Council loses planning appeal for new Enderby logistics hub

Tess Egginton
-
0
Council loses planning appeal for new Enderby logistics hub

Blaby District Council has lost a planning appeal for a new logistics hub at St Johns, Enderby.

Drummond Estate and Inverock Ltd launched an appeal earlier this year after the Council’s Planning Committee refused the outline application in October 2023.

The site is identified for employment use in the Blaby District Local Plan, adopted in 2019.

The Planning Inspector reviewed the Council’s decision to refuse the application at a public hearing in July, granting permission for the scheme.

The application, from the Drummond Estate and Inverock Trust, includes plans for four warehouses, offices, gatehouses and, potentially, a training and education centre.

The hub is proposed for use as a storage and distribution centre with new access off Leicester Lane.

A similar scheme, known as Hub 2, was granted outline permission on the same site in June this year.

The Council has also been ordered to pay the applicant’s costs, which are currently unknown.

Further detailed applications will now follow, including the layout and appearance of the site.

Jonathan Hodge, Blaby District Council’s Group Manager for Planning and Strategic Growth, said: “We acknowledge the Inspector’s decision on this appeal and will work with the landowner and developers as more detailed plans for the site are received.”

Second contractor working on Jewry Wall Museum project collapses

Tess Egginton
-
0
Second contractor working on Jewry Wall Museum project collapses
The opening of Leicester’s Jewry Wall Museum and Visitor Centre – currently under-going a multi-million pound transformation – has been delayed following the collapse of a second contractor working on the project. Elmwood Projects, which was commissioned by the city council to design and manufacture the exhibition and displays for the centre, announced it was going into liquidation earlier this month. Located in Scotland, the company was providing the design, build and installation of exhibition cases, large mosaic displays, object mounts and some of the audio-visual elements for the centre. The news follows the unexpected liquidation of NMCN – one of the biggest construction companies in the Midlands – which was originally brought in to carry out the external works needed to the existing museum building and heritage site. The council managed to appoint Olivetti and Jeakins Weir last year to continue with the construction work, and good progress was being made on the ambitious refurbishment. This new blow to the project is likely to result in some further delay to the opening, although the council hopes this will not be significant. Richard Sword, the council’s strategic director for city developments and neighbourhoods, said: “It is very rare for two such well-established companies working on the same project to be hit in this way, but these are very difficult times for the construction industry, with three of the four companies that originally bid for this work now in administration. We sympathise with everyone affected by these company closures. “We are grateful that Elmwood had already completed most of the work we had commissioned. “Leicester already benefits significantly from tourists interested in our 2000 years of history and the discovery of King Richard lll. The new-look museum and visitor centre has the potential to bring in many more thousands of visitors and huge economic benefits to Leicester. “At this point it is difficult to say exactly how this will affect the opening date and our costs, but I am hopeful we can resolve this without too much of an impact.” Following the loss of the first contractor, the council had been working towards an opening date of January 2025. It’s now more likely this will be around summer 2025, although this is yet to be confirmed. The council is planning a celebration of Roman Leicester to tie in with the opening of the museum, details of which will be announced later this year.

