Thurmaston site sold for affordable housing
A prominent site in Thurmaston has been sold to Leicester affordable housing developer Modus Partnerships in a deal arranged by specialist land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie.
The site, which comprises 1.61 Acres (0.65 Ha) of land, was formerly the premises of an industrial business that has ceased to operate. The land has been in the ownership of a private family for over seventy years and although surrounded by existing housing, it presented several planning challenges due to ground conditions and its brownfield site status.
Working with Modus Partnerships, Mather Jamie was able to broker the sale and help secure planning permission to build 18 affordable houses. Once fully constructed the development will be operated by Midland Heart Housing Association.
Gary Kirk from Mather Jamie said: “The sale of the site to Modus Partnerships represents an excellent outcome for our client. The site presented significant challenges due to its previous usage and we were able to draw on our experience on brownfield development land sales to bring this to a conclusion. We look forward to seeing Modus transform the site into much needed new housing for the Affordable Homes sector.”
Simon Preston, director at Modus Partnerships, added: “We are always actively seeking land acquisition and development opportunities including brownfield sites like this that are suitable for redevelopment. We are delighted that this deal has been completed and that we can begin to build much needed affordable housing to the area.”
The approved housing mix will comprise five different styles of two and three bedroom houses, all constructed to a high-quality specification which, when completed in Autumn 2023 will be made available as affordable rent and shared ownership housing.
A spokesperson from Midland Heart said: “Midland Heart provides a range of housing options, across the Midlands, that help people to live independently. We are really pleased to have secured this sought after site and look forward to working with Modus Partnerships to be able to offer 18 new homes in this popular location, within easy reach of both Nottingham and Leicester.”
Two new ecologists join EMEC
Ecology, land management, and arboriculture specialists, East Midlands Environmental Consultants (EMEC) has appointed two new ecologists.
Joining the Nottingham-based company are Alice Palmer and Sam Geldard. The appointments follow a rise in demand from landowners, developers and house builders wanting to progress planning approvals and meet new government biodiversity net gain legislation.
Alice joins as a senior ecologist and holds a MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation and Level 1 Class Licences for bats and great crested newts.
Sam is joining as an assistant ecologist and is currently completing a Biology and Environmental Management focused BSc at the Open University. He also has a Level 3 Business Administration NVQ and Level 3 Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue.
Before making the decision to become an ecologist, Sam previously worked for Doncaster Council, and then became a trainee reserves ranger at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
In his new role Sam will carry out and support fieldwork, surveys, and reports, along with project management of protected species surveys and liaison with clients and landowners.
Sam said: “Having worked as a seasonal ecologist for EMEC over the past 6 months, I found the team full of helpful and interesting people who are great to work with.”
Alice has over six years’ experience of ecological consultancy working on a wide variety of projects for both large multidisciplinary firms and smaller consultancies.
She will be working on a range of habitat and protected species surveys, including conducting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) assessments and creating biodiversity enhancement plans. She will also be supporting the team of highly qualified ecologists in their work across the East Midlands and beyond.
Alice said: “I have worked for EMEC previously and enjoy the wide variety of work and supportive team ethos. The association with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is also great, as EMEC’s profits are donated to the NWT to fund habitat conservation work across nature reserves under their management and other wildlife conservation activities and campaigns.”
EMEC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT) and all profits are gift aided to the Trust to support nature conservation. Over the last 30 years, EMEC has gift-aided over £1m to NWT.
New hotel given green light in Nottingham
Plans for a new hotel in Nottingham have been approved by the city council.
The 26 bed hotel with a restaurant, bar and associated parking would be constructed at 326 Mansfield Road and sit within a single three storey block.
The development site is currently vacant with a previous hotel on the site demolished in 2005.
Nottingham Properties Ltd are behind the proposals, which follow a previous approval for a hotel.
A design statement says that the floor plans have been rationalised and floor heights revised to provide additional rooms in the roof without compromising the overall height.
It continues: “The elevations have been amended to suit the new internal layout and have been designed to reflect both that of the previous scheme and the existing properties in the area, with timber windows and stone detailing to compliment the main facing brick façade.”
Roadside investment sold
Chris Proctor and Steve Gillott of FHP Property Consultants have completed the sale of a 0.6 acre site off Bobbers Mill Bridge and Alfreton Road.
The site offers a potential long-term redevelopment opportunity in a highly prominent location and is currently held on a lease to UK Tool Hire Limited.
FHP Property Consultants acted on behalf of the vendor who was a private individual and the property has been sold to a private pension fund that will hold the investment with potential long term re-development plans for the site.
Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants said: “Roadside opportunities remain high in demand from both occupiers and investors with a wide range of potential uses attracted to these types of sites.
“We were pleased to achieve in excess of the quoting price and receive multiple offers within a swift marketing period.”
Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries to take occupancy of the upper floor of Newark’s Buttermarket
Transformative work on the Buttermarket in Newark town centre is nearing completion as part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s commitment to transform the building into a space suitable for the town.
Following the extensive maintenance work carried about by Newark and Sherwood District Council to the building’s upper floor, including the strip out, restoration and renovation of the mezzanine, Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries are set to take occupancy in September.
