Regeneration of Leicester’s Stocking Farm estate moves a step closer
Regeneration plans for Leicester’s Stocking Farm estate have moved on a step with the submission of a planning application to the city council.
If approved, the plans will see around 50 new energy-efficient council homes built on the 3.34-acre site in the north-west of Leicester. The homes will have high levels of insulation to reduce fuel costs and will be heated through air source heat pumps.
A number of accessible flats for wheelchair users will also be created and the Stocking Farm farmhouse will be converted to provide supported living accommodation, enabling people to live independently.
A new public open space is planned, which will include a children’s play area and attractive landscaping for people to enjoy and where wildlife can flourish.
Improvements to local shops and the existing public footpath along Marwood Road and Packwood Road are also planned, along with the creation of a new pedestrian crossing on Marwood Road.
The city council has already worked with social enterprise Community Shop to bring a new branch to the former youth centre on Marwood Road. The building offers affordable groceries in its supermarket, a community kitchen and training for members, and a café available to non-members where children can eat for free.
The Community Shop also houses a new indoor community space which is available for hire.
Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, asst city mayor for housing, said: “There has been extensive consultation with local people on the development of these ambitious plans over the last two years, and their input has been vital in shaping the proposals.
“Now that a planning application has been submitted, people have yet another chance to let us know what they think and to help to revitalise this important neighbourhood and provide much-needed homes.”
Derby City Council to run second application window for COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund
Derby City Council will be running a second application window for the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF), which may provide additional assistance to businesses that are still struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CARF scheme aims to provide support for businesses for the 2021/22 financial year which have been affected by the pandemic but were ineligible to apply for existing business rates support.
As the scheme will soon be coming to an end, the council is writing directly to all businesses that it believes may be entitled to support from the CARF scheme and inviting them to make an application.
The application window will run from 15 August until midnight on 4 September. After this time the application window will close, and the council will not accept further applications. As funding is limited any potential awards will not be considered or distributed until after the application period closes on 4 September 2022.
The fund is available for businesses that occupy premises that have a rateable value and where they have a business rates account and were liable for business rates during some or all of the 2021/22 financial year. They must also have a business rates debt for the 2021/22 financial year at the time they make their application.
Cllr Jonathan Smale, cabinet member for finance, digital and culture, said: “I would encourage eligible businesses to submit their applications before the deadline so that they do not miss out on vital assistance. To be clear, this assistance is not a grant given to businesses, but rather a temporary reduction in their 2021/22 business rates.”
East Midlands manufacturer awarded £1m mental health hospital contract
Mansfield-based Deanestor has been awarded a £1m contract by Integrated Health Projects to provide bespoke fitted furniture and fitout services for a £60m mental health facility on the Maudsley Hospital campus in London.
Due to open in 2023 and designed by IBI Group, the purpose-built New Douglas Bennett House will house acute adult inpatient services in eight wards, including four specialist wards and a psychiatric intensive care unit.
According to Deanestor Managing Director, William Tonkinson: “We are seeing an increase in enquiries for mental health projects and have considerable experience in this specialist area, particularly in compliance, specification detailing for these types of facilities, and in developing robust technical solutions whilst creating a welcoming and comfortable patient environment.
“We are pleased to be working with Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine again and are looking forward to contributing to this project which is helping to modernise mental healthcare in London.”
Deanestor will be manufacturing bespoke furniture for 132 patient bedrooms, including wardrobes, desks, shelves, and bedside cabinets. This furniture is designed to be robust and heavy duty, and is machined and pre-assembled in Deanestor’s Mansfield factory for a strong finish.
Around 3,000 items of furniture and fittings will be installed by Deanestor, such as curtain tracks, window blinds, and stainless-steel dispensers and soap dishes in the ensuite bathrooms.
Deanestor is also manufacturing and installing 10 stainless steel kitchens, and furniture for utilities and ancillary facilities for staff such as offices and lounge spaces.
As part of the design development process and Deanestor’s early engagement in the project, two sample rooms were developed and fitted out for the assessment of the furniture specification and patient environment by the Trust.
Spread over 10,000m², the New Douglas Bennett House will allow South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to centralise its mental health services in one location.
Henry Brothers hands over new school extension in Derbyshire
Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over a new extension at Glossopdale School to Derbyshire County Council.
