November 2007
28/11/2007 - Praise for £405m Investment in Local Transport
Rosie Winterton visits East Midlands to mark £405m investment in local transport. The money is part of the Local Transport Capital Settlement given to local authorities to deliver transport improvements including new road safety measures, better street lighting, road maintenance, park and ride facilities and cycle lanes. As part of her visit the Minister went to Northamptonshire to see for herself the improvements brought about the Connect Wellingborough bus service. This was introduced in April 2006 using local tranport funding to create a more frequent and reliable bus service with shorter journey times, serving all the main residential areas. Afterwards the Minister visited the North Northamptonshire Development Company and Kettering Borough Council to discuss transport infrastructure issues around the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area. Rosie Winterton said: "I'm delighted to be here to see how Northamptonshire County Council have used local transport funding to help people in and around Wellingborough stay connected. We all know that it is vital for communities to be well served by their local transport networks and this funding will enable the region to take forward the schemes that can change travel habits, improve environments and keep people moveing safely and efficiently - the sort of projects that offer the biggest, direct benefits to local residents, passengers, motorists and businesses." This settlement provides year on year increases for a three year period to 2010/11, giving local authorities greater certainty to plan for the coming years. Previous settlements were mande annually. Recent examples of schemes which LTP funding has paid for includes: The new £1.4m bus station in Retford which opened in July 2007; Derby's Urban Traffic Managament Centre; A traffic calming scheme for Glaston village in Rutland to help reduce the speed of local traffic. The region will also benefit from £32.2 million through the Specific Road Safety Grant announced last year. The grant means more money and flexibility for local authorities to deliver safer roads.
27/11/2007 - New Strategic Planning Support from emda
Strategic and Directional Clarity for you Business: In December, the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) will be launching its latest initiative, the Business Strategy Workshops programme. The aim of the workshops is to provide East Midlands' owner-managers and directors with the tools and know-how to properly and objectively analyse their opportunities, resources and capabilities and set clear, achievable goals for their businesses. Through access to highly experienced business strategists, the Business Strategy Workshops will address critical business qustions: Where are you now?; Where do you want to get to?; How do you get there? The first workshop in Northampton, which is FREE to attend, will take place on Wednesday 12th December 2007 from 4.00pm - 6.00pm at the Sunley Management Centre. It will provide an introduction to strategic planning and decision making and businesses will benefit from the specially authroed self-diagnosis tools and techniques that will be discussed. The workshop will be led by Dr Matthew Checkley, a top-rated speaker and city analyst, experienced working with small comapnies and a former member of UBS Warburg's top rated IT analysis team. To register for the Northampton event please email: strategy@connectmidlands.org, or call 01509 228708. For those who want to learn more following the introductory session, a full day workshops on Strategic Planning, that is FREE to attend, will be run on Thursday 13th December 2007 at the Highpoint Conference Centre. This will be followed by other long-day sessions across the region in the New Year.
14/11/2007 - Sports Minister Backs Silverstone Development Plans
Sports Minister Gives Full Support to Silverstone Redevelopment Plan: During a visit to Silverstone today, the Minister of Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, met the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion and current President of the British Racing Driver' Club (BRDC), Damon Hill, who briefed him on plans to redevelop the circuit and ensure the long-term security of the British Grand Prix. The presentation was attended by a select number of guests which included heads of local County Councils, District Councils, planners, higher education authorities and Regional Development Agencies. The presentation was also supported by Richard Philips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, and Spencer Canning, Development Director, who were presenting on behalf of the BRDC. Damon Hill opened the presentations by explaining the importance of the BRDC's Master Plan to not only the importance of Silverstone and its continued hosting of the British Grand Prix, but the development of motorport in this county. "Next year will be the 60th year of motor racing at Silverstone. All that time the BRDC has nurtured Silverstone and maintained it as the world's leading motor sport and Grand Prix venue. It remains, with only a handful of other circuits, such as Monza, Spa and Monaco, one of the rare originals on the Grand Prix calendar. Together with a highly professional commercial team on Silverstone Holdings Limited, we are determined to continue that tradition." Hill went on to say that "The stimulating effect of Silverstone on the motor sport, entertainment and manufacturing industries can not be underestimated. The effect of the British Grand Prix on inspiring the next generation of driving talent should not