Whilst we still need to get final approval to start construction, we will begin to remobilise and reprogramme the project, which could take a minimum of 12 months.   “We look forward to continuing to work with our customers and local stakeholders as we take the project forward.”  The A38 Derby Junctions scheme will reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability by upgrading the: 
  • A38/A5111 Kingsway roundabout;
  • A38/A52 Markeaton roundabout; and
  • A38/A61 Little Eaton roundabout
It is said the project will also help facilitate regional development and growth in Derby City and the surrounding area, improve safety for all road users and for those people living near the junctions and it will connect people by maintaining existing facilities or providing new means for cyclists, pedestrians and disabled users to cross the road.  There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.

Artist impressions unveiled for Kirkby gateway site

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Artist impressions unveiled for Kirkby gateway site
Ashfield District Council has revealed artist impressions of a new destination pub and function space near Kirkby train station. The pub would be situated on the land next to the car park at the train station. Plans for the site will help regenerate the west side of Kirkby by introducing new modern facilities and opportunities for business which will encourage more external investment into the town. The pub will provide much-needed outdoor seating areas in that part of town, as well as seating inside. The design of the building reflects the industrial heritage of the site, celebrating the history of the railway and its workers, whilst creating a modern space that welcomes people into Kirkby. The plans are just one of the Council’s 16 projects being funded by their £62.6million Towns Fund. Other Towns Fund projects that have already been released include the boathouse at Kings Mill Reservoir, the Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre at Sherwood Observatory, redesign of Portland Square, and the Enterprising Ashfield project. Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “This project is a unique opportunity for the Council to kickstart the regeneration of Kirkby. The location of this project will allow us to create a destination building that provides a gateway entrance to Kirkby town centre for people entering from the West. “The Wyvern Club currently call the site their home, and the Council is in conversation with the club about this project which supports the continued social and railway heritage the site adds to the town. “They are supportive of our plans, and we have been looking at options to support the future of their club at the site, or at a new venue. Later this year we will be running an open tender process for a tenant to run the new pub which will be open to anyone who is interested. “Our Towns Fund projects all centre around the Council creating a new identity for Ashfield, creating new opportunities for the residents, and allowing our town centres to prosper.”

Charity completes refurb at former Chesterfield register office

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Charity completes refurb at former Chesterfield register office
The refurbishment of the former Chesterfield register office, based in a prominent town centre location has now been completed. Charity Derwent Rural Counselling Service (DRCS), one of the largest third-sector providers of counselling services in the region, has undertaken the total refurbishment of the building on New Beetwell Street. The three-storey centre, which will be officially opened with a launch event on September 22, has become DRCS’s new Chesterfield base and includes office space, numerous treatment and consulting rooms, meeting rooms and relaxation space to help cope with the increased demand for DRCS services in the area. DRCS Trustees were taken on a tour of the building ahead of the therapists moving in from mid-August. The building also offers options for businesses to rent rooms and floorspace, with disabled access via a new state-of-the-art lift. Janette Smeeton, Chief Executive at DRCS, said: “This has been a huge project for our team and one of the most important in the charity’s 30-year history. The need for mental health services has never been greater as people struggle post Covid, with the pressures of work and family, and challenging economic times. “This will be one of the largest talking therapy centres in the county and we look forward to welcoming people to our new centre, served by our team of experienced therapists.” Mark Serby, chair of DRCS Trustees, added: “The building is fantastic. Not only has DRCS brought an empty facility back to community use, but it has created a valuable asset for people and businesses in the region to access on their journey to wellness and well-being.” The Beetwell Street hub is part of ambitious plans for DRCS which operates a large team of freelance and employed staff based at seven centres across the county covering the Amber Valley, Erewash, Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne, Derby, Swadlincote and the Peak District. Over the last 30 years, DRCS, which can be accessed via self-referral or through a GP, has offered talking therapies for common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and long-term conditions through pathways including counselling, CBT and guided self-help. In the last eight years, DRCS has been in partnership with Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to deliver the NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression service, throughout Derbyshire.

