Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Trelleborg and Nottingham Trent University form Knowledge Transfer Partnership for smart medical textiles

Tess Egginton
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0
Trelleborg and Nottingham Trent University form Knowledge Transfer Partnership for smart medical textiles

Trelleborg, a leader in engineered coated fabrics, has formed a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Nottingham Trent University’s (NTU) Medical Technologies Innovation Facility.

The Medical Technologies Innovation Facility accelerates the research, development and delivery of innovative medical technologies and services for organizations across the breadth of medical and health sectors, by widening access to world-class facilities, equipment and expertise. This collaboration, part-funded by Innovate UK, aims to expand Trelleborg’s capabilities in smart fabrics for healthcare applications through cutting-edge innovation and research-driven solutions. The partnership will propel the development of a smart mattress system designed to enhance patient care and reduce medical interventions. NTU’s Dr. Yang Wei, an expert in smart medical textiles, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Trelleborg on this project. The development of smart fabrics will significantly impact the healthcare industry, and our shared vision aims to provide innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges. “This KTP demonstrates the power of combining academic research with industry expertise to create tangible advancements.” Antony Croston, Commercial Director Healthcare & Medical for Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics, said: “This KTP is an important milestone in transforming the future of healthcare textiles. “By combining NTU’s research expertise with our local capabilities in engineered coated fabrics, we aim to pioneer innovations that improve patient well-being while driving global change in medical textiles.”

552-bed student scheme planned for Loughborough University

Tess Egginton
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0
552-bed student scheme planned for Loughborough University

Loughborough University has launched a public consultation on a proposed new student accommodation development on its Loughborough campus.

The site for the accommodation lies in the Central Park area of the campus, close to the Edward Herbert Building. It includes the existing Car Park 5 as well as land adjacent to it, including the parts of the campus previously occupied by the Graham Oldham and Chemistry buildings, both of which have already been demolished. The new accommodation would replace existing stock on campus that has reached its end of life. The development would provide 552 bedspaces across five blocks. The blocks would be set within landscaped surroundings, including a shared plaza and a landscaped square. Feedback received as part of this consultation process will help to inform further development of the proposals, in advance of the planning application submission to the local authority.

Name for Derby’s Becketwell venue revealed in multi-year deal

Tess Egginton
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0
Name for Derby’s Becketwell venue revealed in multi-year deal
Vaillant Live has been unveiled as the new name for Derby’s new flagship Becketwell venue, in a multi-year deal. A 3,500 capacity destination for concerts, family events, sports and conferencing, Vaillant Live will bring a world-class, purpose-built entertainment venue to Derby. The venue is owned by Derby City Council, operated by Legends and ASM Global, and sponsored by local heating manufacturer, Vaillant. The new name comes as Vaillant becomes the sole sponsor of the brand new venue space. Having been located in Derby’s neighbouring town in Belper since 1964, this year will see the heating provider further expanding its manufacturing facilities, continuing its investment in Derby and the surrounding areas. The five-year sponsorship of the Derby venue will support Vaillant in its mission to support the local community, whilst being the leading heating systems manufacturer in the UK. With the UK’s focus on net zero and reducing carbon emissions, Vaillant manufactures boilers and heat pumps, providing highly efficient heating solutions for homes around the UK encouraging homeowners to take a more sustainable route to heating their homes. This new opportunity with Legends and ASM Global will see Vaillant’s Hare take pride of place throughout the new venue, providing new opportunities for the local community to engage with the manufacturer and learn more about their heating system. Marcus Sheehan, General Manager at Vaillant Live said: “As we prepare to open the new venue, we are delighted to forge this partnership with Vaillant – a local business built on outstanding quality and longevity. This resonates with us as a venue, and we’re very much looking forward to working with the Vaillant team as we bring the very best in live entertainment to the heart of Derby.“ Henrik Hansen, Managing Director at Vaillant Group UK and Ireland, said: “We are proud to partner with Legends and ASM Global to bring this incredible venue into the heart of Derby. As a large employer and a manufacturer with a long-standing heritage in the region, supporting the local area and its regeneration is important to us. “Further demonstrating our commitment to the area, we have recently opened a new manufacturing plant at Indurent Park, Derby. Sponsoring the Vaillant Live venue is a perfect opportunity to reinforce our activities and focus our involvement with the community. “We hope that the Vaillant Live venue will increase awareness of Vaillant, not only for playing a role in the region’s economy but also providing entertainment to the City of Derby and its surrounding areas. “We look to create heating systems that make people’s homes warm and cosy through our heat pump and boiler technologies and keep our customers at the forefront of our decisions. This new venue will look to reach our customers in different ways outside of their home through entertainment so that they can create warm memories with their friends and families.” Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Vaillant to the Becketwell team! Securing a naming partner is a fantastic addition to Derby’s new city centre venue and we couldn’t be happier that a locally-based company has the honour. “With their headquarters in Belper and manufacturing site at Indurent Park Derby just outside of the city centre, Vaillant have already invested heavily into Derbyshire and I’m really pleased to see this continue. “I can’t wait to see Vaillant Live officially opened and for residents and visitors to Derby to begin enjoying live music and events in our fantastic new venue.”