Derby flex office provider secures first London base

Tess Egginton
-
0
Derby flex office provider secures first London base
Cubo, the Derby-headquartered provider of flex office space, has expanded into the London market with the acquisition of a prime office space at Soho Estates’ Ilona Rose House, W1. The company, which was founded by Marc and Rebecca Brough, began its search for a London site in July to meet increasing demand from existing members keen to deal with a single office provider across multiple cities. It has now secured the entire 18,819 sq ft second floor of Ilona Rose House, the site of the former Foyles Bookshop on Charing Cross Road. Ilona Rose House is regarded as one of the most iconic and attractive office buildings in central London and is strategically located just 100m from Tottenham Court Road Station. The 300,000 sq ft scheme, which is Soho Estates’ largest mixed-use development to date, was completed in May 2021 and features 150,000 sq ft of office space, including a public courtyard with 15,000 sq ft dedicated to restaurants and bar space and planted external terraces for each office occupier. The building is already home to Warner Bros De Lane Lea’s post-production facility, Dawn Capital, Skyscanner, and Planet Payment, as well as Soho Estates. Cubo was advised by Russell Rigby of Rigby & Co, with Gerald Eve acting as the letting agent for Ilona Rose House. Commenting on Cubo’s latest acquisition, Marc Brough, CEO at Cubo, said: “During the time we have been expanding our UK locations, we have continually been pressed to clarify when we will be opening one of our award-winning sites in London. “We have been waiting for the perfect building in the perfect location, and we are 100% satisfied and excited to have identified Ilona Rose House, just off Soho Square. “This is a superb building with brilliant amenities that existing and new members will view as very much the best in class. “A huge thank you to Phil Thompson and his amazing team at Soho Estates who have worked hard and fast and in a very collaborative way with our team to deliver a quick transaction during the month of August.” Philip Thompson, Director of Soho Estates, added: “We are delighted to welcome Cubo to Ilona Rose House and hope this deal is the start of a long and fruitful partnership between landlord and tenant as we continue to strive to provide the highest-quality space for creative businesses across all sectors in our part of Soho.” This recent acquisition of Ilona Rose House forms part of the company’s strategic growth plans, bringing the total number of sites across the UK to 13.

Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – an evening of celebration and networking

Tess Egginton
-
0
Get your tickets for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 – an evening of celebration and networking
With nominations now CLOSED for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024, secure your tickets for the prestigious event! Taking place on Thursday 3rd October (4:30pm – 7:30pm) in the Derek Randall Suite at the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the highly anticipated East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 will celebrate the region’s property and construction industry while providing a prime opportunity to connect with local decision makers over nibbles and complimentary drinks. A key event in the business calendar since 2015, the glittering awards ceremony will additionally feature Paul Southby as keynote speaker. Paul is a partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema in Nottingham’s Lace Market, and a longstanding trustee of environmental charity Clean Rivers Trust. He is chair of Nottingham Partners, a group of businesses that supports the work of the local inward investment agency, Invest in Nottingham, and a board member and past chair of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Limited. Paul is also a former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire (2022/23). Paul said: “The East Midlands development and property community faces an exciting time ahead with a new government in place and the advent of a new East Midlands Combined County Authority under the leadership of the first Mayor of the East Midlands. As we step into this new political and economic phase, the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 is a great opportunity to look back on our past successes, to reflect on where we are as a region, to consider what needs fixing, and – looking forward – to emphasise our region’s strengths as a strong investment location.”

Tickets can now be booked for the event – click here to secure yours.

Attend to forge new contacts and 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 2024, sponsored by Blueprint Interiors, will also be awarded a grand prize – a year of marketing/publicity with Business Link worth £20,000. Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, shared: “We’ve been involved in the awards since 2019 either as an award nominee or a sponsor. We continue to be impressed with both the quality of award submissions, but also the event, which attracts the elite of our region’s construction and property professionals. This year, we’re particularly excited to sponsor the overall winner category, further demonstrating our commitment to showcasing the very best talent in the region’s property and construction industry.”
  East Midlands Bricks Awards 2024 When: Thursday 3rd October 2024, 4:30pm – 7:30pm Where: The Derek Randall Suite, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Keynote speaker: Paul Southby, chair of Nottingham Partners, board member of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, partner at Geldards LLP, chair of the Advisory Board to Nottingham Business School, chair of Broadway independent cinema, trustee of Clean Rivers Trust, and former High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dress code: Standard business attire Tickets: Available at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-midlands-bricks-awards-2024-tickets-902294566337?aff=oddtdtcreator Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with property and construction professionals while applauding the exceptional companies and projects in the region. Thanks to our sponsors:      

       

To be held at:

 