Tuntum names new Chief Executive

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Tuntum names new Chief Executive
Charmaine Simei will be the new Chief Executive of Tuntum Housing Association, succeeding Richard Renwick MBE who is due to retire in the autumn after almost three decades in the post.   Ms Simei is currently director of customer experience and communities at Longhurst Group and brings more than 25 years of experience in social housing and related fields including 12 years in senior leadership roles. Voted Professional of the Year at the Women in Housing Awards 2021, she is a board member for Communities that Work, the national voice of housing providers who support residents and communities into employment. She is also a former chair of the Centre of Excellence Community Investment East of England network and co-chair of HACT’s Racial Equality Group, having been a long-serving mentor for the Housing Diversity Network.  Tuntum is one of the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing providers in the UK. Founded in 1988, the association owns and manages over 1,600 homes in 12 local authority areas across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire.  Charmaine Simei said: “It is an honour to be appointed to lead Tuntum. The association has a strong reputation as a community-based social housing provider with a proven ability to explore and generate new partnerships rooted in diversity. “This reflects my own career background and skill set, coupled with my deep personal commitment to uniting people and making a positive difference to everyday lives. I feel privileged to follow in Richard’s footsteps. He has done so much for Tuntum and the communities it serves.” Junior Hemans, Tuntum chair, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Charmaine as our new Chief Executive. She was the outstanding candidate and is a perfect fit for the role. “I also wish to pay tribute to Richard who is retiring after spending 29 years growing and sustaining Tuntum. His dedication to the association, always true to the values that inform everything we do, will never be forgotten.” Richard Renwick MBE, Tuntum Chief Executive, said: “I am proud to hand over the leadership baton to Charmaine. Her many talents and record of achievement in initiatives promoting social justice and economic resilience are well established, alongside a capacity for teambuilding. “These are skills that will serve her and Tuntum well in the years ahead. I wish her every success in the role.”    Ms Simei will take up her new position in October.

Visuals of Derby riverside site released for consultation

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Visuals of Derby riverside site released for consultation

Wavensmere Homes in partnership with Wilson Bowden Developments have released computer generated images of how one of the final plots of development land within Derby’s newly revitalised Cathedral Quarter could look, if the green light is given for the derelict site to be redeveloped.

A public consultation process has been launched for Cathedral One, welcoming local opinions on the proposed plans.

Located off Full Street, the site was previously occupied by a police station, which was constructed in the 1960s and demolished in 2013. 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.

The remaining parcel of land had been earmarked for an office development of up to 100,000 sq ft, but it will now be brought forward by Wavensmere Homes for an apartment scheme, benefiting from a location along the River Derwent, 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. The Cathedral One residential development proposals are designed to complete the jigsaw of this prime Derby city centre location, enhance the street scene and increase footfall and activity.

Nottingham-based Franklin Ellis Architects has drawn up plans for a red brick apartment building, inspired by the traditional architecture and heritage assets within the vicinity. 189 one- and two-bedroom apartments are proposed within a u-shaped building that rises to nine storeys.

3,000 sq ft of mixed-use space has been 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 residential facilities such as a gymnasium, co-working zone, and concierge point.

James Dickens, Managing Director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This site is one of the best located within Derby city centre, with rich views of the Cathedral Quarter and the River Derwent. It has been vacant for 10 years and there is now an opportunity to create an exemplary development, reflective of the prime gateway location.

“The designs we are now seeking public opinion on could help towards Derby City Council’s housing targets by appropriately densifying a derelict brownfield site within this prized and popular part of the city.

“The fine architectural detailing and refined material palette is designed to ensure the Cathedral is always the star of the show, while creating Derby’s most sought-after apartment development. We look forward to engaging with local people during the consultation process.”

The Cathedral One plans include 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 enable a high EPC rating to be targeted, whilst exceeding the new Part L building regulations.

Cathedral One will promote sustainable development through the use of low carbon materials, modern methods of construction, and renewable energy generation via a vast amount of roof mounted solar PV panels.

Flex office operator acquires new site

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Flex office operator acquires new site
Derby flex office provider Cubo has continued its drive into the north of England with the acquisition of a new 20,000 sq ft workspace in Newcastle city centre. Leases have been exchanged on the top two floors of Bank House on Pilgrim Street in the heart of the city centre. Bank House is the first phase of a major new 750,000 sq ft scheme which will incorporate new Grade A offices, including the new HMRC super-hub for the North East region. The site will also include a five-star hotel, a new public square and a significant destination food and beverage quarter. The new building marks the first acquisition for Cubo in the North East. Earlier this year, Cubo announced plans to almost double its footprint nationally by the end of 2023; a growth strategy backed by investment firm Literacy Capital. The flex office provider currently operates in seven locations across the UK in cities including Leeds, Birmingham, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and Edinburgh. A new site in Manchester has recently been announced and second sites in Birmingham and Nottingham are set to be launched shortly. The new Newcastle space will officially open its doors towards the end of the year. Marc Brough, CEO at Cubo, said: “Plans to roll-out the Cubo brand nationally continue at pace and we are excited to launch our first flex office space in this fantastic location in Newcastle city centre. “The space has been meticulously chosen because of the city’s rich history, its vibrant culture and the building’s city centre location. With its unrivalled location within the exciting Pilgrim Street development, it will be the ideal home for many growing businesses. “The new space continues our rapid expansion and reinforces our commitment to opening in the very best locations across all the UK’s core cities.” Tony Wordsworth, director at Avison Young, joint letting agent for Bank House alongside Knight Frank, said: “We are excited to welcome our fifth tenant to Bank House and very much look forward to Cubo launching its unique offer later this year. “Following lettings to DAC Beachcroft, Lycetts, Barclays and Oliver Wyman, over 55,000 sq ft has been let at Bank House within only three months of the building’s launch. Thanks to our deal with Cubo, the building will be able to accommodate a wider range of occupiers and we believe the business is a great fit for Bank House.”

