New city centre ambitions for Derby

Derby City Council are taking the first steps in launching a new ambition document and city conversation to address the issues that are facing UK cities.
As part of the city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to meet the challenges of the 21st century, Derby City Council has created a new ambition document which outlines ideas for a bold, transformational vision for Derby city centre, now is the time to have your say!
Derby’s city centre conversation begins on Wednesday 8 June on the Let’s Talk Derby website and will be a chance for residents and businesses to review emerging ideas and share your feedback.
The conversation is a way for citizens to engage with the new ambition document, that was approved at a Special Cabinet meeting in May.
The vision will focus on longer-term ideas and interventions that will transform the city centre and secure its future as a vibrant place that people can feel proud of and want to visit. It will recognise the challenges facing all city centres, not just Derby, and provide an over-arching ‘direction-of-travel’ that will inform future plans and actions.
The document is broken down into 12 themes that focus on the main issues facing our city centre and the key areas we want to improve or reimagine.
• Climate change • Culture • Public realm • Green and blue infrastructure • City living • Accessibility and connectivity • Heritage • Design quality • Learning • Business and creativity • Shopping and leisure • Delivery and coordination
Cllr Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council said: “We’re excited to start this open conversation with our residents, businesses and stakeholders. This is a fantastic opportunity to talk about what we want Derby to be in the future. From these discussions we’ll be creating a brand new vision for the future of our city centre. I urge everyone to take the time and share ideas for the Derby of the future.
Whilst we need to take urgent action now to deal with the immediate challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also need a longer-term plan that addresses the structural issues that face the city centre, of which can’t be solved overnight.
We’ll be working closely with our Team Derby partners and to get a greater understanding of what our residents and businesses would like and need to see in their city centre. These conversations will be the first step towards creating a new vision which will restore its position as the heart and soul of Derby.”
This is the first time a city-wide future regeneration conversation has taken place of this size since the creation of the City Centre Masterplan in 2016. The previous plan brought about exciting developments within the city, including the Becketwell development and Our City, Our River flood defence scheme.
These conversations around the ambition will inform the next stage in the process for developing a new City Centre vision to be published in 2023.
The conversation begins on Wednesday 8 June and will run for 12 weeks over the summer on the Let’s Talk Derby website for residents, business and stakeholders to share ideas and feedback

Nottingham Castle claims leading RICS award

The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. They recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies. Nottingham Castle was submitted for the award by architects, master planners and heritage consultants Purcell, who highlighted their remarkable work to transform the Castle. Purcell led both the conservation management plan and subsequent design that has preserved, restored and enhanced the site, safeguarding its future. The project included the refurbishment of the 17th century Ducal Palace, medieval Gatehouse, and sprawling cave networks. A new Visitor Centre, located within the foreground of the remodelled landscape, provides new guest facilities. The site was recognised for successfully creating a vibrant and accessible space which contributes to the Castle’s important cultural role in the city. Zoë Skelding, Partner at Purcell, said: “The works conducted at Nottingham Castle celebrate the site’s diverse heritage in a compelling and engaging way that reflects its national and global significance, and we are delighted that the RICS have acknowledged its remarkable transformation. “Our team worked closely with Nottingham City Council and its partners to restore and reimagine the site to conserve its historic fabric and enhance the visitor experience, safeguarding it for future generations. Sensitive conservation, contemporary new-build and sustainable technologies have been blended seamlessly to restore the Castle as a flagship for the City and a catalyst for its regeneration.” In granting the Award to Nottingham Castle, the RICS Judges commented that: “This project is a well-considered and executed revitalisation of a much-loved community asset, which has been saved for the benefit of many and will bring visitors to the city.” The work at Nottingham Castle will now go on to compete at the national Grand Final in London on 21 October this year. David Johns, interim CEO at Nottingham Castle Trust, said: “Congratulations to Purcell, Nottingham Castle Transformation Team and everyone involved in the restoration of Nottingham Castle which reflects the grand scale of what has been achieved. It’s our privilege to occupy a place with spaces so wonderfully designed and detailed for our visitors to experience.” Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council said: “We’re delighted that the work to transform Nottingham Castle has received this recognition which is a testament to the ambition, skill and teamwork of all involved over the past few years. “Due to this transformation work we now have a Castle we can be truly proud of, showcasing Nottingham’s 1,000 years of history and providing a local as well as international heritage attraction”. The work recognised by RICS was partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Castle Trust, the project brings to life the Castle’s architecture, heritage and significance, and the role it has played in the United Kingdom.

