Works on track for major Nottingham student accommodation scheme

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Dr. Martens strengthens Board

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Dr. Martens, the iconic Northamptonshire shoe brand, has appointed Robert Hanson and Benoit Vauchy as Non-Executive Directors of the company.

Robert is an experienced executive with a strong track record of delivering growth at consumer brands. He was CEO of John Hardy and American Eagle Outfitters and also served as EVP Wines and Spirits for Constellation Brands.

Prior to this he served for over a decade in senior roles at Levi Strauss & Co, including as President of the Americas division and, latterly, as Global Brand President, Americas. Robert brings a broad, multidisciplinary skillset and significant experience of the North American market combined with global expertise.

His prior non-executive experience includes positions on the boards of Canopy Growth, Urban Outfitters and Constellation Brands. He was recently appointed as CEO of US wine company The Duckhorn Portfolio.

Benoit is a Partner at the company’s largest investor, global investment firm Permira, where he is a member of the Investment and Executive Committees.

He has served on the board of Spanish online travel company eDreams ODIGEO as a Non-Executive Director for a decade, during which time the business has undergone a significant period of transformation.

Benoit also serves on the board of Permira Holdings Limited and has previously served on the boards of Universidad Europea, VacanceSelect and Exclusive Networks. He has worked at Permira since 2006, and previously spent six years at JPMorgan in London and Frankfurt.

Paul Mason, Chairman, said: “We are pleased to announce these appointments today. The expertise and experiences of both Robert and Benoit further strengthens our Board. Robert has significant USA and wholesale experience and is a proven consumer brand CEO.

“Benoit is an experienced financial leader and his appointment to the Board demonstrates Permira’s commitment to Dr. Martens. I am looking forward to working with them both, together with the existing Board, as we enter the next phase in the company’s history, under the talented leadership of Ije and Giles.”

More Chesterfield businesses must access apprenticeships and skills support to meet economic need

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Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of funded training to accelerate workforce development and boost productivity, to support the town’s economic growth. Delegates at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference heard about support for skills development in Chesterfield and the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s priority to further improve training and skills to match the region’s economic needs. Regional skills and employment initiatives will be backed by a £70m investment spanning six workstreams, each designed to offer a clear pathway of support from early careers inspiration through to skills delivery at higher levels for all residents. Speaking at the event, Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), addressed the town’s role in the growth of the region. He said: “With a working age population of some 64,000, and a town that currently supports 51,000 jobs, forecasted to grow further in the coming years, Chesterfield is an important economic centre; the town’s growth principles of delivering higher value, sustainable and inclusive growth support our vision and will be intrinsic in us delivering our priorities.” The conference also heard how young people in our region and people with disabilities are becoming more involved through the Connected Futures Project. Discussions around skills and inclusive recruitment seek to improve employment outcomes for working-age young people with learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorders. A team of Youth Voice Ambassadors representing our region spoke to delegates about the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes and empowering young people along their journey into the world of work. In addition to regional investment, delegates heard how later this year a £40m investment from the government via the Growth and Skills Levy will replace the existing Apprenticeship Levy, bringing more flexibility to skills and talent growth, funding a wider range of apprenticeships and training that is aligned with the evolving needs of business. The Conference was held during National Apprenticeship Week, which Chesterfield celebrates as the first town in the UK to officially declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’. New figures released during National Apprenticeship Week highlight the growing success of apprenticeships in Chesterfield, with achievement rates rising by 33% in 2023/24 compared to 2019/20. In the past financial year alone, 370 individuals successfully completed apprenticeships in the town. As well as allowing learners to progress quickly whilst in paid employment, research further underscores the significant economic benefits of apprenticeships, with a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research finding that every pound invested in apprenticeships delivers a net gain of £21 to the UK economy. Currently, over 1,500 individuals are undertaking apprenticeships in Chesterfield, representing a substantial investment in local talent. To help businesses navigate their options, the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service offers specialist support tailored to workforce development needs. Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, urged local companies to take action: “I welcome the additional investment that EMCCA is bringing to skills and employment activity in Chesterfield. “It strengthens the offer that we are already delivering to support businesses in the borough. I strongly encourage all businesses to get in touch with our Skills Brokerage Service at the earliest opportunity to see how we can provide the support they need to enhance skills and grow their business. “We need to work together to ensure Chesterfield possesses a vibrant and talented workforce that can take advantage of future opportunities to grow our economy.”