Business owner moves from pharmacies to fries

Tess Egginton
-
0
Business owner moves from pharmacies to fries
A 30-year-old entrepreneur has become England’s youngest McDonald’s franchisee thanks to a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK. Chirag Pandya, who owns CJP Group Operations, will operate the McDonald’s restaurant on Castle Bridge Road, Nottingham having completed McDonald’s franchise training program earlier this year. He has used the six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to purchase the 450 sqm site, which serves an average of 1,600 customers per day. Across its two floors, it has a seated capacity of 150, features a ‘drive thru’ and a 40-space car park. As the business grows, the new owner plans to take on up to 50 new staff members, alongside the 120 he has currently, as well as expanding its apprenticeship programme to support young people in the local community. In the coming years, the business also intends to fund a refurbishment to modernise the space. It is somewhat of a career change for Chirag, who professionally trained as a pharmacist before he left for the city of London as a strategy consultant for PwC. He was then headhunted to become a director at the NHS in the UK, at the age of 27. Chirag then moved from London to Birmingham and then to Nottingham within 12 months to see the culmination of his hard work, with his very own business. Chirag Pandya, Owner of CJP Group Operations, said: “While I trained as a pharmacist, I knew I always wanted to own my own business. I spoke about my ambitions with HSBC UK Franchise Director Marc Talbot almost two years ago now, and now this deal has made my dream a reality. “After completing the challenging, but rewarding, McDonalds franchise programme, I can finally say I’ve taken the leap from pharmacy to finance, to fries, and I’m loving it! “I look forward to improving the restaurant and working with the local community to create more work experience opportunities for young people in the area.” Judy Jenner, Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, added: “It is wonderful to support CJP Group Operations to acquire this site. CJP’s plan to increase apprenticeships and create more jobs in the area presents a brilliant opportunity for both the business and the community it now serves.”

Rolls-Royce employee raises more than £10,000 for much-loved Derbyshire charity

Tess Egginton
-
0
Rolls-Royce employee raises more than £10,000 for much-loved Derbyshire charity
A Rolls-Royce employee has raised more than £10,000 for much-loved memory-making charity me&dee through running the London Marathon. First time marathon runner Zorran Carnell, of Derby, had been trying to be chosen in the ballot for the famous event for 14 years before finally being given a slot this year. A long-time supporter of the Derbyshire charity which helps families facing short and uncertain futures make memories together, Zorran has managed to raise the huge amount through sponsorship from many Derby organisations along with support from family and friends. He held a special celebration event at OMOMO Korean Street Food + Bubble Tea in Derby where he thanked supporters and handed over a cheque for £10,606.64 to me&dee founder Maria Hanson MBE. He was helped present the money by the charity’s junior ambassador Taylor Lewis, a 10-year-old quadruple amputee, whose family has been supported by the charity for many years. Zorran said: “I’m not really a runner – I’ve only really done a 10k before – but I’ve been putting my name in the London Marathon ballot for 14 years! I was lucky to get a spot. Not many people get in.” Zorran has managed to raise thousands of pounds over the years with a friend through running a ‘skinnyman’ tuck shop. He said the marathon had been a tough challenge but he was delighted to have completed it. “I’m very proud because of how far the money I’ve raised will go,” he said. “It’s a local charity. I have seen all the people it helps. Because it’s local you can see exactly where the money goes.” Charity founder Maria Hanson MBE, along with partner and charity head of operations Mark Harrison, travelled to London specially to wave Zorran off on his marathon. She said: “I’m just over the moon that we can keep supporting the many, many families who are coming to us now. We now have opportunities to do more with these families thanks to the money Zorran has raised. Thank you so much to him.” Representatives from the many organisations which supported Zorran’s marathon were at OMOMO to help celebrate his achievement, including Essential Print Services, PKF Smith Cooper, Subway, Codemakers, Sky Recruitment Solutions, Wathall’s funeral directors, Raymond James Spinningfields, PROCured Solutions, Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, RAM, Glenrose Financial Planners, Bright & Beautiful, So Good Kombucha, RREC, RFF, WARD RECYCLING and skinnymans. Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, me&dee has helped more than 9,000 families with unique and personal days out and experiences. Its wide-ranging support includes comfort packs in hospital, days out – including when families may only have days left together – and swimming sessions at Moorways in Derby exclusively for children who might struggle to access mainstream pool time due to their disabilities.