Civic celebration event for Forest after securing historic promotion

Nottingham has the opportunity to celebrate Forest’s famous promotion to the Premier League at a special event today (Monday) in Old Market Square. Players and club officials will be showing off the Championship play-off winners trophy on the Council House balcony as part of a lunchtime celebration. Comedian and lifelong Forest supporter Matt Forde and BBC Radio Nottingham commentator Colin Fray will host the event, which will include interviews with the players before the trophy is raised aloft to the crowd below. Forest played out a thrilling game this afternoon against Huddersfield Town in front of a capacity crowd at Wembley – it was the club’s first trip to the new stadium since it opened in 2007 and their first major final for 30 years. Tomorrow’s event will start at 1pm in Old Market Square and supporters are asked to arrive no earlier than 11.30am to ensure time for preparations. The celebration falls on the first day of the school half-term holiday and is designed to be a family event. There is strictly no alcohol, flares or pyrotechnics – anyone caught with the latter may be subject to a club ban. It is expected to be very popular and there will be road closures and diversions put in place, plus some temporary changes to bus services. Trams will not move through Old Market Square for a short time and services will terminate at Royal Centre and Nottingham station. Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Forest secured promotion – it means a huge amount to the city after more than two decades outside the top flight. “On behalf of the Council, I’d like to congratulate Steve Cooper, his players and staff, the club’s board and owners, plus the wonderful supporters who travelled down to north-west London today in their thousands to represent our proud city. We must recognise Huddersfield, too, who played so well on the day. “This is a huge moment for Nottingham. We said last week that, beyond the sheer pride and joy that promotion brings, having a team in the Premier League offers the local economy an estimated £120m boost. “We expect it could lead to an extra 100,000 people coming to the city as visiting football fans, as well as an increase in national reputation helping to attract students applying to our two universities and people looking for holiday breaks, along with extra spend by Premier League club staff and players. “But above all that, this is simply a wonderful moment for Nottingham and we hope many Forest supporters, their families and city residents are able to join the players outside the Council House tomorrow. For those who unfortunately can’t attend, the event will be live-streamed.”

£5.9 million investment to refurbish Lincoln Central Market

City of Lincoln Council can confirm works to refurbish Lincoln Central Market have now begun.