Freeths names first recipients of newly launched bursary programme

Law firm Freeths has named the first two students who have been accepted onto its newly launched bursary programme. They are Umamah Faquirbhai from De Montfort University (DMU) and Maymunah Valimia from the University of Leicester. The bursary will provide the local undergraduate law students with £4,000 annually, during their second and third years at university, as well as wider support from the firm during this time. This includes mentoring, a paid summer placement and an interview for the firm’s graduate apprenticeship scheme, based in Leicester. Having impressed senior leaders at Freeths during an assessment day, both Maymunah and Umamah are now determined to make the most of this opportunity. Maymunah said: “I come from a low-income family, but I don’t want that to stop me. I’m determined to become a great lawyer and I’m up for the challenge. When I researched Freeths, I loved what I found and had a feeling this was right for me.” Umamah continued: “This opportunity is a real stepping stone for me. I want to do my best for my entire family. I work part-time as an exam invigilator and the bursary means I can now work fewer hours and focus on my studies.” The bursary was established in memory of Mukesh Patel, former Managing Partner of Freeths’ Leicester, who passed away in February 2023 aged 54, leaving behind his wife Rita and their two sons. Mukesh was a respected and popular member of Freeths and his local legal community. He was born and went to school in Leicester and led the firm’s regional Dispute Resolution team. He subsequently became Managing Partner in 2014. Freeths launched the scheme to honour Mukesh’s legacy and highlight his commitment to diversity and equality within the legal sphere and the local business community. The programme aims to continue Mukesh’s passion for opening doors for young people from less privileged backgrounds in Leicestershire. Lisa Gilligan, Managing Partner of Freeths Leicester, added: “We were delighted by the quality of applicants and both Umamah and Maymunah were stand out candidates and are worthy recipients of the bursary. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming them into the office for their summer work experience and it’s been great to get to know them during the application process. The firm’s commitment to the bursary is a fitting tribute to Mukesh’s legacy and one that he would have been proud of.”

East Lindsey Council moves to exit nuclear waste site process

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East Lindsey District Council is preparing to withdraw from discussions on a potential nuclear waste storage site in Lincolnshire, signaling a shift in its stance on the controversial project.

The council initially joined a Working Group in 2021 to explore the feasibility of using the former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe as a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). However, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), the government agency overseeing the project, has since identified a different location—four square kilometers of agricultural land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton—as a preferred site.

Council leaders now argue that the new location, which has no history of industrial use and sits in a rural area near the Lincolnshire Wolds, is unsuitable for such a facility. The council has also raised concerns about additional infrastructure, including the potential construction of pylons in the area as part of the National Grid’s Grimsby to Walpole project.

As a result, East Lindsey District Council plans to withdraw from the process. However, Lincolnshire County Council remains involved, and a formal public support test is still planned for 2027. If the county council also withdraws, the siting process in Lincolnshire would likely end.

Nuclear Waste Services has acknowledged East Lindsey’s concerns and thanked the council for participating in the discussions. The agency is also considering two other potential sites in Cumbria.

Kettering Hospital to Expand Maternity Unit with £33M Investment

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Kettering General Hospital has secured NHS approval for a £33 million expansion of its maternity unit after structural issues forced a partial closure in 2023. The project, expected to be completed within two years, will include a new 32-bed facility and additional upgrades to improve maternity care.

The decision follows the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the roof of the hospital’s Rockingham Wing, a material commonly used in the 1970s that has since been found to deteriorate over time. The structural concerns led to significant disruption in maternity services, prompting urgent action to address the issue.

This investment is part of a broader government commitment of up to £1.5 billion for the hospital’s redevelopment. The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) has worked closely with NHS England to determine the best approach to restoring and improving maternity services.

Construction in the broader hospital rebuild is scheduled between 2032 and 2034.

Derelict Derbyshire site to be transformed into watersports hub

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A long-abandoned garden centre in Cromford is set for redevelopment after Derbyshire Dales District Council approved plans for a new watersports facility. Peak UK Kayaking, a company known for designing gear used by Olympic athletes, will repurpose the former Cromford garden centre site along the A6 and canal.

The development will include facilities for Paddlepeak, the company’s charitable initiative, which introduces children to kayaking and supports river clean-up efforts along the Derwent. The project is also expected to create more than 10 jobs.

The garden centre, which has been vacant since 2006, has become a hotspot for trespassers and urban explorers. Local authorities have expressed support for the site’s revitalization, though concerns remain about sewage management and potential environmental impacts on the river.

Peak UK Kayaking, founded in the Lake District and operating in Cromford since 1995, has since expanded its operations and now produces 35,000 garments annually.