Newark and Sherwood District Council has finalised its plans to transform the former Marks & Spencer site on Stodman Street in Newark to bring new homes, shops and employment opportunities to the town centre.
A planning application has been submitted by architects RG+P Ltd to build a new site comprising a mixed-use housing and commercial development featuring 29 new homes and between two to four new retail units.
The Council took ownership of the site in March 2020. Despite marketing the building, no viable offers or approaches for large retail premises were made, but it was clear there was an interest for smaller retail spaces. This led the District Council to explore how the current building could be reconfigured and repurposed.
The redevelopment of the site was one of nine priority projects set out in Newark’s ‘Town Investment Plan’ (TIP) which was developed by a dedicated Newark Towns Fund Board, including more than 30 private and public businesses and bodies. These plans were given the go ahead by central government in March 2021 as part of its Towns Fund initiative and £25 million funding was awarded to Newark.
The TIP identified concern from residents about empty properties and the lack of housing. It also found that just 3% of Newark’s population live in the town centre and noted the limited offer, especially for general market housing and the private rented sector.
To address this concern, the new homes are expected to be available for residents by 2023/4 and will comprise one and two-bed apartments for private sale. By increasing the resident population, it is forecast that the town centre will benefit from an increase in spend, use of facilities, footfall, new jobs and improved access to services.
The District Council has also secured £284k in additional grant funding for the project through the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund, in partnership with North Midlands One Public Estate. This funding will support the cost of the demolition and remediation works and will allow for the scheme to be completed sooner than initially targeted.
If planning permission is granted, demolition works are due to begin in April 2022, with construction on site targeted for a start date of November 2022.
Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and co-chair of Newark Towns Fund Board, said: “These are really exciting plans for Newark, to create new, high quality homes, retail space and job opportunities in the heart of the town centre. This will in turn drive local activity, footfall, dwell time and public spend, ultimately driving a catalyst to wider town-centre regeneration.
“I know that since the site became vacant in spring 2019 there has been a visible gap on the high street, which isn’t at all appealing to residents and visitors. Thanks to central government funding we can now submit these plans to redesign the area and bring this key site back into use for everyone to enjoy.” WREN to raise funds for mental health charity with quiz night
WREN Property Network is raising funds for a mental health charity as it celebrates the return of its in-person events.
After what will be more than eighteen months since events went dark and WREN was forced to postpone all scheduled seminars and events following its re-launch party last February, it finally has the go ahead to return with its first live and in-person event – a charity quiz night.
The event, in aid of The Wolfpack Project, will be held on Friday 19 November, from 6.30pm-9.30pm, at Nottingham’s Spotlight Bar within Motorpoint Arena.
Mingle, enjoy dinner, a quiz and raffle prizes.
Green light recommended for 60-bed student scheme
Plans for a new student accommodation scheme in Nottingham have been recommended for approval by the City Council.
The 60-bed scheme would replace a disused play centre – a two storey red brick terrace style property.
Thorpe And Fletcher Developments Ltd are behind the proposals which would see the existing building at 34 Tennyson Street demolished and ten 6-bed student accommodation dwellings constructed.
Two short terraces of identical three storey buildings would be built.
Each student accommodation dwelling would have would have a shared kitchen/living space on the ground floor and three bedrooms on both the first and second floors.
Nottingham web design agency shortlisted for national awards
Nottingham-based web design agency, Strafe Creative, has been named as finalists in The Drum Awards for the Digital Industries, a prestigious national award that recognises the companies and people behind the most effective and innovative marketing.
Strafe has been listed in the Best Website Design Category for its work with Adventure Base, a leisure, travel and tourism company which specialises in creating and delivering unforgettable mountain experiences.
Located in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter, Strafe has been selected ahead of other top agencies in the UK, including many leading London firms.
Launched in 2006, The Drum Awards for the Digital Industries is a global competition. Each year, it attracts entries from some of the most remarkable marketing and advertising talent from around the world whose work is judged by senior figures from international brands, global consultancies and fast-growing independent agencies.
In 2021, the jury comprises representatives from Unilever, The Lycra Company, TSB, Boots UK, Ketchum, Getty Images and the US Chamber of Commerce.
Ross Davies, director and co-founder of Strafe Creative, says: “I am delighted that Strafe has been selected as a finalist and that we are competing alongside some of the leading agencies in the UK. Our work is being judged on our design capabilities and the strong results we have delivered for our client.
“We are focussed on conversion led design, helping our clients convert more enquiries into sales. Our work with the Adventure Base has done just that. The website we designed has helped Adventure Base convert more sales and is therefore supporting the growth of their business.”
Everyone at Strafe is hoping it will be a case of ‘two out of two’ on the night, following the success of Open Kitchens at the CSR Excellence Awards. The Strafe team worked alongside others in the creative and hospitality sectors at the height of the pandemic in 2020 to create Open Kitchens, an initiative that brings together restaurants and their local communities to fund, produce and deliver free meals to vulnerable people.