need emphasising. The Moss's, Stewarts, Mansells and Hamiltons of the future need a home grand prix to maximise that continued inspiration. Having won the British Grand Prix myself, I know how special it is for a driver to win their home Grand Prix. I fervently wish future British drivers will have the chance to experience that for themselves." Gerry Sutcliffe was invited to contribute his views on the future development saying, "We all want to see the British Grand Prix remain here at Silverstone, and I congratulate the BRDC on the work they have already done to make that happen. We have a real opportunity to make Silverstone a world class sporting venue, providing future opportunties for education, skilled jobs and tourism. I offer my full support to the Master Plan and will work with my colleagues to help with its delivery." Formulated by the BRDC's development director Spencer Canning, and a property advisory committee of BRDC members, the Silverstone Master Plan has received the overwhelming approval of the club's members and was recently submitted for public consultation by the planning authorities at South Northamptonshire Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council, who govern the land on which Silverstone Circuit is based. It is estimated that the club's Master Plan will allow up to six million square feet of new development over the next 10 years. It incoporates a range of mixed uses which includes concepts for a business park, a manufacturer test centre, and extreme sport and leisure complex, two hotels with trackside suites, a university campus, a small amount of residential development and a "Welcome Centre" that will incorporate a museum, and arena for a range of exhibitions, corporate launches and open air events. The plans also include major upgrades to Silverstone's pit and paddock facilities as well as new grandstands, which have been made part of the conditions that must be met if a new British Grand Prix contract is to be signed. In addition to developing and improving circuit facilities, the Silverstone Master Plan will enable Silverstone to realise ots ambition of becoming more than a Grand Prix circuit, and retain its position at the heart of motorsport valley. The long term objective is to expand its function and relevance to motorsport, leading technologies, education and training, and finally, to ensure that the UK continues to be the global leader in these specialist areas. Spencer Canning said the club's plans went "far beyond the immediate requirements for retaining teh British Grand Prix and would bring Silverstone into the 21st century. These ideas will mot just bring Silverstone up to scratch, but create a unique community to ensure the global dominance for British motorsport at Silverstone." Speaking about the significance of the British Grand Prix and the threat to the UK motor sport industry if it was lost, Richard Philips said: "Governments around the world are recognising the importance of motor sport in their economic mix. Many have invested heavily in Grand Prix racing and many more have aspirations in that direction. I know from personal experience that these new circuits are being used as catalysts to attract high-tech businesses and, make no mistake about it, they are looking in our direction. The threat is very real and the loss of the British Grand Prix would be the tip of a slowly melting iceberg."
09/11/2007 - Minister Praises Innovation in Northampton
Gillian Merron MP, Minister for the East Midlands, visited the University of Northampton's Portfolio Innovation Centre on Thursday November 1 to find out more about plans for teh Centre's future expansion, following a successful bid for almost £3.5m in additional funding. The Centre currently provides business space, service and facilities for some 16 'early stage' companies covering a range of creative activities including fine art, jewellery, product design, photography, film production, interior design, and software development. The new funding represents a combination of support from Northamptonshire Enterprise Limited, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation and Arts Council England, alongside existing financial backing from the European Social Fund. All of this will culminate in a tripling in size of the Centre to offer space for 46 business units by the end of next year. Building and facility plans also include a new meeting area capable of accommodating 50 people, a large performance rehearsal space, top environmental and energy efficiency specifications and super fast broadband connectivity throughout. Accompanied by Sally Keeble, MP for Northampton North, the Minister met with the University's Vice Chancellor Ann Tate, and Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Frank Burdett, before being taken on a tour of the facility by Portfolio Innovation Centre Manager Wendy Nikolaidis. The MPs reviewed some of the latest achievments and work of the business tenants, meeting personally with directors of Design by Touch, a product design agency; Katherine Pierce Designs, a jewellery designer and maker; and Wildfire Studios UK Ltd, a creative advertising, multimedia and video production company. Following the visit, the Minister commented: "The University of Northampton is providing an enormous benefit to the East Midlands with this Centre. Iti is not only a focus for innovation but also for excellence on our home patch in Northampton. I've talked to people here today who are telling me that they are keeping their talent and enthusiasm in the area because of these facilities and I would like to offer my congratulations to everybody involved."