The £4 million extension is the second phase of the Council’s plan to increase capacity at the school, which can now take up to 1,440 pupils. The new space will provide an additional nine teaching spaces comprising eight standard classrooms and a demonstration science lab. It will also provide flexible options for dining and social spaces and extra staff workrooms.
Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers Midlands, said: “Having built the main Glossopdale School, which has proved so popular, Henry Brothers is delighted to have now delivered an extension to create additional space for a further 200 students.
“We have partnered with Derbyshire County Council on several school projects over recent years, helping to enhance facilities, and it’s great to see the completion of this latest scheme.
“Working alongside employers agent Concertus, DLA Architecture, civil and structural engineer Curtins and Couch Perry Wilkes for M & E services, Henry Brothers has helped to deliver a superb scheme, which will allow additional pupils to attend this popular school.”
The addition, which was funded by the Council, is set into the hillside and also includes a new multi-use outdoor games area for play and PE.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, councillor Alex Dale, said: “It’s great to see the handover of the new phase of the planned Glossopdale expansion, and we’re really pleased that it’s been delivered ahead of the original strategy to help us meet local demand.
“We’re committed to ensuring young people in Derbyshire have the best possible start in life and access to a high-quality education is at the heart of that. I’m really pleased that the school will be welcoming pupils back into this new space from September.”
Jess Etienne, key account manager at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, said: “Considering the economic climate during the construction period, we are pleased to have been able to play our part in delivering these high-quality educational facilities and we are so thrilled with the outcome.
“The close and positive working relationship between Concertus, Derbyshire County Council, and Henry Brothers has played an instrumental part in the success of this project, and we are excited to see the students continue their journey in their new setting.”
Enrok Construction secures £4.6m Brixton construction project
Derbyshire-headquartered Enrok Construction has commenced work with Node to deliver 63 one-and-two-bed luxury apartments in Brixton, London.
The construction specialist has worked on the project since March 2022 and is now able to announce the formal contract. In a short time Enrok has played a pivotal role, completing roof works, installing windows and commencing the cladding and internal fit out, and is now committed to the successful completion of the scheme.
In its entirety, the project will see the conversion of a four-story building on Shakespeare Road with work to include the development of a fifth additional floor containing 6 additional luxury apartments. The penthouses will boast premium views across the capital city with a number of iconic buildings in sight, including The Shard, The City, Canary Wharf, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Speaking on the project, Simon Bennett MCIOB, Enrok’s operations director, said: “We have been working closely with the team at Node for four months now, and it’s great to be able to shout about what will become our flagship project.
“Building outwards is not always feasible in high-density areas, so developing upwards is an effective solution – and something that is becoming increasingly popular across London and other densely populated cities where space is at a premium.
“Working in London does come with its own challenges, but our project planning and existing presence in London has enabled us to hit the ground running on the scheme and we are looking forward to delivering it successfully.
“We hope that this marks the start of a strong working relationship with Node and very much look forward to the prospect of future collaborations.”
Aamir Siddiqui, development director at Node, said: “We are delighted to be working with Enrok Construction to deliver this exciting scheme in Brixton. In addition to the collection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, Node’s newest residence will also boast a co-working space, residents lounge and an outdoor amenity. It will be in close proximity to a range of co-working facilities, Brixton Village, Pop Brixton, underground, overground transport links and other neighbourhood amenities.
“We are pleased to have Enrok onboard and look forward to welcoming new residents in early 2023.”
Funding approved for new multi-million sports hub at Loughborough College
A new state-of-the-art sports hub is set to enhance elite-level training facilities offered at Loughborough College.
The College has secured £9.91 million from the Department for Education (DfE) to create a new three-storey, 3,000sqm facility as part of a wide range of multi-million pound improvements on its Radmoor Road campus.
The new building will house a modern sports hall with viewing terrace and outstanding changing facilities. It will also feature contemporary classrooms, flexible learning spaces, breakout areas and a small staff base.
As part of the project, the College will demolish an outdated building and boiler room to make way for new and improved admin and teaching facilities.
Jo Maher, principal & Chief Executive at Loughborough College, said: “We’re delighted that our bid for the Department for Education funding was successful. It will help us deliver our bold and ambitious estates strategy which aims to further enhance the experience for students and staff on campus, especially our brilliant sports team and world class athletes.
“It is such an exciting time to be part of the College community as we are investing millions in improvements such as our new T Level Centre, Institute of Technology building and new Digital Skills Hub.
“It really feels like we’re at the start of our journey to revamp our fantastic campus and make it the best possible place to learn and to work.”