Ross Davies adds: “The Open Kitchens scheme is something we as a company are hugely proud of being involved with. During the pandemic we managed to retain all staff and, although working remotely, were open as usual. This meant we were able to use our expertise to help Open Kitchens and widely support vulnerable people and the local restaurant industry.”
Streets to review the Autumn Budget 2021 in virtual event
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak will unveil the Autumn Budget and public sector spending review on Wednesday 27th October.
Mr Sunak will provide details of how he plans to balance the books over the next year and details of a three-year spending review.
The Chancellor said the spending review would “set out how we will continue to invest in public services and drive growth while keeping the public finances on a sustainable path.”
On the following day (28th October), Streets Chartered Accountants will be hosting a virtual event via Demio to offer:
- A review of the announcements made by the Chancellor
- Guidance on the impact of the changes for individuals and businesses
- An indication of the steps to be taken to deal with the announcements
Major Mansfield golf retailer sold to French firm
Golfsupport.co.uk, the online golf retailer based in Mansfield, has been sold to PGC Group, the French business involved in the distribution of golf equipment for players and professionals and a European leader in driving range and course equipment.
Golfsupport.co.uk generates about half of its turnover in the UK and a third in continental Europe.
The acquisition allows PGC Group to penetrate the British market but also online distribution, thus integrating a new channel and new brands.
TLT advised Golfsupport.co.uk on its sale. KBS Corporate advised on the sale of its shares.
John Lines, CEO at Golfsupport.co.uk, says: “We are delighted to become part of the growing PGC Group. Our mission has always been to provide a one stop shop for players and professionals and this will ensure that we can continue to achieve this goal.
“We are grateful to TLT for their advice and professionalism, and for working seamlessly with the parties to complete the deal.”
Richard Life, partner at TLT who led the team, says: “We’re continuing to see overseas interest in businesses that have secured a strong foothold in the UK and European markets. This is a great way for many companies to take their growth to the next level, and we are delighted to have been able to support Golfsupport.co.uk on this major milestone.”
PGC Group aims to double its turnover in 2021 and cross the threshold of 30 million euros in revenue given these external growth operations and the strong resilience of the golf market in Europe.
Masterplan unveiled for regeneration of major Derbyshire brownfield site
An online consultation has been launched to gather feedback on the future development of New Stanton Park, the 200-acre, rail connected site near Junction 25 of the M1 in Derbyshire.
Verdant Regeneration purchased part of the former Stanton Ironworks site at the end of 2020. Since then it has been working with Erewash Borough Council and a wide range of stakeholders to draft proposals for the regeneration of the brownfield site off Lows Lane in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. It is now sharing the plans to gather feedback from the wider local community in an online consultation throughout October.
A number of plans have been put forward as part of the consultation. The main benefits include the remediation and re-use of a large, brownfield site; the potential to provide up to 261,471 square metres of employment space; development of an estimated 4,000 new jobs.
The plans also include consolidation of the existing rail line and provision of new rail spur; retention of approximately 50 acres of woodland and waterways for biodiversity; creation of a substantial new pond within the site for drainage and re-routing National Cycle Route 67 to make it a safer, more pleasant route for cyclists and pedestrians.
David Ward, director of Verdant Regeneration, said: “The team has been working closely with Erewash Borough Council and a wide range of stakeholders to prepare a planning application which offers significant economic development and employment in a scheme which also retains much of the green open space and waterways within the site.
“The proposals, which are not yet finalised, include new employment space, rail hubs and retention and enhancement of green spaces and ponds. We are keen to hear the feedback and thoughts of the local community, as this is a significant development that is important to the prosperity and future wellbeing of generations to come.”
New Stanton Park site has already been identified by Erewash Borough Council as a key regeneration site in their Core Strategy. With a direct and operational link to the Midland Mainline railway, the site has potential to become a key distribution point for materials being imported and exported efficiently throughout the UK and beyond.
Following the end of the consultation, feedback on the initial plans will be incorporated into the planning application, with submission expected later in the year.
Running from Friday 8 October to Friday 5 November, the online public consultation is being held via the website: www.nspconsultation.com and managed on behalf of Verdant Regeneration by SP Broadway.
Partners& makes appointment to lead wellbeing, engagement and benefits business
Partners&, which has offices in Nottingham, has bolstered its wellbeing, engagement and benefits proposition with the appointment of Marcia Reid as managing partner – wellbeing, engagement and benefits.
Marcia will report to the chartered insurance broker’s CEO, Phil Barton, and join the executive team.
The Partners& wellbeing, engagement and benefits proposition is based on obtaining a forensic understanding of their clients’ business and employee profile, so the team can identify and quantify the risks they face. Then, they recommend a relevant business protection, wellbeing, engagement and benefits strategy that can help clients protect their business and maximise their people’s potential.
