The Symington Building will be used to host the facility temporarily until a permanent home has been confirmed.
Work to fit out the space will start on the ground floor of the council premises immediately and Cash Access UK is expected to open the banking hub at the end of February.
The hub will be operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
There will also be a community banker service available where people can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub.
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Although lots of people do their banking online nowadays, there are many residents in the Harborough district who find this difficult, do not have internet access or prefer to do their banking in person.
“I have campaigned for a banking hub for Market Harborough for a while following the steady closure of high street banks in the town, and I’m delighted that the council has been able to assist with welcoming the new banking hub provided by Cash Access UK by hosting the hub temporarily in our council offices. I am looking forward to the banking hub opening for residents later this month.”
Council offices to become temporary home for new Market Harborough banking hub
The call for a new banking hub in Market Harborough has been answered by Harborough District Council.
Leicester market proposal takes next step
A proposal to return Leicester Market to its original site and create a major new event space around it is to proceed to the next stage.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby met with market trader representatives yesterday (Thursday 13 February) to advise them that he intends to move forward with the scheme, creating a food-focused market next to the existing Food Hall, together with a versatile space that would become a focal point for outdoor events in the city.
Final designs, new planning applications and detailed costs will now be drawn up, prior to a formal decision being taken. Subject to planning permission, work could start on site this summer – and market traders could be operating from the new market building by the end of 2026.
“This proposal would give Leicester Market a fresh start and a sustainable future – and would give the traders what they wanted: a return to the site where they’ve stood for generations,” said the City Mayor.
“But it’s also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reopen the market place as a wonderful flexible space – as it was for hundreds of years.
“The scale of the space, and the quality of the surrounding architecture, make it a very special site and my hope is that our investment in this scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider area.”
The proposal to create a new market building, housing 48 stalls that could be fully dismantled if necessary, and a new event space for Leicester was welcomed by most of those who took part in a formal consultation last year.
More than 1,600 (1,667) people gave their views in the online consultation, which was launched in October and ran for six weeks.
Of those responding, 60% (1,008) supported the proposal, 38% (639) did not, and a further 20 respondents did not express a preference.
“I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation, as their views showed there’s support for the proposal,” said the City Mayor.
“My focus now is on progressing this scheme, ahead of a formal decision. Our project team will now be developing the designs and preparing the planning applications, with a view to getting this important site redeveloped and open for business as quickly as possible.”
A planning application for the new square is due to be submitted next month (March), with plans for the new building expected to be submitted in July.
Approval granted for final phase of 334,000 sq ft scheme at Corby’s Saxon Park
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver 334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle’.
Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in Corby.
The development will offer modern, high-specification facilities, including 12.5m to haunch, a minimum 520 KVA power supply, first-floor offices, and enhanced PV roofing. The unit is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A+ rating.
Construction is set to commence shortly, with completion expected in Q4 2025.
Hortons acquired Saxon Park in 2023 as part of its long-term investment strategy. The broader redevelopment of the site includes the transformation of an existing building into two units, Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively. Both units will be available for occupation from Q3 2025.
Additionally, Hortons has delivered Saxon 58, a refurbished unit of 58,350 sq ft, which was let to Russell & Bromley in 2024.
James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full-scale redevelopment programme at Saxon Park to create high-specification units that offer enhanced power and sustainability. Saxon 68 is a key part of this plan, delivering best-in-class industrial/logistics space in an established and sought after location.”
New construction centre to be created in Sutton-in-Ashfield
Young people, adult learners and apprentices are set to gain the skills for “rewarding and well-paid” jobs in construction at a major training centre being created in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
This comes after Ashfield District Council and West Nottinghamshire College secured a new future for the town’s former Wilko store.
Thanks to £4 million in Towns Funding, the building will be converted into a modern teaching facility offering opportunities for students to train or upskill for careers in this growing sector.
The council has purchased the building at 1-5 Outram Street and will now lease the premises to the college.
The former Wilko building will be fully refurbished, creating a campus for students aged 16-18, adult learners and apprentices to gain trade skills and qualifications in plumbing and electrical installation.
It will also be a centre for ‘green skills’ courses in areas including ground source and air source heat pump, photovoltaics, and electric vehicle charging and wiring.
