Updated plans for the potential development of three key sites within Derbion’s footprint will be unveiled at a public exhibition this week. The Derbion Masterplan is a framework for the long-term development of under-used land that will complement and support the existing centre and its significant position within Derby. It is a starting point for exploring future opportunities over the next 10 years and beyond, that will benefit both Derbion and the ongoing regeneration of Derby City Centre. Plans were originally presented in 2022 and considered the potential of two sites, Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way. They have now been updated with a revised layout and reduction in height of the proposed buildings. A third site, the Riverside Quarter, is also included. Planning permission has already been granted for the Eastern Gateway project, which forms the first phase of the proposed Eagle Quarter development. Work is now underway to create a new public square on the corner of East Street and Morledge and provide an enhanced gateway to the city from the bus station. The Derbion Masterplan proposes how the rest of the Eagle Market site could be developed for around 500 new homes and commercial uses, within a framework of green, accessible routes and new public spaces. The updated plans for the Eagle Quarter also include the retention of Derby Theatre, providing a green cultural square at the heart of the project. The proposals for Bradshaw Way include around 480 new homes and commercial space around landscaped public areas, transforming the gateway site and improving links to the Nightingale Quarter. Following the closure of the Riverside car park last year, the masterplan has been extended to encompass the Riverside Quarter, presenting an opportunity to provide around 380 new homes with new public spaces and walkable streets that will improve connections towards the river and into the rest of the city centre. Commenting on the masterplan proposals, Beth McDonald, Managing Director at Derbion said: “As Derbion continues to attract leading retail and leisure brands, our position in the heart of the Derby means that we have an important opportunity to evolve and develop our wider footprint to improve the vitality of the city centre and increase connectivity. “The masterplan proposals are a framework for development over the next 10 years and beyond to revitalise three key sites that will support the wider regeneration of Derby and attract and engage more people to visit and explore the city.” An exhibition of the masterplan proposals will be open to the public on Level 2 of Derbion, opposite Zara, on Thursday 5th December from 11am to 4pm and Friday 6th December from 11am to 3pm.

Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now finished ready to welcome the public. The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday 15th November. Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, and procured through SCAPE. Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson – driving collaboration, time efficiency and cost savings. The landmark scheme involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building which now features an exhibition hall, meeting room and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium. Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building. Designed to inspire interest and careers and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility will also help to increase annual footfall to the location. G F Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction, and multiple educational and employment opportunities were provided through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). 76% of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77% of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000. The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience. T level students spent time weekly on site with the design management team, and the contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed works to this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme – providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. “The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space. “We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council and other stakeholders who helped in bringing this incredible project to life.” Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager, said: “Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork. The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible. “We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.” Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be a part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings and help embed social values initiatives. “Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also further afield. “It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision really come to life. I am proud to have been some small part of the process. “The immersive shows really are incredible and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space. “It truly is an educational experience like no other and hopefully will see more young people develop an interest in learning more about space.” One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6million Towns Deal which was secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Solar panels at the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society and the Changing Places toilet by East Midlands Rail.

A digital marketing agency has relocated in Nottingham as it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Nzime has taken a 2,292 sq ft office unit on the first floor of 19 Stoney Street – a period building in the heart of Nottingham’s Lace Market. The deal was brokered by Thomas Szymkiw, Head of Agency at NG Chartered Surveyors. Andrew Horner-Glister, the founder of Nzime, said: “After 20 years of being on Woolpack Lane in the same offices a move has come as an opportunity to shake up what ‘the office’ means to Nzime and its team as this is very different than in the early 2000’s. “We have been looking to move for the last few years and finding the right space has been a challenge as we wanted a space with soul and personality rather than a regular carpeted, ceiling tile environment.” Andrew said the move will give him the opportunity to listen to his team and create an environment in the heart of the Lace Market which suits their needs. He added: “We will be able to close the gap between an office environment and a more comfortable social, hospitality, home feel. We have embedded a cafe feel in the heart of the space for the team to come together over food and drink with plenty of options for people to work in different environments. “For those wanting to get their head down we still have a quieter studio allowing for minimal distractions and then we have a much more open plan environment containing dedicated meeting and video call spaces. “Running a hybrid working approach means that when people do come into the office they are often wanting lots of face to face time with colleagues and clients so the new space has been built around this.” Thomas said: “19 Stoney Street is the ideal place for Andrew to take his company to the next level. The market for high-quality period offices in Nottingham – and especially the Lace Market – remains strong as they often add that something extra to a more modern setting. “19 Stoney Street is the ideal place for Andrew to take his company to the next level and we wish Nzime well in their new home.”