More shared ownership buyers increasing stakes in homes

April Lara
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More shared ownership buyers increasing stakes in homes

Leicestershire housing association Platform Home Ownership has reported a 50% rise in staircasing enquiries, as more shared ownership buyers seek to increase their equity in their homes.

Staircasing allows homeowners to gradually buy additional property shares, reducing rental costs and moving toward full ownership. Platform, which offers shared ownership homes across the county, has seen a 179% increase in total sales in the current financial year compared to the previous one.

Most shared ownership buyers start with a stake of between 10% and 75% of a property’s market value, paying rent on the remaining portion. Deposits for these schemes typically range from 5% to 10% of the share purchased, making entry into homeownership more affordable.

Market conditions influence staircasing costs, with each transaction requiring a valuation by an accredited surveyor. Platform Home Ownership’s Staircasing and Resales Manager, Laura Hathaway, noted that 72% of the association’s customers ultimately staircase to full ownership, while 28% purchase additional shares on an interim basis.

The surge in staircasing enquiries reflects a growing demand for long-term housing security, as buyers look for flexible ways to build equity and manage housing costs.

Nottingham leads UK cities in EV adoption

April Lara
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0
Nottingham leads UK cities in EV adoption

Nottingham is emerging as the UK’s leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with 21% of drivers planning to switch to an EV when they next replace their car, according to new research by Motorpoint.

The study ranks UK cities based on willingness to adopt EVs, with Nottingham taking the top spot, followed by Bristol, London, Belfast, and Newcastle.

Despite rising interest, home charging remains a key challenge. Motorpoint found that 72% of petrol and diesel drivers lack access to home charging, with 37% citing high installation costs as a barrier. Nearly half (45%) believe more financial support is needed for home charging infrastructure.

Motorists in Glasgow and Newcastle showed the highest confidence in EVs as the future of transport, with support 7% above the national average. Glasgow, Newcastle, London, Sheffield, and Birmingham are the cities most convinced of EVs’ long-term viability.

The study also revealed strong loyalty among current EV owners, with all surveyed drivers stating they plan to stay electric for their next vehicle.

NHS trust secures long-term lease at Scunthorpe’s Elizabeth Quarter

April Lara
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NHS trust secures long-term lease at Scunthorpe’s Elizabeth Quarter

The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) has signed a 15-year lease for office space at Elizabeth Quarter, a newly developed council-owned building in Scunthorpe.

The three-storey property includes a ground-floor café and reception area, with modern office space spanning approximately 1,250 sqm across the upper floors. The building was marketed for lease and attracted strong interest from potential tenants.

RDaSH will use the offices for clinical consultations, patient appointments, and as the headquarters for its Community Mental Health and Talking Therapy workforce. The trust, which provides mental health and children’s services in the region, sees the move as a key part of its expansion in North Lincolnshire.

The council expects the agreement to drive further commercial interest in the site, particularly for the ground-floor café. The move aligns with its strategy to support local economic growth and ensure value for money for taxpayers.

RAF Scampton to be sold on open market despite regeneration plans

April Lara
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0
RAF Scampton to be sold on open market despite regeneration plans

The UK government will sell RAF Scampton on the open market, rejecting West Lindsey District Council’s bid to acquire the site for a £300 million redevelopment project.

Earmarked initially by the previous Conservative government for migrant housing, the site’s asylum plans were scrapped in September. The Home Office cited regulatory requirements preventing a direct sale to the council, emphasising that disposal of public land must follow market rules.

Since March 2023, the site has cost over £60 million. Government officials claim the sale will prevent further taxpayer losses. Meanwhile, the council, which had partnered with Scampton Holdings Ltd. for regeneration, argues that contamination, heritage issues, and infrastructure limitations make a public-private partnership the only viable option for redevelopment.