The conversion will involve a major programme of internal works to create classrooms, workshop space, offices and a canteen across three floors within 29,428 sq ft, plus renovation and redesign of the building’s façade.
It is hoped the campus will be open from September 2025, accommodating around 400 students.
This project is one of 17 being funded by the council’s £62.6 million Towns Deal.
The funding will also contribute towards the cost of substantial internal alterations to the college’s existing Station Park facility, off Lowmoor Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, to relocate some curriculum areas under one roof.
These works will in turn enable the development of the college’s engineering centre on Oddicroft Lane, Sutton-in-Ashfield, into the UK’s first Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.
The district council and college have now signed a 125-year lease, which means the college can take possession of the vacant building and begin the conversion works.
Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, said: “I am delighted this landmark agreement has now been secured. Our new construction centre will create exciting opportunities for local people across a range of rewarding and well-paid careers, and support businesses in meeting their skills needs.
“The centre will provide a great environment for students and enable us to further modernise our curriculum.
“It will bring hundreds of students into Sutton town centre every day, bringing economic benefits to high street businesses and breathing new life into this large-scale, unused building.
“I am also excited about the knock-on benefits to our other campuses in Ashfield, with major changes coming to our Station Park and Oddicroft Lane sites to respond to the ever-increasing demand for skills in both construction and engineering.”
Cllr Vicki Heslop, Ward Member for Sutton, said: “We are excited to move forward with this fantastic project to turn the former Wilko store in Sutton town centre into a new educational facility for construction students in Ashfield and beyond.
“This will be the fourth construction facility for West Nottinghamshire College and will allow Ashfield’s young people the opportunity to gain valuable skills to set them up for the future.
“The building is in a fantastic location, close to shops and local amenities, and will provide a welcome boost to local businesses.”
Cabinet gives the green light for St James Depot regeneration in Northampton
A long-neglected brownfield site situated in a prominent gateway location on the edge of Northampton Town Centre has been awarded £1.37 million from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.
The former St James bus depot will be transformed into a vibrant new neighbourhood. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) Cabinet has approved the plans for the regeneration scheme, which will enable the development of more than 70 family homes.
The 4.5-acre site, built in the early 1900s, was home to Northampton’s tram and bus depot until its closure in 2013. After being purchased by Church’s in 2014 and remaining vacant, the site was acquired by WNC in November 2023. The Council has identified a significant need for quality housing in the area, and this project is a crucial step towards meeting that demand.
The redevelopment of the St James Depot site presents several challenges, including asbestos and ground contamination, flooding risk, and structural deterioration. Additionally, any development must retain the Grade II listed Transport Office, built in the 1930s. The funding requirements stipulate that the contract for these remedial works must be in place by 31 March 2025.
Cllr Dan Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure, said: “This approval marks a significant step forward in transforming the St James Depot site into a vibrant gateway for Northampton Town Centre.
“By revitalising this area, we are not only preserving the historical significance of the Transport Office but also addressing the urgent need for quality housing and boosting the local economy. We will seek to work with developers to maintain and enhance the external façade of the buildings, to elevate this area where possible.
“With the Cabinet’s approval, we are now ready to tackle the challenges ahead, site remediation including asbestos removal and structural preservation. We are committed to delivering a project that benefits our residents and the wider community.”
With the Cabinet’s approval, the next steps will include:
- Transport Offices: The Grade II listed building will undergo a light strip out of fixtures and fittings, with asbestos removal where it does not impact listed features.
- Original Section of Tram Depot: The front and rear facades of the original building will be retained. Works will include an internal strip out and asbestos removal. Roof coverings will be removed, but the roof structure and internal walls will remain to support the facades.
- Bus Depot Extension: The mid to late 20th-century extension will be demolished. Hoarding will be reinstated to secure the site post-demolition.
Energy firm says Gainsborough gas resources could generate GDP contribution of over £100bn
A huge gas field has been discovered under Lincolnshire with the ability to fuel the country for a decade, it has been reported.
Reaching out to Egdon Resources, the energy firm behind the discovery in Gainsborough told Business Link that the Telegraph’s description of a “gas field” is premature “as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.”
At present there is a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas, a practice with strong opposition, with fracking having been met with protests, critiqued for creating earth tremors, and clashing with the government’s environmental course, plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and Net Zero aims.