Applaud and connect with the region’s property and construction leaders at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023

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Applaud and connect with the region’s property and construction leaders at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023
Taking place on Thursday 28 September, the prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime occasion to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks. With plenty of time for networking, the stand-out event in the business calendar will also feature Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council, as keynote speaker. To book tickets for the awards event, which will run from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, please click here. Following last year’s glittering awards ceremony, Nick Sanderson, director at RammSanderson, said: “I thought the event was a great success. A lovely setting at Trent Bridge and the more relaxed yet still official format of the event meant it provided an open and enthusiastic atmosphere for networking.”

Nominations close Thursday 31 August

With only a short time remaining until nominations close for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, don’t miss out on the opportunity to reward the hard work of your team, showcase your successes, promote your business and enhance its commercial reach. To nominate your (or another) business/development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023, please click on a category link below or visit this page:
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000. Find out who last year’s winners were here.
East Midlands Bricks Awards 2023 When: Thursday 28 September 2023, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing at Leicester City Council Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available here Connect with property and construction professionals over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region! Thanks to our sponsors:                                                             To be held at:

Tourism in Nottinghamshire shows continued growth as value of local visitor economy smashes through £2bn mark

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Tourism in Nottinghamshire shows continued growth as value of local visitor economy smashes through £2bn mark
New data shows that tourism in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire enjoyed a record spend in 2022 as the value of the local visitor economy smashed through the £2 billion mark, demonstrating remarkable growth and resilience following the pandemic, despite a tough economic backdrop. The report, formulated by Global Tourism Solutions using its STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) model, was commissioned as a joint project by Visit Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire County, Nottingham City, Mansfield, and Newark and Sherwood councils. Adjusted for inflation, the economic impact of the visitor economy is significant, contributing £2.051 billion to the region and supporting over 20,500 jobs. The value of the visitor economy grew by 15.6% compared to 2021, indicating a strong recovery from the COVID-19 period, and was up by £72m (3.6%) compared to 2019. Visitor numbers have also continued strong growth from the year 2021, growing from around 28.87m to 32.97m (14.2%). Annette Thornley, Business Development Manager at Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “The positive trends revealed by the STEAM Data are a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenging economic conditions. “We have a fantastic tourism offering in the city and county and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors new and old to the region.” Laura Simpson, Visitor Economy Manager for Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “A new era is dawning for the visitor economy across the city and the county. We have begun a journey of working together to collect and analyse the data we need in order to inform our current and future planning. “Our Nottinghamshire spirit has shown we can recover from the most challenging of circumstances. It is fundamental that we continue to build a Visitor Economy that is resilient, sustainable and agile enough to be able to respond to any future opportunities and challenges that may arise from changing market demands.” Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “Nottinghamshire has so much to offer and this data proves just that. Here in Newark and Sherwood we have a wealth of history and culture as well as a wide ranging shopping for visitors to choose from. “Whether you’re visiting the legendary Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, getting a bite to eat in one of the amazing independent eateries in Southwell or stepping back in history by visiting Newark Castle and the National Civil War Centre, the district has something for everyone. “We’ve played an important part in supporting our visitor economy across the district, such as supporting businesses to apply for funding, providing valuable business training for traders and organising an exciting family focused marketing campaign called ‘Happy Families’ to encourage shoppers to visit our independent stores across the district. “Work to unlock the full potential of Newark Castle and our Newark Cultural Heart programme, part of the Towns Fund Deal, will look at boosting the town centre offering of Newark even further. We’re also looking to secure more funding for areas in Sherwood to improve the visitor offer there too.” Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams said: “These figures are encouraging and support our aim to encourage more people to visit this district and grow our local economy as part of our Destination Mansfield agenda. “This year has been the best yet for events in the district including our first Caribbean carnival, the first Mansfield Film Festival, along with the increasingly popular learning disability Onefest, Armed Forces Day, Party in the Market and Summer Festival. “Our £3m investment to transform Berry Hill Park into a Destination Park will continue to put Mansfield on the map.” Cllr Steve Battlemuch, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth, Economic Development & Property at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s very promising to see this strong data and continued growth for the tourism sector in the STEAM report. “Nottingham city plays a pivotal role in the region’s tourism and visitor economy offer, with thousands of hotel rooms, attractions such as Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall, a thriving entertainment hub and fantastic retail. “The city also has an award-winning public transport system, offering a gateway to the wider region. As a co-funder of Visit Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City Council looks forward to a continued collaboration with partners, which reaps benefits for the regional visitor economy.”