Marcia has 30 years’ experience in corporate health and wellbeing. Senior management roles have included national account manager for Bupa UK, head of SME at SimplyHealth and director of Corporate Consulting at Lorica.
Most recently, she was Managing Director of the health and protection division of Stackhouse Poland, prior to its acquisition by Gallagher in 2019. There she led a multi-disciplinary team of consultants and support administrators who worked with a wide panel of insurers to achieve the best possible outcome for corporate and private clients.
Phil Barton, Partners& CEO, said: “In the current environment, our clients need the best advice when it comes to the risks they face – and people risk is at the top of that list.
“Marcia’s background and experience in the sector is second to none and I’m confident she will lead the team to provide industry leading quality advice when clients need it most.
“She will also be a great addition to the executive team and I’m looking forward to working with her to help shape the future of our business.”
Marcia said: “This is a challenging time for anyone involved in the business of health but a significant opportunity for specialist advisers to work closely with their clients to protect themselves, their people and their business.
“I am delighted to be joining the talented and inspirational executive team at Partners& and I look forward to leading the wellbeing, engagement and benefits team.
“We will work together to further develop the excellent proposition that goes right to the heart of the people risk agenda. We have a compelling story to tell and a shared purpose in combining technical excellence with commercial pragmatism and empathy.”
Licensing Law Consultancy’s late licence hat-trick for Fletchergate Industries’ new venues in city’s saturation zone
Walaiti Rathore, a licensing specialist at Licensing Law Consultancy, has worked with Fletchergate Industries to obtain a late licence for their new concept, The Blind Rabbit, located at Weekday Cross, within Nottingham City Council’s saturation zone.
The licence will now allow the premises to open until 1am in the week and 1.30am at the weekend to provide a New York inspired bar, grill and live entertainment experience.
This is the third time Walaiti Rathore and Licensing Law Consultancy have worked with Fletchergate Industries to overcome the licensing challenges of the city’s saturation zone and help bring new and innovative concepts to the city; the first two were the popular Penny Lane and The Magic Garden.
Fletchergate Industries also operate a number of other venues in the city, including The Hockley Arts Club and Das Kino.
Their latest concept is inspired by the hustle and bustle of downtown New York bars and some of the US’s most iconic dive, burger joints and live entertainment venues.
Michael Johnson, operations director at The Blind Rabbit, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our newest venture in Nottingham’s Lace Market – it is an absolutely beautiful building over three floors and it has a fantastic space outside for people to enjoy the summer weather.
“The Blind Rabbit will be a place for everyone and will feature something new in a city that already offers so much. Outstanding food, drinks and service within the most causal of surroundings is what we aim to deliver with unique cocktails alongside what we boldly believe will be Nottingham’s best burgers.”
Occupying a 5,000 sq ft, three-floored Victorian red brick building, the venue will be New York inspired inside – with an edgy vibe, flashes of neon and bold coloured textures that tie in with the brand’s signature style.
Speciality cocktails designed by the people behind some of the city’s ‘impossible not to Instagram’ drinks creations will be central to The Blind Rabbit offering – alongside old school American bar games & live entertainment.
Michael added: “We’re constantly striving to improve everything we do, whether it be bringing a bold new design to the city or challenging ourselves with exciting new food and drink offerings.
“We want our venues to be an experience for everyone who walks through the door. The Blind Rabbit promises something entirely new for Nottingham – with its bold street art and graffiti walls to deliver an iconic venue that the city can be proud of.”
The Blind Rabbit will open to the public on Friday 20 August 2021.
Licensing Law Consultancy partners with international franchise brand Chaiiwala
Licensing Law Consultancy is now working with restaurant franchise brand, Chaiiwala.
The fast growing restaurant brand has plans for exponential growth in the UK and countries such as Canada, USA and Dubai.
In the UK, they currently operate 30 stores and are opening an additional 12 stores by the end of the year with plans to open around a further 200 stores in the next five years. They are making similar progress in other countries.
Chaiiwala has also developed a packaged version of their most popular products which have now entered the supermarket space.
Chaiiwala’s franchise director, Nil Naik, said: “We are pleased to be teaming up with Walaiti Rathore and Licensing Law Consultancy as we enter the next phase of our growth and expansion. Their reputation and record for delivering outstanding licensing results, which are often reported in the media, speaks for itself.
“They are very well connected in the industry as well as the world of licensing and work with major franchise brands which was equally important to us.”
The Managing Director of Nottingham-based Licensing Law Consultancy, Walaiti Rathore, said: “It is very exciting to be working with Chaiiwala. Their achievements in a relatively short period of time and expansion plans are very impressive.
“They have also shown that it is possible to continue to grow a strong brand which creates businesses for aspiring franchisees as well as create jobs during these challenging times.”
