Buxton regeneration enters second consultation phase

April Lara
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Buxton regeneration enters second consultation phase

Social impact developer Capital&Centric has opened a second round of consultation on its £100 million redevelopment of The Springs in Buxton. The updated masterplan follows an initial public consultation in May, which received input from more than 600 local residents.

The revised proposals incorporate feedback on accessibility, architecture, and public amenities. Plans include a cascading staircase and boulevard connecting the railway station to the town centre, a feature lift for improved navigation, and contemporary buildings that use local stone and heritage-inspired design elements.

The project emphasises green spaces and public areas, with the River Wye exposed as a central riverside feature. Seating, landscaped areas, and spaces for independent bars and restaurants are included, alongside new public toilets.

High Peak Borough Council has collaborated on the proposals to ensure alignment with local priorities and town character. A second drop-in event is scheduled for 3 September, giving residents a final opportunity to review and comment on the updated designs before the project progresses.

Light Science expands passive fire protection contracts

April Lara
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Light Science expands passive fire protection contracts

Light Science Technologies Holdings plc has signed two new contracts in its Passive Fire Protection division.

The projects cover a hotel in Manchester operated by a multinational chain and a school building in Birmingham for a leading UK construction company. Both contracts include opportunities to extend services across additional properties in the clients’ portfolios.

The projects are scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025 and respond to growing demand for cost-effective, minimally disruptive fire safety solutions. Regulatory updates and government-backed remediation programmes are driving increased activity in the sector.

Recent reforms under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government aim to accelerate approvals for new builds and remediation projects. Light Science is in discussions with multiple potential and existing clients and expects further contract wins in the near term.

Aurrigo takes off with £700,000 at East Midlands Airport project

Tess Egginton
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Aurrigo takes off with £700,000 at East Midlands Airport project
An autonomous technology specialist has secured nearly £700,000 of funding from The Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder – Enhancements programme to extend its ‘autonomous cargo’ work at East Midlands Airport. Aurrigo International plc, which employs over 110 people at its advanced engineering centre in Coventry, will accelerate its Ramp Ready project that will see it deploy two of its Auto-Cargo autonomous vehicles and one eight-passenger Auto-Shuttle. The objective is to refine a multi-vehicle fleet framework for airside logistics over the next nine months, enabling simultaneous cargo and aircrew transport. Innovations include improved environmental testing, expanded simulation capabilities, and modular, low-volume manufacturing to reduce costs and accelerate scalability. The project supports the commercial readiness of both cargo and passenger autonomous vehicles, whilst generating critical operational data for ongoing development. David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, said: “Auto-Cargo® is our largest aviation vehicle to date and is set to transform airside logistics by autonomously carrying a total payload of 16,500kg. The vehicle is a fully electric, zero emission alternative to existing diesel-powered models. “The latest funding will allow us to accelerate deployment at East Midlands Airport, as well as integrating our Auto-Shuttle® to cater for short distance passenger and staff transport. It’s about proving out a multi-fleet approach, as well as gaining valuable insights into real-world situations that we can build into our solutions as we scale.” Ramp Ready is one of four Aurrigo International projects that have been awarded a total of £1m of funding to accelerate sustainable airport and transport innovations. Grants from The Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder – Enhancements programme and Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme will see the company deliver simulation, feasibility studies and real-world vehicle trials in The Orkney Islands and closer to home in the West Midlands. They will involve close collaboration with industry partners International Airlines Group (IAG), Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRAINS) and Urban Foresight. David Keene added: “These awards reflect our commitment to building the next generation of intelligent, sustainable, and scalable transport systems that operate in both urban and airside operations. “From immersive VR for airside training to real-world AV deployments and rural mobility innovation, we’re proud to be working with exceptional partners across the UK to bring transformative change to both aviation and ground transport.”

Melton Mowbray council to approve large housing scheme

April Lara
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Melton Mowbray council to approve large housing scheme

Melton Borough Council is poised to approve a 290-home development at Sysonby Farm on Nottingham Road.

The scheme includes 51 affordable homes and a range of property types intended to address local housing demand.

The broader project also plans a primary school, retail units, and office space, though detailed approvals for these non-residential elements are still under review.

The development forms part of a wider strategy to expand housing and community infrastructure in the area.