The College was one of only 62 colleges nationwide to be successful in bids for grant funding from the DfE’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF).
Stuart Lindeman, chair of governors at Loughborough College, said: “This latest funding announcement is fantastic news for the College, but most importantly for our learners. The investment in the new facility means we can boost our elite sport provision as well as modernise other parts of the campus.”
England’s Handball squad uses the College’s facilities for training and will benefit from the new sports hall along with the scores of elite athletes who are based at the College.
Loughborough College has earmarked more than £30 million of investment in the campus, resources and other facilities over the last 12 months in one of the most exciting improvement plans in the College’s history.
As well as the new sports hall, investments include:
- State-of-the-art T Level Centre
- An Institute of Technology facility
- A Digital Skills Hub
- The Loughborough Careers and Enterprise Hub
- An Esports suite
- An airliner cabin simulator
Pet food manufacturer takes 24,000ft² at Blenheim Park
Hot on the heels of the letting of 81,000ft² to Cotton On Group at Blenheim Park just off Junction 26 of the M1 by FHP and joint agents M1 Agency on behalf of Urban Logistics REIT comes a further deal with the disposal of prime new build space of 24,000ft² to an undisclosed, pet food manufacturer.
Blenheim 24 was one of four speculatively planned and constructed prime manufacturing/distribution units on Blenheim Park, which sits just off Junction 26 of the M1 on the edge of Nottingham. This is the third deal on the site following on from the lettings of speculative units of 18,000ft² and 81,000ft², leaving merely the final building available of 43,000ft² which has just completed and is ready for immediate occupation.
The letting of Blenheim 24 was completed by Chris Proctor and Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants on behalf of Urban Logistics. Chris said: “It was a pleasure to deal with our new occupier here and their investment in the building will no doubt create success and new jobs for the region. This is the third letting we have now completed on the site and we only have one unit left available of just over 43,000ft² which is immediately available on a new lease.”
John Barker, head of development at Urban Logistics REIT, added: “We have been pleased with the interest shown in the ten unit scheme where we partnered with Wilson Bowden. The six units in the East Midlands have generated strong interest and the four unit scheme at Kingsway in Rochdale, due for practical completion at the beginning of October, which is encouraging.”
Olivia Salisbury, asset manager at Urban Logistics REIT, said: “We are delighted to have let the third unit in the scheme so quickly after practical completion. This is testament to the quality of the units built by Wilson Bowden and their contractors, Glencar and the location of the scheme, so close to Junction 26 of the M1 and Nottingham City Centre.”
Toby Wilson at M1 Agency added: “We are down to the last unit on Blenheim Park, which is a credit to the quality and location of these units. The remaining unit of 43,000ft² is the only immediately available Grade A warehouse within Nottingham of its size range currently, so we would urge occupiers to come forward before it is too late.”
Joules names new CEO
Joules, the Market Harborough-based lifestyle group, has revealed that Jonathon Brown will become its new Chief Executive Officer.
This follows the announcement in May 2022 that Nick Jones would be stepping down from the role during 2022. Jonathon will initially join the group as CEO designate on 7 September 2022 and will become CEO on 30 September following a short handover period from Nick.
Jonathon is a proven leader with a strong track record of improving performance and implementing strategic transformation programmes across several digital and retail businesses. He started his career in various marketing and digital roles, including at Schroders, British Airways and Coca-Cola.
He has held senior positions at Aviva, where he was head of e-Channels, Kingfisher, where he was director of Multichannel, and John Lewis, where he was Omnichannel director. He was previously CEO of MandM Direct, where he executed a successful turnaround plan, and COO of Photobox Group, where he led the strategic, commercial, and organisational transformation of the group, working across the brand portfolio including PhotoBox and Moonpig.
Most recently, Jonathon was CEO of Compare the Market, part of BGL Group, where he led the business through a successful period of strategic transformation and growth.
Jonathon Brown said: “I am delighted to have been selected to lead Joules at such an important time in its development. Joules is a very strong brand, with a highly relevant purpose and product proposition. The group’s digitalisation in recent years as well as its increased customer base mean it has very solid foundations for the future.
“Whilst there have been some headwinds in the past year, I am very excited by the business’s future opportunities. The group is making strong progress against its clear plans to improve profitability by simplifying the business and optimising the cost base. I look forward to working closely with the Joules team to return the business to sustainable, profitable growth and optimise the significant future opportunities available to us.”