Commissioning Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have, Egdon Resources said the gas resource is capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas, amounting to around six to seven years of current gas consumption.
Deloitte’s modelling estimates that the development would generate a GDP contribution of over £100 billion, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas.
Egdon Resources said: “The Telegraph article relates to the potential gas resources in the Gainsborough Trough geological basin which extends across parts of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.
“The presence of these gas resources in shales and sandstones at a depth of around 2 kilometres, was proven by the drilling of the Springs Road-1 well back in 2019 and compare favourably with some of the best producing shale basins in the USA.
“At present they cannot be developed due to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale-gas. It’s description in the article as a “gas field” is premature as the political and regulatory conditions for its development do not exist in the UK today.
“Egdon commissioned Deloitte to undertake an assessment of the potential economic, social and environmental impact that developing this gas resource could have. This has highlighted a gas resource capable of supplying over 16 trillion cubic feet of gas or around 6-7 years of current gas consumption thus offsetting significant amounts of imported gas.
“Deloitte’s modelling estimates that if this was developed it would generate a GDP contribution of £140 billion, £34 billion of direct taxes, up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs and offset 202 million tons of CO2 equivalent when compared to the emissions associated with imported gas. To put that in context that is equivalent to the annual emissions of over 40 million cars.
“As accepted by the Government and shown by the Climate Change Committee’s figures, whilst its use will reduce, gas will continue to be an important part of the UK energy mix out to 2050 and beyond. The UK will become increasingly reliant on imports as North Sea production declines.
“The UK government is looking for ways to grow GDP and is increasingly reliant on overseas energy imports such as LNG, much sourced from US shale. It would therefore seem sensible for politicians to consider in a pragmatic and fact based way, the potential security of supply, fiscal, environmental and employment benefits of developing the UK’s own resources such as those present in the Gainsborough Trough.
“The proposed development of Carbon Capture and Storage projects at nearby Humberside further enhance the environmental credentials of this opportunity.”
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, is among those opposed to fracking, needed to extract the gas.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) spokesperson said: “We intend to ban fracking for good and make Britain a clean energy superpower to protect current and future generations.
“The biggest risk to our energy security is staying dependent on fossil fuel markets and only by sprinting to clean power by 2030 can the UK take back control of its energy and protect both family and national finances from price spikes.
“Through our Plan for Change, we will reignite our industrial heartlands as we seize the opportunities of the clean energy transition, and will continue to drive investment for businesses and communities in the UK.”
A moratorium on fracking in England is in place because of an inability to predict the size, timing or location of any seismic events that take place after fracking operations.
The government has also highlighted that there is no guarantee that oil and gas produced in the UK will be used here, with private companies selling to an international market.
The government has a commitment not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields, which it is to consult on in due course.
Works on track for major Nottingham student accommodation scheme
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is making significant strides in delivering a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation development on Talbot Street, Nottingham.
The £25.8m project, located at 77 Talbot Road, is on track to welcome students in September 2025, with works progressing well.
Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the development replaces a five-storey office block formerly occupied by Domestic and General, which relocated to a new development on Station Street, enabling them to further invest and remain in Nottingham. The demolition of the previous structure commenced in April 2023, with construction underway since September.
The nine-storey building will include premium amenities including a gym, yoga room and social study spaces, alongside en-suite bedrooms designed to provide high-quality living standards. An entertainment room is also being built on the Wollaton ground floor which will include a cinema.
The uppermost level of the building will feature premium studio apartments with larger footprints and exceptional views across Nottingham, offering a standout experience for students.
With sustainability at the forefront of operations, the scheme is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, incorporating features including traditional foundations into Nottingham’s sandstone bedrock and adhering to rigorous planning conditions such as cave probing to protect the local environment.
Key milestones in the project include the completion of the roof structure, marking significant progress towards the scheme’s 2025 completion, and the marketing suite was officially opened in autumn on Talbot Street – offering a dedicated space where prospective students can view the high-quality finishes and amenities that will be available.
Internally, the accommodation has seen enhancements to its finishes, including feature walls and upgraded soft furnishings, which will elevate the overall living experience.
Calls for urgent meeting over sudden closure of Lenton Business Centre
Tenants and community groups in Nottingham are calling for an urgent meeting with city officials after being given just 28 days to vacate the Lenton Business Centre due to fire safety concerns.