Newark energy specialist sold to Hertfordshire group

Tess Egginton
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Newark energy specialist sold to Hertfordshire group
Renewable energy specialist Greenio is embarking on a new chapter as a part of TLS Energy. Founded in 2013 by Anna Wooster-Mann and based in Newark-on-Trent, Greenio provides consultancy, installation and maintenance services for commercial and domestic renewable energy projects. Greenio has now joined forces with Hertfordshire-based TLS Energy, a group of renewable energy businesses spanning the hydro, wind and solar power sectors. The transaction was overseen by Charlie Neville, KBS Corporate Deal Executive. Announcing the link-up, Greenio said: “After many years building and leading the business, our much-loved Managing Director, Anna, has stepped away and moved on to her next adventure. “Anna’s energy and dedication has shaped who we are today, and we are so grateful for everything she’s done for our team and our customers. “With that, we are opening a new chapter and are delighted to announce that Greenio has become part of TLS Energy, bringing us together with a team that’s leading the way in renewable energy. “We are excited about the future and can’t wait to help more businesses save money, lower their carbon footprint and embrace a greener future.” KBS Corporate’s Charlie Neville expressed thanks to Guvvy Sandhu and the team at law firm Mackrell LLP “for their hard work and effort to get the deal over the line under a compressed timeframe.”

New operations manager for asbestos consultancy

Tess Egginton
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New operations manager for asbestos consultancy
Asbestos management consultancy, Acorn Analytical Services, has appointed a new operations manager. The appointment follows a period of significant growth for the company, which relocated to larger premises in Northampton in April. This latest office move is the company’s third in the last two years, following a 20% increase in staff numbers during that time. In his role of operations manager, Kieran Clare works alongside a second operations manager, Richard Crockett. Day-to-day, the duo work with Dan Crask, head of operations, to manage the workload and jobs for the asbestos surveyors and the reporting and laboratory teams. They are also focused on ensuring that internal processes are working as well as they can be, and that the business is hitting its operational targets. Kieran joined Acorn Analytical Services after amassing 10 years of experience in the asbestos industry, working his way up from report writer to management. He said: “Acorn Analytical Services is an industry leader, so I was aware of the company and excited by the growth journey the business is on. I jumped at the opportunity to work at Acorn, bring my experience on board, and learn and grow from the other members of the team. “It also feels like things have gone full circle as our Managing Director, Sam Savage, was actually a director at the first asbestos company I worked for at aged 21!” Sam Savage, MD of Acorn Analytical Services, said: “We are currently experiencing exponential growth, with 15 new team members joining us so far this year alone. We have also won substantial contracts with household names that we are looking forward to carrying out. “We’re delighted to welcome Kieran to the team at such an exciting time for the business. He has already hit the ground running and proven to be a great hire for Acorn.”

Major development takes step forward in Clowne

Tess Egginton
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Major development takes step forward in Clowne
Conditional outline planning permission has been granted for a major development in Clowne. Clowne Garden Village will see up to 1,800 residential dwellings and up to 24 hectares of employment development built north of Clowne. It will also include green infrastructure, educational and recreational uses, a retirement village, neighbourhood centre, hotel, restaurant, health and care, and leisure uses. Permission was granted on 20 August following completion of the S106 legal agreement. There are a number of planning conditions and legal obligations that developers Waystone must fulfil before and during the development phases. In addition, further detailed proposals for each phase of development will need to come forward in follow up planning application submissions that will build the full picture of the development in time. Council leader, councillor Jane Yates said: “This development will be a huge change for Clowne and the surrounding areas and we appreciate a lot of people have concerns. “We have done everything we can to ensure that concerns raised have been addressed through the planning process. We will continue to communicate and consult with the public throughout the development to ensure local people are kept informed. “The impact this development will have on the district will be a hugely positive one with more resources and better choice of housing for residents.”

Hospitality leads UK job losses amid rising costs

April Lara
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Hospitality leads UK job losses amid rising costs

New data shows the hospitality sector accounts for more than half of UK job losses since last October’s Budget. Of the 164,641 positions cut across the economy, nearly 89,000 were in the hospitality sector. The figure exceeds Office for Budget Responsibility estimates, which predicted around 50,000 job losses linked to employer National Insurance changes.

