News - Controversial Nottingham Lace Market office block approved

 

Developers Studon Holdings produced artists' impressions of how the office block would look

Plans have been approved for a new office block in Nottingham's Lace Market that heritage campaigners have warned will ruin an iconic city view.

The six-storey £12m development in High Pavement had been criticised by the Civic Society because it would obstruct views of St Mary's Church.

The project is due to create about 320 jobs when the new offices open.

Planning committee chairman Chris Gibson said it would "bring new life to a very difficult site".

He said the council had been considering applications for this site for more than six years and had worked to get a design that "sits comfortably in one of Nottingham's most historic and attractive areas".

"We believe these plans sit sympathetically alongside St Mary's Church and the nearby buildings.

"People who are familiar with High Pavement and Short Hill will realise there is a big space used as a car park that has been there since the bombs dropped in the 1940s that eventually is going to be put back so it looks like a proper street," Mr Gibson said.

But Hilary Silvester, of Nottingham Civic Society, said: "We are disappointed with the decision as it will impact on the views of the Lace Market and particularly St Mary's Church which is located in the oldest part of the city."

'Block the view'

She said the glass construction material being used on the buildings would create "glare" and ruin the view.

Ms Silvester added: "The council in Lincoln would never build something that would block the view of the [Lincoln] cathedral - would they?"

 

The civic society said the view from the south was one of the most important in the city

The city council's development control committee was told the location was one of the most sensitive in the city centre with an iconic view of Nottingham from the south.

Developers Studon Holdings will pay £38,675 towards improving public transport in the area.

An archaeological survey will be carried out before work begins.

Archaeologists believe "significant pre-Norman Conquest" items may be found on the site.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16302327

Nottingham City Council proving themselves as ever as morons!

News - Putting steam back on the road (Sheffield)

Sheffield-based Flame Hardeners is helping to put a vintage Sentinel steam lorry back on the road.

Originally purchased in 1916 by Brown Baileys Steelworks in Sheffield, the vehicle has been lovingly restored by steam enthusiast John Ward.

The Sentinel steam lorry, designed to pull a trailer, was in service with Brown Baileys until March 1970, when it was bought by Bass North who used it for several years before putting it on display in the Museum of Brewing at Burton-on-Trent.

After the museum closed in 2009 the lorry was purchased by Mr. Ward, owner of Townley Tool and Metals Ltd. in Upper Denby, which designs, fabricates and installs mainly stainless steel pipe-work for the brewing and pharmaceutical industries.

The engine, mechanical parts and boiler have been completely stripped down and re-built, with water feed-tubes etc. all replaced. The cab and body will be re-built ready for the 2012 Steam Rally season.

Part of the refurbishment included a 16-tooth sprocket with 2.5 x 1.5 pitch, manufactured by John Ward in high quality mild steel EN24 to replace the original 12-tooth gear. The teeth were then surface hardened to a depth of 3mm by Sheffield based Flame Hardeners Ltd., using the tooth-by-tooth flame hardening technique.

“A few years ago Flame Hardeners hardened the gears for a steam crane, which is still working well. So I contacted them again when I needed this new sprocket hardening,” says Mr. Ward. “I’ve been delighted with the work they do; they’re very friendly and helpful. Roger Haw is very well informed and his advice is very freely given.”

From: http://www.engineeringcapacity.com/news101/business-news/putting-steam-back-on-the-road

News - Investment for historic Crags (Creswell Crags)

HISTORIC Creswell Crags is to receive £1.9 million of investment over the next five years in a bid to make the area “more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for local communities”.

Bolsover Council has approved the Creswell Heritage Trust’s The Limestone Journeys Scheme.

The project is backed by cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the council has helped match-fund a range of the projects.

Coun Ann Syrett, Bolsover Council cabinet member for social inclusion, said: “This is a very positive scheme.”

Communities will be invited to get involved in projects such as improvements to walks and trails, tree and bush planting, a series of walking and cycling sessions and a range of practical and educational activities to improve the area.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/investment_for_historic_crags_1_4080886

News - Nottingham Lace Market office block plan criticised

 

Plans for an office block in a historic part of Nottingham have been criticised by campaigners.

Studon Holdings wants to develop the last open site in the Lace Market, currently a car park, and alter three listed buildings.

The civic society said the six-storey development would harm the skyline around St Mary's Church and one of the most important views in the city.

Councillors have been recommended to approve the plans at a meeting later.

Much of the site has been empty since buildings damaged in bombing during World War II were demolished.

Plans for a larger building on the site were rejected in 2007.

 

'Sensitive location'

Nottingham's Civic Society and English Heritage have both objected to the plans as being too large and intrusive.

Ian Wells, from the civic society, said: "Our great worry is that it will impact on views of the church, you can see the east end of the church at the moment and their is a great sense of visual climax at the moment.

"There have been very telling comparisons made with Lincoln and the view as you drive towards it with the cathedral right at the top - would they build something obscuring that view?"

Planning officers said the site was "one of the most sensitive locations in the city centre" but said changes to the amount of glazing and a red brick finish meant "the height and mass of the proposed development now responds well to the significance of this view".