Nottingham City Council, which manages the site, issued notices to all tenants following a fire risk assessment that identified issues with fire doors. The decision affects around 60 businesses and organisations, including the Marcus Garvey Day Centre, which provides services to the Afro-Caribbean community, particularly the Windrush generation.
A meeting was held on February 11, where affected tenants agreed to send a formal letter to the council, highlighting the closure’s severe financial and operational consequences. Businesses argue that the short notice period makes relocation nearly impossible and have requested full transparency regarding the fire inspection findings. They also call for suspending the notice period while exploring alternative solutions.
Some tenants have expressed willingness to fund necessary repairs if they can remain in the building. In addition to the letter, campaigners have launched a petition, “Save The Marcus Garvey Centre—Protect Nottingham’s Cultural Heart,” led by the Black Community Action Group.
Nottingham City Council has stated that the decision was made with safety as the top priority and that businesses will be informed of plans once further survey work is completed.
Proposals lodged for expansion of Mercia Park
Proposals to expand Mercia Park in north west Leicestershire, providing new strategic employment space and boosting economic growth, have been submitted.
The planning application for the expansion of the site, which is near Junction 11 of the M42, has been prepared by IM Properties.
The site, which currently employs more than 2,500 people, is the home of JLR’s Global Logistics Centre (Unipart) and a flagship facility for global transport and logistics company DSV.
If approved, the proposed expansion would provide much-needed space for businesses and build on the success of Mercia Park which has become an important economic asset, delivering jobs as well as training and skills for people during construction and into operation.
Expansion of Mercia Park could create between 1,000 and 1,700 jobs on site once complete and fully operational and deliver an estimated £2.8 million per year in business rates.
Matthew Fox, Planning Director at IM Properties, said: “Mercia Park has demonstrated that it is a leading location for business with excellent transport links and net zero-ready buildings all within a high quality landscaped setting.
“Expansion of this important economic asset would capitalise on the profile and success of the site and provide much-needed new business space to help drive inward investment in Leicestershire.”
Independent of the planning process for the expansion of Mercia Park, IM Properties is shaping proposals to create a new community fund to support projects that strengthen communities or improve the natural environment.
Established to support the first phase of the site, the Mercia Park Community Fund has helped to fund 81 local projects to date. Managed by Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, the fund typically offered grants of up to £5,000.
New accommodation to be built in £65m contract at RAF Digby
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has awarded a £65 million contract for new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) at RAF Digby in Lincolnshire.
RAF Digby is the RAF’s oldest station, established in 1918, but is now operated by Strategic Command. The contract was awarded to Galliford Try with Arcadis as a Technical Support Provider and will see four new blocks of bedrooms created for junior ranks.
Each block contains a kitchenette, drying rooms, laundry rooms and social spaces, as well as 69 single ensuite rooms.
The buildings have been designed to be as carbon efficient as possible as part of MOD and wider government push towards net zero. They will benefit from solar panels and be heated using air source heat pumps.
Other energy efficiency measures include provision for a system to recover heat from the waste water in the showers, temperature-controlled heating zones, energy efficient LED lighting, and electric car charging points.
The contract value also includes provision of car parking, street lighting and landscaped outdoor communal areas. The contractors will be using local suppliers and labour as much as possible to benefit the local economy.
John Weatherby, DIO’s Principal Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached this important milestone in our goal to transform the accommodation provision at RAF Digby with some high-quality new rooms for junior ranks serving at the station. We look forward to working with Galliford Try on the designs as we prepare for the start of construction in the coming months.”
Wing Commander Neil Hallett, Station Commander RAF Digby, said: “This is an eagerly anticipated announcement welcomed by the service men and women stationed here. Having modern Single Living Accommodation will significantly improve the lived experience and there is buzz of excitement across the station following this contract award.
“This investment into Royal Air Force Digby is a clear demonstration by the MOD of its intent to enhance the accommodation offer to our personnel while making buildings more sustainable.”
Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the DIO to deliver this much-needed facility for those serving at RAF Digby. We have a strong track record in providing this kind of facility to the armed forces and look forward to ensuring the personnel receive the high-quality living spaces they deserve.” Construction is expected to start in March.