Initial works began in April to the grade II listed Central Market following investment from Historic England through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which has enabled a programme of historic building restorations designed to revitalise the area and uncover the city’s rich history. Some £5.9 million investment has also been earmarked for the project thanks to a successful bid for funding through the Be Lincoln Town Deal, which has seen £19 million awarded to the city by government to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. The market was first built in 1937 to the design of architect Robert Atkinson and incorporates the relocated façade of the original 1737 butter market which was located at St Peters at Arches in Lincoln. The proposed scheme is for the major regeneration of the Central Market building, which will include:
  • The opening up of the blind arches on the north and east elevations
  • A new mezzanine floor and relocation of the existing butcher and fishmonger stalls into the main market hall under the mezzanine incorporating its own glazed entrance
  • Replacement roofing and glazed lantern
  • Demolition of the butcher’s corridor to the south of the building and the construction of a new two storey extension to accommodate a new restaurant with a roof terrace
  • New heating and lighting in the building
  • Freestanding stalls in the interior space of a contemporary, minimal design for local businesses to promote local produce and an area within the centre of the Market Hall to accommodate seating for the associated food outlets within the stalls.
  • Unisex toilets including disabled and baby changing facilities
It is also proposed to repave and enhance external areas in City Square and Sincil Street to encourage the evening economy, with space for outdoor dining by the waterway and events. The vision is to stem the decline in footfall, occupancy and turnover by reinventing the market to create a hybrid offer which combines local produce, food and non-food retailing, with expanded food and beverage and communal dining. The addition of the mezzanine level will allow for additional seating and flexible uses. The creation of the standalone restaurant unit within the new two storey extension, will create a further ‘destination’ dining space as well as supporting the evening economy. Cllr Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council said: “The vision for Central Market for some time has been to design a building of destination, an attractive and modern retailing and leisure space, offering a mix of stalls and delivering a place where people want to visit and dwell rather than simply pass by en-route to the High Street or the Transport links in the city. “Thanks to funding from government’s Towns Fund and High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), we now have the opportunity for major investment into the market to create a sustainable future for this important historical asset, which will in turn support the diversification and recovery of the High Street.” David Walsh, Principal Advisor at Historic England added: “The start of the refurbishment of Central Market is a major milestone in heritage led regeneration in the Cornhill Quarter and Lincoln city centre. “The works will allow this wonderful building to have a new lease of life, support local businesses and provide a destination for visitors. “I am delighted to see the Lincoln High Street Heritage Action Zone now having a real effect on the ground, in this and other projects, and helping Lincoln move forward after a difficult few years.” Minister for Levelling Up Neil O’Brien said: “I am thrilled to learn that the £5.9 million refurbishment of Lincoln Central Market has started and that residents will soon be able to feel and experience the benefits of Towns Fund investment. The improvements to this historic market will increase visitor footfall, support local businesses and restore pride for the people of Lincoln. “The project is a key plank of the ambitious proposals set out in Lincoln’s £19 million Town Deal. We are levelling up communities like Lincoln up and down the country and delivering on our mission to spread prosperity to every part of the country, as set out in The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill earlier this month.” Liam Scully, Chair of the Be Lincoln Town Deal Board added: “By restoring and repurposing the market building, this will create a modern and diversified market offer, combining retail, food, leisure and technology. “In doing so, the Be Lincoln Town Deal Board are proud to support the creation of this anchor destination with the Cornhill Quarter, which is emerging as a prime leisure and retail area in the city.” The designs for the market building have been carefully developed in conjunction with advice from Banks Long & Co commercial and letting agents, Lincolnshire County Highways, the LA Planning Conservation Officer, Historic England as well as feedback received from local businesses, traders and the residents of Lincoln following a public survey in February 2021. The works being carried out by local based construction company Lindum are expected to be complete by the end of 2023.  

Lincoln Community lottery raises over £150k for local good causes

Launched by City of Lincoln Council in August 2018, Lincoln Community Lottery has now raised more than £150,000 for good causes located in and around the city.

Every supporter of the lottery has contributed to raising these funds, with 60 pence in every £1 ticket purchased going directly to local good causes. Of this 60 pence, 50 pence directly goes to the supporters chosen good cause and 10 pence supports the Lincoln Lottery Community Fund. The remaining 40 pence in every £1 ticket contributes towards administration costs, prizes and VAT. To date, 81 local good causes are benefitting from the lottery. In 2021, £10,500 from the Lincoln Lottery Community Fund was awarded to five local good causes to deliver a range of activities aimed at supporting residents of the city. Those causes successful in securing a share of this funding in 2021 included Active Arena CIC, Development Plus, Busydays Day Care, Rhubarb Theatre and Building Resilience in Communities. Cllr Sue Burke, Portfolio Holder for Reducing Inequality at City of Lincoln Council, said: “It is incredible to hear over £150,000 has been raised by the supporters of Lincoln Community Lottery so far. “These additional funds have helped our local good causes to deliver a range of vital services to support the residents of Lincoln. “This additional support has been particularly needed over the past two years due to the pandemic, and I would encourage more good causes to consider using the lottery as a tool to raise additional funds in the future.” City of Lincoln Council is encouraging local good causes to join and benefit from Lincoln Community Lottery. There is no cost to a good cause to join the lottery, however, good causes will be required to meet set criteria to ensure the aims of the lottery continue to be met.

Young professionals in East Midlands gain recognition as finalists confirmed for Generation Next Awards

Some of the most promising young talent across businesses in the region has been recognised among the finalists of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next Awards 2022. The second instalment of the awards, held in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby, recognise young professionals and business leaders aged under 35, as well as organisations led by people in this demographic. A shortlist has now been revealed across the 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader. New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability. A virtual judging day will take place on 8 and 9 June, in which finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber of commerce’s senior management team, Generation Next board and representative of the sponsor. Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July. Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities. “We received some brilliant applications from a diverse breadth of individuals, and our shortlist of finalists offers a glimpse into the amazing young talent that exists here in the East Midlands.” Finalists were announced at an event held at Cosy Club, in Nottingham, last night (25 May) in which two of the three founders of Derby-based doughnut delivery service Project D – who won the Entrepreneur of the Year category at the inaugural Generation Next Awards – talked about their journey to date and hopes for the future. Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.    