Studon Holdings said it could not comment on the plans at this time.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16283160

News - Smart new look for historic site (Rotherham)

A HISTORIC South Yorkshire landmark dating back to the 18th century is undergoing an £860,000 restoration programme to provide better access for visitors.

Grade II-listed Boston Castle in Rotherham has stood since 1776 when it was built as a shooting lodge for the Earl of Effingham, a keen supporter of the American Independence movement.

It is now halfway through a programme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Council and Biffaward, which is due to be completed in March.

The Earl named the former shooting lodge in honour of the Boston Tea Party, the catalyst revolt against a tax on tea imposed by the British that led eventually to the formation of an independent United States of America. The Earl banned the drinking of tea in protest.

The project is being carried out by building restoration firm William Anelay, Paul Hewitt Architects and other conservation consultants on behalf of Rotherham Council and the Friends of Boston Castle.

Semi-derelict and unused for the past decade, the castle is in Boston Park with views over the Rother and Don valleys.

A two-storey extension will be built to give access to the castle’s various levels and the 18th century battlements and windows will receive extensive attention.

The restoration will also transform the castle into an event space, illuminated at night-time, that will be commercially available for hire for local groups and businesses.

Coun Amy Rushworth, Rotherham Council cabinet member for lifelong learning and culture, and chairman of the Boston Castle project board, said: “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham.

“It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/smart_new_look_for_historic_site_1_4075807

 

News - Nottingham Industrial Museum set to re-open next spring

Nottingham's Industrial Museum will re-open on 17 March 2012 run by a group of local volunteers.

Nottingham City Council's ambition to re-open the Industrial Museum as a volunteer-run site has been realised thanks to funding received from the Adult and Community Learning Fund from the Skills Funding Agency and Arts Council England.

Over 90 volunteers are currently involved with the Industrial Museum project and they're working hard to redesign and refurbish the museum so it's ready for the re-opening in mid-March next year.

The Industrial Museum, which can be found in the stable block at Wollaton Park, offers an insight into Nottingham's rich industrial heritage and is a proud celebration of how and where we worked in the city. The museum's collections include transport, steam engines, agricultural machinery and technology from the city's past, plus some of the most important lace making machinery which put Nottingham on the textile map.

The group of volunteers are involved with all aspects of the museum including collections care, marketing, research, site design and they're also undertaking a range of training to ensure they're fully skilled to run the museum. The volunteers have also been in touch with The Village, Church Farm in Lincolnshire to gain some expertise from another volunteer run museum.

Rebecca Wilson, one of the volunteers said: "I became involved with the Industrial Museum because I have a long held passion for Nottingham's history, and this project is a great example of a community working together to show off its local heritage. We have great fun at the same time too!"

 

Nottingham City Council has been working closely with Nottingham's Arkwright Society (the group which currently run the steaming events at the Industrial Museum on the last Sunday of each month), to develop the project and recruit further volunteers.

Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds with a variety of skills, although no specific expertise is required as the programme is designed to enable willing volunteers to get involved in the aspects they're most interested in with full training provided.

Nottingham City Council is still looking for volunteers to help run the Industrial Museum, and anyone who's interested in getting involved should contact the Volunteer Programmes Coordinator on 0115 876 2187.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "The re-opening of the Industrial Museum will be a great achievement for the dedicated group of volunteers who are all working hard to reinstate the museum. Nottingham City Council recognises the importance of the city's industrial heritage and it's fantastic that we can revitalise the museum's collections and make them fully accessible again."

Nottingham City Council will continue to support the Industrial Museum and volunteers once the site re-opens and will have an advisory role on the Industrial Museum Board. 

From: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16969

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Save Roman Southwell - Eyesore site set for clean-up

A potential development site dubbed an eyesore after becoming overgrown looks set to be tidied.

 

Southwell Town Council and heritage groups have been campaigning for improvements to the appearance of the former Church Street site of The Minster School.

The site contains Roman remains believed to be of national importance, and a recent planning application for 29 homes there was rejected by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Complaints about the site’s appearance began after hoardings were removed revealing its poor state.

At a meeting of the town council’s planning committee, the committee chairman, Mr Andy Gregory, said the developer would be working with Nottinghamshire County Council’s archaeology team to improve the site.

He said: “I’m very mindful that the developer is extending some sort of courtesy towards the town and although it’s taken a bit of time we are getting a result there.”

Mr Roger Dobson said he thought it was a move in the right direction.

He said: “Quite a lot of people have contacted me about the eyesore there and it’s good that not only are they considering tidying up the site, but also replacing the hoardings along the Church Street side, although I do accept there will have to be some sort of window so people can see what’s going on on site.”

Mr Dobson said he had concerns a JCB would be used on site and could damage the remains.

He said: “It’s fine as long as it’s monitored because the site has got archaeological remains there.

“I think we need to ask the county council to make sure that when they are using a JCB on the site they are there.”

Mr Dobson suggested the town council write to the county council expressing support for plans to tidy the site, but asking that all use of a digger be carefully monitored.

 

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Eyesore-site-set-for-clean-up