Scampton Holdings remains committed to the project despite setbacks. Chairman Peter Hewitt criticised the delays, while local MP Sir Edward Leigh called the government’s decision “madness,” arguing it wasted time and resources on failed asylum plans.

Bungalow development proposed for underused land in Thurnby

April Lara
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Bungalow development proposed for underused land in Thurnby

A proposal to develop vacant land in Thurnby’s conservation area into nine bungalows, a public car park, and green space has been submitted to Harborough District Council (HDC).

The site, located next to Grange Lane, is overgrown and not publicly accessible. Developer D.W. Hicks Holding Ltd plans to build a mix of semi-detached and detached bungalows, along with a 16-space car park intended to support nearby amenities, including a café and sports field.

Previous proposals for larger housing developments on the site were withdrawn in 2014 and 2015. The latest plan divides the land into residential housing, an expanded green area, and community parking.

Developer Derrick Hicks stated that the project would enhance the area while addressing local demand for bungalows. A consultation is open until 16 April, with a council decision expected by 12 May.

Landmark Grimsby site snapped up

Tess Egginton
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0
Landmark Grimsby site snapped up
Commercial developer Wykeland Group has acquired a landmark site in Grimsby and announced new investment is on its way. Wykeland has purchased the former Ramsdens Superstore site from the Grimsby-based retail and cash and carry business Ramsden Group and, as the new owner, will take the lead in rejuvenating it. That has already begun with Wykeland announcing that, in a linked transaction, a deal has been agreed to sell part of the site to family-owned retailer Farmfoods, for the development of a new 15,000 sq ft store with car parking. The sale of just over an acre of land to Farmfoods is subject to full planning permission for the new frozen food and groceries store. A planning application has been submitted and, if approved, the store is expected to create up to 15-20 new jobs. Wykeland will retain the remaining 1.8 acres and explore opportunities to attract further investment and regeneration, while investing around £100,000 to improve the site, including structural repairs to a property fronting Cleethorpe Road. Wykeland has also renamed the development as Ramsden Park, in tribute to the site’s history as the place where the Ramsden Group business was founded, with the opening of the Ramsdens store in 1946. Ramsden Group and Wykeland have previously secured investment by coffee house chain Starbucks in a drive-thru and eat-in café on the corner of the site facing Cleethorpe Road and Park Street. The Starbucks facility has traded successfully for more than three years. Now, with Farmfoods also coming on board, Wykeland is exploring further opportunities to revitalise the site. Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re pleased to announce we have acquired the site from Ramsden Group and have also concluded a deal, subject to planning consent, to bring in new investment from one of the UK’s most popular food retailers. “As well as supporting Farmfoods through the planning process, we’ll be investing in improvements on site and exploring further development opportunities. “We’re committed to the regeneration of this important location on the main route between Grimsby and Cleethorpes and keen to hear from investors who would like to work with us to realise its potential.” The site has existing planning approval for 65,000 sq ft of retail development, with units ranging from 1,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft. Wykeland will also consider other viable options for development.

Property experts secure divine Derby deal

Tess Egginton
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0
Property experts secure divine Derby deal
Salloway Property Consultants has let a prime city centre former office and training facility. Potters House Christian Fellowship, an established global network of churches, has secured a new location at 2-3 St Peters Churchyard in Derby, further expanding their presence in the community. This newly let property, located in the heart of the city, will serve as a central hub for the congregation’s worship, community outreach, and various social initiatives. William Speed, of Salloway Property Consultants, acted on behalf of a private landlord client to secure the new tenant for the 12,000 sq ft former office and training facility after development attempts were unsuccessful at the property. William said: “I am delighted to be able to let the property to a group that will add back to the local community. The building at St Peters Churchyard offers a wonderful space for both worship and community outreach. It is a prime example of repurposing city centre property to encourage more people to use the city centre. “It is no secret that Derby City Centre has been struggling in recent years but with new developments such as the Becketwell Scheme, the Nightingale Quarter and the upcoming Friar Gate Goods Yard there is real confidence that these developments will improve Derby City Centre to its former glory.” Chiso Nwokoro of Potters House Christian Fellowship said: “We are thrilled to begin this new chapter at 2-3 St Peters Churchyard. This is a significant step for us as we continue to build a vibrant church environment where people from all walks of life can come and find support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. “The location is ideal for our growing congregation and will serve as a beacon of hope and community service for many years to come.”
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