Economists attribute the reductions to rising operational costs, including increases to the national living wage and employer National Insurance contributions. Businesses with lower-paid and flexible staff, such as hospitality, retail, and construction firms, have been particularly affected. Part-time and temporary roles are the most vulnerable.

High street retailers have also raised concerns over business rates, which are based on commercial property rental values. Rates are set to rise next year, adding billions to expenses. More than 60 leading firms have urged the Government to reform the system, citing risks to jobs, investment, and consumer prices if costs continue to escalate. Retailers argue that current rates put physical stores at a disadvantage compared with online competitors and stress that stable operating conditions are essential to supporting sustainable employment and economic growth.

Rolls-Royce SMR makes final stage in Swedish nuclear competition

Tess Egginton
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Rolls-Royce SMR makes final stage in Swedish nuclear competition
Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected by Vattenfall as one of two companies to reach the final stage in the process to identify Sweden’s nuclear technology partner.
After being shortlisted in 2024, Rolls-Royce SMR has progressed through a detailed assessment and will now work with Vattenfall through the final technology selection which could initially result in Rolls-Royce SMR delivering three SMRs. The news builds on Rolls-Royce SMR’s successful selection in both the United Kingdom and Czech Republic.

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive, said: “We are extremely proud that Vattenfall has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as one of the final two nuclear technologies in this highly competitive process.

“Today’s announcement builds on the positive momentum after Rolls-Royce SMR was selected as preferred bidder by Great British Energy – Nuclear to provide the UK’s first SMRs, and by CEZ to deploy up to 3GW of electricity in the Czech Republic. “We look forward to working closely with Vattenfall during this final stage of their process and further strengthening the UK-Sweden collaboration on clean energy.” Sweden is projected to require an additional 100–250 TWh of electricity over the next 25 years, and nuclear energy is set to play an important role in achieving that target. Vattenfall’s focus for the first units is at the Ringhals site on the Värö Peninsula, already home to a nuclear power station operated by Vattenfall. Each Rolls-Royce SMR ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant will generate 470MWe of clean low-carbon electricity, enough to power a million homes for more than 60 years.

Multi-million-pound investment as major site clean up and enabling works begin at Harrier Park, Hucknall

Tess Egginton
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Multi-million-pound investment as major site clean up and enabling works begin at Harrier Park, Hucknall
Following the acquisition of the 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, Clowes Developments have launched an extensive multi-million-pound site clean-up and enabling works programme to prepare the historic site for its next chapter as a major commercial hub. The brownfield site, formerly home to the development of the iconic Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set to undergo significant transformation with a major clean up and remediation exercise. With a legacy steeped in engineering innovation, Harrier Park will receive substantial investment to clean the contaminated site and deliver an additional 500,000 sq ft modern industrial and warehouse space in a prime East Midlands location on the outskirts of Nottingham. Future occupiers will neighbour a 200,000 sq ft facility currently occupied by RM Resources. The extensive site clean-up and enabling works will be fulfilled by lead contractor, TanRo and will mark the first major investment in the long-term development strategy for the site. The multi-million-pound deal works will include groundwater treatment, ground remediation, earthworks to plateau plot levels, construction of retaining walls, high-voltage (HV) service diversions, drainage infrastructure, Section 278 bell mouth works, and initial estate road construction. The road infrastructure programme is expected to continue beyond the initial 20-week schedule. Hollie Parkes from TanRo said: “We are pleased to be partnering once again with Clowes Developments to deliver the enabling works at Harrier Park in Hucknall. “This technically complex project involves significant ground remediation, the installation of a retaining wall as well as the formation of development plateaus. TanRo is proud to contribute its expertise to such a challenging and historically significant scheme.” Although fully serviced by the previous owners and benefiting from planning permission for six industrial/warehouse buildings, Harrier Park requires significant environmental remediation due to its former use. Addressing the contamination is a vital step to unlock the site’s full potential and enable delivery of employment space in a key regional location. Kevin Webster, associate development director at Clowes Developments, said: “Harrier Park is a special site with a remarkable heritage, and we’re proud to be bringing it back into productive use. “Our first major step is to address its long-standing issues with contamination. Our enabling works are designed to prepare the land for high-quality industrial development, and interest is already strong from potential occupiers looking for bespoke space in a well-connected location.” Clowes Developments are working in partnership with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site with units available from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft.
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