Inspire: Culture, Learning, and Libraries deliver cultural and learning services across Nottinghamshire and is set to transform the upper floor of the Buttermarket into a brand-new centre that will offer a range of courses, workshops and events to young people and adults in Newark.
The space will include three brand-new learning spaces and fully accessible state-of-the-art facilities.
Councillor Rhona Holloway, portfolio holder for economic development and visitors, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with Inspire to develop the upper floor of the Buttermarket to create a space to bring this exciting opportunity to the young people and adults of Newark.”
Ian Bond, director of learning from Inspire, said: “We are incredibly excited to have been offered the opportunity by Newark and Sherwood District Council to bring a brand-new centre to the Buttermarket in Newark, offering inspiring courses, workshops, events and more! We hope to create a lively hub for learning, creativity and exploration and become a valued venue for educational and cultural activities in the heart of Newark town centre.”
In addition to the works taking place to the upper floor of the Buttermarket, Newark and Sherwood District Council is exploring the option of co-working spaces in the atrium space to create a safe, flexible, shared environment for communities in Newark.
Furthermore, the ground floor of the Buttermarket can boast 100% occupancy with a mix of national chains, independent shops and a popular restaurant.
Councillor Rhona Holloway continued: “Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to the continued support of local retailers to boost the local economy, as evidenced by the works undertaken at the Buttermarket.
“We, along with our partners, have transformed the Buttermarket, a building continuously identified as an important feature to the people of Newark, into a space suitable for the town and can be utilised accordingly. I’m looking forward to watching the continued success of the Buttermarket.”
Ben Burgess snaps up Lincolnshire based John Deere dealership group
The shareholders of Lincolnshire/Norfolk based John Deere dealership group, JW Doubleday, have announced they have entered an agreement with Ben Burgess for the sale of the business.
In line with John Deere’s dealer of tomorrow strategy, Ben Burgess will formally acquire the Doubleday Group with all employees and existing Doubleday depots across Lincolnshire & Norfolk operating as part of the Ben Burgess group. Founded in the early 1970s by John Doubleday the business has remained family owned, successfully growing for over 50 years and becoming a core part of the agricultural community. In 1982, the business became a main dealer for John Deere – as Deere was first growing its UK presence. JW Doubleday operates from locations in Swineshead; Holbeach, Kings Lynn and Old Leake. The company employs 54 staff and has built an enviable reputation for serving customers across Lincolnshire and Norfolk Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the founder, commented “This decision has not been taken lightly but we the Doubleday family, were determined to protect the future of our loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area. We believe this is the correct decision for everyone involved. Ben Burgess share Doubleday’s values for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of customer service. The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers. We are confident the level of service you our customers are accustomed to will continue undisrupted. My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team and our loyal customers, many of whom we consider our friends who have supported us throughout our 40 years as a John Deere dealer.” Ben B Turner Dealer Principal at Ben Burgess commented “The Doubleday family have built a highly successful, strong and customer focused business over the past 50 years and were adamant that they wanted to pass their legacy over to a family business that shared the same values. We are enormously proud that they have chosen Ben Burgess to continue their outstanding work. The combined business will strengthen our position in the industry and enable the future investments required in facilities and technologies to proactively support our customers, offer greater opportunities and security to all our employees whilst continuing to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner. This growth will give the company a strong platform to enable our business to continue building on the great legacy of these two-family businesses. We aim to conclude the deal by the end of September to facilitate a quick and smooth transition for the benefit of all our staff and customers.”Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 – an evening of celebration and networking
With nominations now CLOSED for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, secure your tickets for the prestigious event!
Taking place on Thursday 15 September, at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks.
The event will additionally feature John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker, as well as award-winning mind reader, magician, and professional mentalist Looch, who will bewilder and astonish guests during the evening’s networking.
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours.
Attend the event to see who takes home most active estate agent, commercial development of the year, responsible business of the year, residential development of the year, developer of the year, deal of the year, architects of the year, excellence in design, sustainable development of the year, contractor of the year, and overall winner.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000.
Dress code is standard business attire.
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
To be held at:
Purchase of shopping centre “safeguards important role in the continued regeneration and growth of Mansfield”
Mansfield District Council’s CEO is hoping an exciting transaction will be the stepping stone to generating more growth in Mansfield and a positive future for a shopping centre.
The Four Seasons, which opened up to residents back in March 1976 has new owners following the purchase by Martin Property Group of six shopping centres UK-wide.
Adam Hill, Chief Executive at the council, said: “We have been notified that the Four Seasons shopping centre has been purchased by new owners this week and we would like to wish them great successes for the future – and of course welcome them to Mansfield.
“The Four Seasons is a key site in the heart of the town and we look forward to hearing about their plans and what they will be doing to ensure this purchase plays an important role in the continued regeneration and growth of Mansfield.
“The council hopes this will be the catalyst to seeing new investment coming into the district.”
The shopping centre – which spans across over 50 retail units – is the home of major retailers including Boots, Primark, Clintons and JD Sports.