Contractor selected for Lincolnshire children’s home

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Contractor selected for Lincolnshire children’s home
Contractor Willmott Dixon has been selected to complete the design proposals for a new secure children’s home to be built on the edge of Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Plans for the 28-bed secure facility, which will be located in Bonemill Lane on the outskirts of the town, were approved by members of Lincolnshire County Council’s planning and regulation committee on 31 July. The scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Education, will provide care for some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable children as well as being a national resource for secure accommodation. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This is a hugely significant scheme, not only for Lincolnshire to address an acute need for secure accommodation, but also for the wider country as it will bring together best practice from across the UK and Europe. “The new building has been designed to support the young people to get their lives ‘back on track’ using a whole host of facilities including on-site education, wellbeing, vocational and sports facilities, as well as delivering against important sustainability credentials to make the building’s legacy especially evident.” The new accommodation will aim to achieve as close to a net-zero in operation solution as possible, with a design that is majority off-grid supported by solar panels and state-of-the-art power storage. The development will also feature a new service road, a car park, a surface water attenuation pond, and landscaped areas. Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The new secure home will provide a much-improved environment for the young people living and educated there and help to meet the increased national demand for spaces. It will make sure these children are offered the required support, training and guidance in modern facilities.” The scheme has been procured via Pagabo’s Major Works framework. Willmott Dixon has been appointed as contractor and Kier is the architect for the project.

Be.EV targets new electric vehicle charging hubs in the Midlands

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Be.EV targets new electric vehicle charging hubs in the Midlands
Electric vehicle charging network, Be.EV, has revealed plans to create thousands of new electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the UK, of which a substantial investment is being made in the Midlands.The national, community-first, EV charging business is looking for dwell sites, such as retail parks, pubs and car parks, as well as the acquisition of freehold and leasehold sites in the region’s largest cities, including Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham.Backed by £110 million from Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest renewable energy investors, Be.EV is on a mission to sustainably accelerate the UK’s EV revolution and improve communities by installing reliable chargers across the country. Commercial property agent, FHP, has been appointed to source new sites in the Midlands. FHP director and head of Birmingham office, Doug Tweedie, said that the firm is considering a variety of easy-to-reach city centre and community locations, which will improve access to charging facilities for local people.New EV charging sites will primarily be focused around retail parks, pubs and new forecourts which will range from 0.2 acres and upwards and will be powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy.Doug Tweedie said: “We know that mass EV uptake depends on the quality of the charging experience and at the moment, there simply aren’t enough reliable and accessible locations. “Be.EV is well funded and has the UK’s fastest growing charging network, with an impressive operational availability rate of 99.6%. We’re thrilled to be working together to expand the community-centred public EV charging network in the Midlands and give more people the confidence to go electric.“We are in discussions with commercial landlords and private landowners, some of whom were not previously aware that their sites could be redeveloped for EV charging purposes. “There are many vacant sites in the region that people haven’t got the finance to develop or perhaps aren’t sure what to do with, such as petrol stations, supermarkets or drive thru outlets, which benefit from passing traffic. “Aside from granting a lease, there is very little onus on the landowner, as Be.EV will ensure that each development is fully funded, managed and has access to power.”Asif Ghafoor, CEO and co-founder of Be.EV, said: “We’re delighted to work with FHP and bring our state-of-the-art charging infrastructure to cities across the heart of England. FHP understands the value of providing reliable, high quality charging facilities in accessible, convenient locations and is now in the vanguard of the EV charging revolution.“EV charging provides a great opportunity to increase footfall to sites and create new and sustained income streams for commercial landlords and landowners. With FHP, property owners from Birmingham to Nottingham can benefit from the UK’s EV transition whilst helping to reduce air pollution.“We look forward to getting started and working together on future projects.”
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