Phenna Group acquires Australian land surveying consultancy

Tess Egginton
-
0
Phenna Group acquires Australian land surveying consultancy
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group, which invests in and partners with selected niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) companies, has acquired Oracle Surveys. It marks Phenna Group’s fifth deal in the APAC Region this year, and as its eleventh business in Australia, augments the firm’s existing building certification service offering across many jurisdictions. Oracle Surveys is a land surveying consultancy that has serviced the Western Australian market since its inception in 2000, having been project surveyors for many of Perth’s most iconic buildings in addition to creating over 3500 lots and completing 1300 residential surveys. Oracle provides land surveying and spatial capture solutions for developments in the construction, infrastructure, commercial and residential sectors having performed works with a diverse range of clients across major construction companies, property developers, engineering firms and government authorities. Glenn Galvin, Managing Director of Oracle Surveys, said: “Selecting the right partner to support our growth ambitions was a major decision for Jason, Daniel and me. From our first interaction with the Phenna Group, we knew that we had found the perfect fit. We’re excited to collaborate with Brett and his team as we embark in our next phase of continued growth.” Brett Coleman, Divisional MD of APAC at Phenna Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Glenn, Jason, Daniel and the Oracle Surveys team to Phenna Group. Oracle are a market leader in Western Australia as demonstrated through their impressive history servicing top-tier clients. Their experience and capability perfectly complements our existing operations. I look forward to working with the Oracle team to deliver on their exciting growth plans.” Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added: “It is very exciting to welcome Oracle Surveys to Phenna Group. Oracle’s experienced team and vast technical capability extend our service offering to the built environment and beyond. This acquisition increases our fast-growing Australian presence. I look forward to seeing Glenn, Jason, Daniel and their team excel within Phenna.” Phenna Group were advised by RSM Melbourne and Macpherson Kelley. Oracle Surveys were advised by RSM Perth and Mills Oakley.

East Midlands Freeport makes £2m investment in green skills

Tess Egginton
-
0
East Midlands Freeport makes £2m investment in green skills
A new generation of students will be skilled up for careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy through an investment of more than £2m by East Midlands Freeport. The Freeport is set to deliver tens of thousands of jobs and add billions to the regional economy by attracting inward investment at its three tax sites – the East Midlands Intermodal Park near Derby, the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site in south Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands Airport Gateway Industrial Cluster. With investment announcements likely in the coming months, the Freeport has now decided to put some of the cash from its £25m Seed Capital investment fund into a major training programme aimed at developing future talent firms need to grasp opportunities opened up by clean energy and the decarbonisation of industry. The Freeport is investing more than £2m in the Future Energy Skills Hub (FESH), a project led by the East Midlands Institute of Technology (East Midlands IoT), which promotes high quality technical training and qualifications through a partnership involving Derby College Group, Loughborough College, the University of Derby, Loughborough University, and its business partners. From September 2025, East Midlands IoT it will run FESH courses which provide higher technical skills tailored to the needs of businesses operating directly in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, but also for the increasing numbers of firms seeking to make a clean energy transition in their day-to-day work. The Freeport’s Seed Capital Fund invests in skills, technology and infrastructure projects which will support growth at three sites that will add £9bn to the value of the regional economy and support 28,000 new jobs. Tom Newman-Taylor, CEO of East Midlands Freeport, said: “We’re fully committed to delivering on the Government’s mission of increasing growth and creating new opportunities for people, communities and businesses in the process. “So alongside our three sites, we are investing directly in technology projects which will help industry decarbonise and skills programmes which will ensure local people can access these new opportunities.” He added: “The Freeport is the biggest growth initiative in the East Midlands and we are delighted to be supporting a project which means the benefits of that growth will be felt by people and communities.” Technical courses currently offered by East Midlands IoT which will help FESH achieve its aims of developing a pipeline of future talent include a degree in sustainable engineering at Loughborough College, a master’s degree in renewable energy systems technology at Loughborough University, a degree in manufacturing engineering at Derby College, and a degree in artificial intelligence and data science at the University of Derby. As the FESH project evolves, East Midlands Freeport’s partners and East Midlands IoT will work to develop additional short courses for rapid upskilling and embed sustainable and green energy skills in all existing technical qualifications to provide the skills needed by businesses. Rachel Quinn, Executive Director of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, said: “East Midlands Freeport has made a significant and welcome investment to develop the technical skills needed by the region’s clean energy businesses. “With the expertise of the East Midlands IoT’s academic partners and the business know-how of its corporate partners, we will help a new generation of highly-skilled students into rewarding careers, which will boost the local economy and drive decarbonisation in our region.” Alongside the skills hub, East Midlands Freeport’s £25m Seed Capital Investment Fund will also be supporting the development of a Zero Carbon Innovation Centre that is being set up next year by the universities of Nottingham and Loughborough.