Ian Filby, non-executive chairman of Joules, said: “The Board was in unanimous agreement that, amongst some very high calibre candidates, Jonathan was the standout choice to be our new CEO. He has significant experience across the retail and digital industries, a proven track-record of delivering business transformation, and the vision and ambition to lead Joules through the next stages of its development. The Board has every confidence in him, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming years.
“I would again like to place on record the group’s thanks to Nick for his contributions during his time with Joules, and in particular his continued outstanding commitment and drive over recent months. Under Nick’s leadership Joules has made good progress against its strategy to develop as a digital-led lifestyle group and, more recently, he has spearheaded the implementation of several important strategic initiatives that the Board believes will underpin the group’s future success.”
East Midlands digital PR agency welcomes strategy consultancy to client base
Digital PR agency Jennie Holland PR has been appointed by strategy consultancy Wingman Ltd, headed by former England rugby star Rory Underwood.
Jennie Holland PR, a PR agency in the heart of Nottingham that designs and implements PR and social media campaigns for both B2B and B2C clients across multiple sectors, has been appointed by Nottinghamshire-based Wingman Ltd to provide digital PR services, covering media relations and social content.
Founded by former England rugby union player Rory Underwood MBE DL in 2009, Wingman supports businesses by showing them how to build the sustainable environments required to enable them to deliver their strategy effectively.
Jennie Holland PR will be an extension of Wingman’s in-house marketing department and has been appointed to deliver a digital PR strategy, to help build the profile and reputation of the firm both regionally and nationally, and to shout about its achievements and upcoming events, talks and business retreats, often led by Rory.
Founded on Rory’s 35+ years of experience across elite sport, the military and business, Wingman has an in-depth, unique understanding of what makes a productive and healthy work environment and an engaged, motivated team.
The company mentors businesses on how they can achieve excellent results through an effective implementation plan, engaging and aligning the whole organisation to deliver the strategy.
Wingman and Jennie Holland PR are both ambassadors for Team Lincolnshire, an independent ambassador programme championing Greater Lincolnshire’s communities, businesses and quality of life, and first met over three years ago at a talk given by Rory.
Georgina Mackintosh, senior PR manager at Jennie Holland PR, said: “Wingman is an incredibly impressive firm built on Rory’s inspiring career and myself and the rest of the team are delighted to be working together.
“Wingman has been delivering remarkable results through its specialist programmes nationwide for the past 13 years – enabling positive change within businesses that is measurable and impactful. We will be Rory and team’s publicity partner, helping them to reach new audiences with their unique services.”
Rory, director of Wingman, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Georgina and the rest of team at Jennie Holland PR. Wingman has certainly come a long way since our inception and I’m very proud of the team and all that we have achieved together.
“Now feels like the right time to increase and strengthen our presence and build on our many successes. We want to take Wingman to the next level and this PR team is the ideal partner to help us get there.”
CTS Group makes sixth acquisition in 18 months
Leicester-headquartered CTS Group (Construction Testing Solutions), a provider of Geotechnical Consulting, Construction Materials Testing and Surveying and Monitoring services, have acquired Concept Engineering Consultants Limited, a leader in geotechnical, structural and geo-environmental services.
Operating across the UK and with headquarters in London, Concept Engineering employs 105 staff. The company was originally established in 1997, consulting for civil, structural and geotechnical projects and surveying buildings across London.
This is the sixth acquisition by the CTS Group over the last 18 months.
Chief Executive Officer for the CTS Group, Phil Coles, said: “Offering superb coring and drilling capabilities, as well as a wide range of high-quality site investigation services will be a strong addition to our growing portfolio of Geotechnical Consulting, Construction Materials Testing and Surveying and Monitoring Services.
“I am delighted that Concept Engineering will become part of the CTS Group and look forward to working with Milan, Anastasia, Natalie and the management team to continue to grow the business. This latest acquisition complements the previous deals announced over the last two years as we continue to grow and develop a strong team with the skills and knowledge to deliver a quality and trusted service to our customers.”
Concept Engineering’s CEO, Milan Dedic, added: “We are delighted to become part of the CTS Group and continue to bring innovative site investigation solutions to our clients.
“We look forward to the opportunity to expand the business as part of the group and having met the senior leadership team at CTS we believe we have found a company with a similar ethos to our own and see exciting times ahead. Together we will be able to offer our clients a market leading range of construction related testing, inspection and compliance services.”