Generation Next Awards 2022 shortlist

Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby) Craig Evans – UKATA Matilda Swanson – Loates HR Mir Patel – Unique Window Systems Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment Emma Roberts – Derby Community Parent Programme CIC Dan Heffernan – D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership David Maran – MP Digital Limited Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions Umar Razah – Mauricare Homes   Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School) Alpha Geek Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative Kate Johnson – Rate Social Sophie Redman – Linford Grey Associates Kevin Kapezi & Leo Worsley – Growthack Ltd   Customer Service Award Danielle Harkness – Plastek UK James Hardwick – Future Life Wealth Management Anxhela Agaci – Gents of Notts Arran Gessey – Bam Boom Cloud Ben Wilkinson – MHA MacIntyre Hudson   Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College Emily Jacob – emh group Frank Hemmingway – Plastek UK Polly Oakes – Express Recruitment Rebecca Houlston – Cross Productions Ruby Birks – Purpose Media   Diversity & Inclusion Award Fred Gough – University of Derby Jake Wood – Jake Wood PT Martin Croft – Barrister Link Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions   Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group) Adam Bamford – Colleague Box Alpha Geek Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative Kate Johnson – Rate Social Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery   Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs) David Maran – MP Digital Harsh Shah – De Montfort University Jack Hall – Scenariio Nicola Ciaessen – RSM UK Rachel Saunders – Duncan & Toplis   Sustainability Award (sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson) Carys Tetlaw – RSM UK Daniel Kelk – Plastek UK Jake Hall – Scenariio   Creative Award (sponsored by PPL PRS) Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative Deng Yudan – Follow the Orient Joey Lever – Another World Media Katie Brennan – Cross Productions Sophie Price and Tom Dennis – My Town Vision   Volunteer Award (sponsored by RSM UK) George Hanvere – Paragon Law Izzy Plummer – TTK Confectionery Taylor Gee – 360 Autoleasing East Midlands

‘Overwhelming’ support to improve Junction 28 of M1

Consumer research conducted by Midlands Connect shows that the 82% of Ashfield or Bolsover residents surveyed would support improvements to upgrade Junction 28 of the M1 in Derbyshire. Junction 28 has, in recent years, become famous for the number of queues which build up every day from vehicles leaving the motorway and either heading off towards Mansfield and Nottingham or down the A38 towards Derby. There are also concerns about the level of noise and air pollution from cars and HGVs that are at the junction, especially around rush hour. The poll showed that 82% of respondents supported improvements being planned and just 6% said they did not. Over half (51%) of respondents questioned said the improvements of Junction 28 would be ‘very important’ for many businesses in South Normanton and Pinxton, with 33% of respondents saying the same for residents in this area. A further 47% said this upgrade would be ‘quite important’ for businesses and for residents (55%), both in South Normanton and Pinxton. Compared to just 2% who said it would not be important to businesses there. In Ashfield 89% of respondents said improving the junction on the M1 would be important* to residents, with this increasing to 94% when asked specifically to respondents from Ashfield. 80% of respondents deemed the project, in their mind, as levelling up and 83% supported the project of improving Junction 28 of the M1 even though we are in a climate emergency. This scheme is a Midlands Connect priority project and we will be submitting it to the government for funding as our ask for third round of the Road Investment Strategy. We have created our shortlist of priorities through our programme of strategic studies, route strategies, specific areas of research and work with stakeholders. We ask for these schemes to be developed as part of Road Investment Strategy pipeline of schemes that may be built, if supported by government, in the third road investment period which runs from 2025 to 2030. Commenting on the consumer research, Midlands Connect Head of Roads Swati Mittal said:  “These figures bare out what I heard at the recent roundtable hosted by Mark Fletcher MP, this scheme is overwhelmingly supported in the local community and is a key priority for Midlands Connect. “We believe that this project will create jobs and generate economic benefits for the whole region, at the same time as maintaining our roads for today’s drivers. We will reduce our own carbon emissions, and support government’s ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.” Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “Junction 28 is a busy interchange and gateway to and from the M1 for traffic travelling from Alfreton, Derby, Mansfield and Ashfield as well as the immediate surrounding area. “It also serves the increasingly popular East Midlands Designer outlet and nearby Clover Nook Industrial Estate as well as other key employment zones in Nottinghamshire. “We wholeheartedly support the bid for Government funding to keep this part of Derbyshire moving by easing congestion to improve journey times for businesses, commuters, residents and visitors alike and cut carbon emissions generated by vehicles caught up in lengthy queues.” Commenting further, Mark Fletcher MP, Member of Parliament for Bolsover added: ‘’This data supports what I have been hearing from local residents in South Normanton and Pinxton since being elected in 2019 – that the project has overwhelming support from local community. In March I held a junction 28 roundtable to bring together local businesses and politicians in support of this project and in the coming weeks I will be submitting a petition alongside the results I have received from my local survey to help strengthen the strategic business case. These improvements are long overdue and are absolutely essential for the economic development of the region. Residents in Bolsover and Ashfield clearly agree it is a key part of our levelling-up agenda. I look forward to working with Midlands Connect and other stakeholders to deliver this vital infrastructure project for the Bolsover constituency and wider East Midlands.’’