Gary Martin, of Martin Property Group, added: “We are delighted to complete this transaction and become the custodians of these important assets in locations right across the UK, particularly at a time where shopping centres require hands-on asset management.
“We will be focused on stabilising, repositioning and where possible developing the assets further.”
Silverstone Soccer hat trick raises record amount for hospice
Three was the magic number for Silverstone Fleet Management at their third annual five-a-side football fundraiser, which raised a record £3,231 for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
Businesses from across Northamptonshire donned their football boots for the hattrick event at Daventry Football Club, which saw 10 teams compete for the much-coveted winner’s title.
Euro Building and Maintenance Contractors scooped the title and the trophy after an impressive pitch performance, with Ox Seven Talent Partners taking the runners up position and their goalkeeper being named player of the tournament.
The popular football fundraiser, which has become a much-loved yearly calendar entry, is the brainchild of Ryan Bishop, sales manager at Silverstone Fleet Management.
The self-confessed football fanatic decided to use his local business contacts and love of football to raise much needed funds for the hospice for the first time at the beginning of 2020.
Ryan was delighted by the incredible response from the Northamptonshire business community and the impressive amount of money raised, which motivated him to make it an annual event.
The first event raised over £1,000 and the fundraising target has climbed each year since, with a staggering total of more than £3,000 in the most recent tournament, which was sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors.
Some teams, such as YMD Boon, have played in all three events.
The vehicle leasing company’s nominated charity of the year, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, are hugely grateful for the invaluable support.
Nina Gandy, corporate partnerships fundraiser at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, said: “Silverstone Soccer has not only been a great event which has raised a fantastic amount for the hospice over the last three years, it has also seen a range of businesses get involved from across the county and further afield.
“We are so grateful to Silverstone Fleet Management for organising this event and encouraging support from the business community. Many teams return year on year to play in the tournament which is great to see but what tops this off is having new teams turn up, get stuck in and network with other businesses.
“It’s fantastic how the event has gone from strength to strength and we thank Scott, his team and everyone who has supported it. Together they have all made such a huge difference to our patients and their families.”
Ryan said: “It is our absolute pleasure to be able to raise much needed cash for the fantastic Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The tireless work they do really makes a huge difference to so many local families who are facing heartbreakingly tough times.
“Our Silverstone Soccer event has now raised more than £5000 over the past three years through a fun football fundraiser which is both a joy to organise and participate in. It was great to get everyone together to network and have fun.
“Thank you to everyone who came along to the event and dug deep in their pockets to donate and to our sponsors Wilson Browne Solicitors. I am over the moon that we’ve again managed to smash our fundraising target and collect such an impressive donation for the hospice.”
£10m of loans made available to fund major infrastructure projects in Leicester and Leicestershire
Jobs, homes and business space will be created as £10m is made available for loans which accelerate the creation of new infrastructure in Leicester and Leicestershire.
The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) is inviting expressions of interest in loans made available through the Growing Places Fund (GPF).
Previous GPF loans have been used to help deliver schemes including The Gresham, in Leicester city centre, and the £20m Leicester Waterside regeneration project.
GPF is a UK-wide loan scheme aimed at providing capital for major infrastructure projects.
Loans are made through a £730m Government-backed national investment fund, with expressions of interest invited from developers, local authorities and other applicants.
Andy Reed OBE, interim chair of the LLEP Board and chair of the Investment Panel, said: “The Fund will accelerate delivery of sustainable infrastructure projects that boost our local economy and create jobs.
“Our officers are ready to speak with partners who are interested in applying for loans, from £500,000 upwards, which will help to deliver growth in Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Applicants must demonstrate how their loan would contribute towards achieving objectives set out in the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy.
The Economic Growth Strategy sets out a number of objectives, through to 2030, under four core pillars of innovation, productivity, inclusivity and sustainability.
Neil McGhee, LLEP board member and Low Carbon champion, said: “We welcome expressions of interest from partners proposing imaginative responses to the priorities of our four strategic pillars.
“Sustainability is fundamental to LLEP strategy through to 2030 and this fund presents another opportunity to support the next wave of Low Carbon infrastructure projects.”
Growing Places funding is used for the building of homes, office and commercial developments. It could contribute to site access, clearance, broadband and transport infrastructure, utilities, refurbishment of buildings and more.
A total of £17.5m of GPF has already been loaned for projects in Leicester and Leicestershire. It has helped to create 1,786 jobs, 371 homes and more than 200,000 square metres of new or refurbished floorspace.
Developed sites have so far attracted 46 businesses, while new cycleways and roads have also been created.
Successful loans have included:
- £4m to support the transformation of the Grade II-listed former Fenwick’s department store in Leicester into The Gresham aparthotel, commercial units and almost 12,000 sq ft of new co-working space.
- £1.2m towards the £20m Leicester Waterside regeneration project, to transform a 150-acre former industrial site into a thriving neighbourhood with hundreds of new homes and commercial workspaces. The project is expected to create 455 jobs.
- £4.4m over three investments at Optimus Point, in Glenfield, between 2014 and 2017. Funds were used to fund on and off-site infrastructure. The site has the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.