Major investment in UK expansion for recruitment specialist

Tess Egginton
-
0
Major investment in UK expansion for recruitment specialist
Stafforce, a recruitment specialist and part of Nicholas Associates Group, is making a significant investment in its future by opening seven new hubs across the UK. The new hubs will be located in Newport, Blackburn, Daventry, Bristol, Barnstaple, Loughborough and Tilbury. This ambitious growth initiative is a key element of the strategic plan being implemented by Kelly Kendall COO, who has recently joined the Group and taken charge of driving growth. The plan emphasises investing in people, talent, and new locations to ensure that Stafforce continues to be the recruiter of choice for both clients and candidates. This expansion is backed by the unwavering support of Executive Chairman Nick Cragg and CEO Paul Smith, reflecting their confidence in the recruitment sector’s potential for growth. The new hubs are set to strengthen Stafforce’s ability to serve clients and candidates across the UK, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence in recruitment and its long-term vision for sustainable growth. Kelly Kendall, COO, Nicholas Associates Group, said: “Our investment in these new hubs is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients and candidates. By focusing on strategic locations and investing in our people, we are positioning Stafforce to be the recruiter of choice across the UK. “This expansion strengthens our presence and enhances our ability to connect top talent with leading employers in the region.” Paul Smith, CEO of Nicholas Associates Group, added: “This ambitious growth plan is a clear signal of our confidence in our potential to lead the market. “With the full backing of our executive team, we are committed to driving this expansion forward, ensuring that we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients while creating new opportunities for our employees and the communities we serve.”