BHP Digital Finance appoints new senior manager

BHP has appointed a new senior manager to its Digital Finance team. James Houseman has worked in BHP’s Tax team since 2020 and has extensive industry experience, including a previous role at McLaren Automotive where he worked as a Finance Manager prior to joining BHP. James now joins the Digital Finance department, which supports businesses throughout their growth and development using the latest in accountancy technology. He said: “Digital finance is an exciting and fast-moving field. I’m delighted to be joining the team and look forward to sharing my experience. “I’m keen to be part of the wider finance function and the problem solving that comes with this new role, which is something I really enjoyed being involved with at McLaren. “I’m ready for the challenge of having a big team to look after and being a trusted business advisor for clients.” BHP’s team of digital finance specialists has expanded substantially in recent months, adding five new starters since the beginning of the year, and now totals 39 people. Dermot Lucid, Digital Finance Partner at BHP, said: “James has been a key member of the BHP team since he joined us two years ago and his tax expertise will be an asset to Digital Finance. I’m looking forward to seeing the team move forward and build on the huge progress we’ve made in recent months.”  

Planning secured for almost 300 homes in Langold

A reserved matters planning application for 296 new homes in Langold has been approved by Bassetlaw District Council, North Nottinghamshire. Having obtained the outline planning permission for the landowners, Pegasus Group have now secured the approval of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development on behalf of Barratt Homes on land to the north and west of Chestnut Road. Chris Calvert, executive director based in Pegasus Group’s Leeds office, said: “We are delighted that planning permission for this development has been granted. “The client and the team worked very closely with council officers, making revisions to the scheme that were significant and directly addressed policies within the Neighbourhood Plan, while also meeting the technical and environmental constraints of the site. “Ultimately, that collaboration has resulted in a development that will bring significant benefits to the community, including:
  • 15% of the properties will be designated affordable housing, including some bungalows
  • public open space, including the provision of a sports pitch
  • the provision of new bus stops.”
In a statement, the council confirmed: “The Local Planning Authority has worked positively and proactively with the applicant to seek solutions to problems arising from the application and as such planning permission/consent is granted on the basis of amendments to the originally submitted application.” The 296 properties are set to meet the needs of a wide range of residents with the two, three and four-bedroom homes in a number of different styles. Access to the development is via Doncaster Road which was approved as part of the outline planning permission in December 2018. Pegasus Group provided public consultation, planning, highways and landscape advice.

Boost your business at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022

Boost your business, its reputation, and your team’s morale by entering the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022! Celebrating the region’s property and construction industry, its people, and outstanding developments, the annual awards attract leaders from across the region and are the perfect way for businesses to promote themselves and those they work with. Award categories include: 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. Winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 15 September, at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground – an evening that will also provide plenty of opportunities to forge new contacts with property and construction professionals from across the region. After winning an award at the 2021 event, Allan Joyce Architects said: “We are delighted to have won Architects of the Year at the East Midlands Bricks Awards. It is lovely for the whole team, who always work incredibly hard to create amazing designs, to be recognised in this way. It was wonderful to attend the event in person and to hear about all of the great projects happening in our region and the companies involved in them.” To submit a business or development for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
The Overall Winner of the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022 will also be awarded a year of marketing/publicity worth £20,000. Find out who last year’s winners were here.

Book your tickets now

Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome 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. Dress code is standard business attire.
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