09/11/2007 - First 'Hampton by Hilton' Hotel in Europe for Corby
OFF Developments today announced that its Rockingham Park Leisure scheme on the northern outskirts of Corby will house the first Hampton by Hilton hotel outside the Americas. OFF Developments managing director Mike Foster said: "This terrific news is a tribute to the hard work of the people of Corby, the council and the NNDC who have all played their part driving forward the regeneration of the town." Hampton by Hilton, which trades in the US as Hampton Inn, is described by Hilton as a "new kind of economy hotel" brand that focuses on consistency and comfort for business and leisure travellers alike. Key brand attributes include the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, complimentary high-speed internet access and a complimentary hot breakfast. The first Hampton by Hilton in Europe - is scheduled to open in Corby towards the end of 2008. Partnering Hilton on this project is Hotel Solutions London Limited and Ramesh Dewan. Ramesh Dewan said: "We share Hilton's belief in the Hampton by Hilton concept and, as a consequence, plan to launch 20 Hampton by Hilton hotels on four to five years. Corby was chosen as the first site as it's a vibrant and growing community - with great demand for hotel product. In dact, the population of Corby is set to double in the next 25 years." The 86 guestroom hotel is the anchor for multi-million pound development which is sramatically transforming a derelict site which housed a former car showroom. The development funded by Dunabr Bank will also boast a 12,000 sq ft health club and a 5,000 sq ft day sursery anda 7,000 sq ft children's activity centre. Wetherspoon will launch a new family pub and restaurant format, which will trade as The Samuel Lloyd, and Dominos Pizza will also premier its new European format at Rockingham Park Leisure." Bidwells and Budworth Hardcastle are advising OFF Developments. HHC has also signed franchise agreements with Shiva Hotels Limited, to build Hampton by Hilton hotels in Derby Coty Centre and Quarry Hill Leeds. Simon Vincent, President for HIlton on the UK and Ireland said: "The introduction of the Hampton by Hilton brand propels us into a new exciting market segment - one that we belive has huge growth potential in the UK. Franchise agreements, such as these will allow us to deliver greater scale for the brand more quickly."
07/11/2007 - Corby Train Station Given Go-Ahead by Planners
The go-ahead has been given for construction of the new railway station in Corby following a meeting of Corby Borough Council's Planning Committee on 30th October 2007. After assessing a planning application submitted by North Northants Development Company (NNDC) and English Partnerships, the naional regeneration agency, Corby Borough Council granted consent for the new station to be built at Station Road in Corby. The detailed application confirmed how the new station will look, menas of access by foot, cycle and car and how the site layout will provide parking for around 140 cars and facilities for other forms of transport including a taxi rank and bus interchange. Planning consent for the train station represents another major step towards delivering the long-awaited return of a passenger rail service to Corby by December 2008. NNDC and English Partnerships have moved swiftly ahead with plans for the station since the Department for Transport confirmed in June 2007 that Corby was to be included in the new East Midlands rail franchise. NNDC and English Partnerships will shortly be inviting expressions of interest from qualified and experienced contractors to be included on a tender list for the construction of the new station. It is envisaged that the tender will be awarded in January 2008 witha view to work beginning on the site the following month. Site clearance including the removal of scrub is already underway. Bob Lane, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company, said: "This represents another important milestone in Corby's long campaign for the return of the train and means no momentum will be lost as we push ahead to opening the station in December 2008. I would like to thank our partners at English Partnerships, the East Midlands Development Agency and Network Rail, who have played such an important part in making such fantastic progress." Graham Dobbs, Area Director for English Partnerships, the National Regeneration Agency said: "This Railway station will give Corby the transport linkages that all modern sustainable communities need. We are pleased that we have been instrumental in delivering this project with NNDC and EMDA."
05/11/2007 - Domino's Slice fo Off Developments' at Rockingham Park
Domino's Pizza is to launch its new European format at OFF Developments, Rokcingham Park Leisure, a 75,000 sq ft (6,968 sq m) mixed-use development on the northern outskirts of Corby, Northamptonshire. The pizza retailer has taken a 1,000 sq ft (93sq m) outlet on a 20 year lease at an annual rent of £18,500. The new European format involves a more refined fit-out. There will be a little customer seating but the emphasis willbe on take-away with a supplementary van delivery offer. The £10m scheme which is being funded by Dunbar Bank is anchored by an 86-bedroom hotel operated by Hilton as the UK's first Hampton Inn. OFF Development's founding director Mike Foster said: "Corby is currently thriving as a development hotspot and our scheme has attracted a lot of interest. We are currently in discussions with three different operators who are keen to tie up a deal with us for the 12,000 sq ft health club." The development will also boast a 12,000 sq ft (1,115 sq m) health club and a 5,000 sq ft (465sq m) day nursery and a 7,000sq ftg (650sq m) children's activity centre. OFF Developments was advised by Budworth Hardcastle, while Darmite represented Domino's.