Nottingham celebrates opening of Green Heart

Tess Egginton
-
0
Nottingham celebrates opening of Green Heart
Nottingham has celebrated the opening of a brand-new green space in a key milestone for the wider Broad Marsh regeneration project. The new green space is a place to enjoy nature with 38 trees, 34 of them newly planted, plus areas of colourful planting, a new marsh pond area, two rain garden areas and several footpaths and places to sit. A diverse range of trees have been planted from different species, to help make sure that as many of the trees as possible can cope with and survive potential disease or extreme weather. Varieties including acers, and nyssa slyvatica will add beautiful autumn colour while other varieties that can cope better with the wet conditions around the marsh such as salix and alnus glutinosa have been added. The Green Heart contains three distinct planting areas, a superbloom with a variety of colourful and striking plants providing nectar to insects and wildlife year-round, a flowering meadow, and a marsh and rain garden areas featuring wetland planting. These areas are complemented by lawned spaces. Pathways created from sandstone wind around the Green Heart, allowing residents and visitors to wander through the new public space, sitting amongst the plants and enjoying nature. The main path through the Green Heart serves as a clear and direct route connecting the train station with the bus station and city centre, and will be well-lit at night. A brand-new sculpture by Rachel Carter, ‘Standing in this place’ will also be unveiled in the Green Heart this November. The sculpture will give voice and recognition to the contributions of thousands of unnamed women who were the driving forces behind the East Midlands cotton textile industry during Industrialisation. More progress on the ongoing regeneration of the wider Broad Marsh area is still to come, with a state-of-the-art NHS Community Diagnostic Centre set to open in the area, as well as plans for new homes and offices. The Green Heart is made possible by funding through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities fund, a £161million package of funding given to Nottingham and Derby in 2020 to keep cities moving and improve connections between and around cities. The Green Heart is the latest step in the plans to regenerate the area, following on from the radical transformation of Collin Street from a three-lane traffic choked road to a peaceful pedestriansed area with a playground in front of the new Central Library, as well as the new Broad Marsh car park and bus station. Councillor Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council Leader and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, said: “I’m proud to officially open this beautiful new green space for the city. It’s wonderful to see so many people already enjoying it. Following the collapse of the intu Broadmarsh shopping centre, we asked people in Nottingham what they wanted to see in this space… they overwhelmingly asked for a new green park. “I’m pleased that something amazing has bloomed, creating a wonderful new space for people and wildlife alike. Thank you to council colleagues and partners who have brought this to life. “The Green Heart is just the latest step in regenerating the Broad Marsh area, following the new Central Library, pedestrianised streets, and the bus station and car park. New homes and offices will follow in the future – providing a complete revamp for this part of the city.” Nick Heath, Director at Wilmott Dixon, said: “As a business with strong roots in Nottingham, we’re incredibly proud to have played a role in this project. “Creating a vibrant green space in the city centre has not only opened up routes between our different quarters, but it also provides a space for children, shoppers and workers to enjoy. “We look forward to seeing both local people and the local wildlife benefitting from the Green Heart.” Gary Alden at Townshend Landscape Architects who developed the concept design for the Green Heart said: “The overall concept was to create a wildlife-rich green space as part of a ‘nature first’ approach. Key to our design was incorporating a wetland area that would absorb rainwater from Colin Street, reflecting the importance of wetland habitats and that the area was historically a marsh. “It is fantastic to see that wildlife is already finding its way there and making a home in the pond. The colourful planting is attracting bees and other pollinators too. It was important to create a place unique to Broad Marsh, with the seating boulders referencing the sandstone, which is the same rock on which Nottingham Castle was built.” Ares Landscape Architects are completing the design on behalf of Contractor Willmott Dixon. Associate Director Kate Shearer said: “It was important that the detailed design proposals were faithful to the concepts established by Townshend Landscape Architects. We worked collaboratively to support Willmott Dixon with their construction activities. “Much of the design was bespoke and great attention to detail and care had to be taken executing the works to ensure the imagination of the concept became a reality on site.” Oliver Hatton, director at Pick Everard who have contributed project management, surveying and design work to the project, said: “The completion of the Broad Marsh Green Heart scheme represents a significant milestone in the quest to redevelop a key part of Nottingham’s public infrastructure. “Our team has collaborated closely with project partners to ensure the delivery of a vibrant community space, which reflects changing attitudes to the way we view our towns and cities, with plenty of accessible greenery that contributes positively to modern sustainability goals. “Having been a key part of the team that has delivered several Broad Marsh initiatives, including the car park, adjacent library and Collin Street revamp, we’re proud to be continuing to lead the charge in transforming Nottingham’s future, and look forward to the Green Heart becoming an integral part of the city’s Southside area.” Ben Hensman, Commercial Director at ATV Contract Services, who will look after the Green Heart as the plants bed in, said: “The wetland area will become a much-needed haven for nature, providing a great spot for wildlife to thrive. “With the addition of water plants that help oxygenate the pond area, we’re excited to see more urban wildlife, like insects, birds, and other pollinators, making this their home. It’s amazing to already see signs of amphibian life, showing just how important this space is for the city.”
1...828384...896Page 83 of 896