East Midlands Combined Authority

Housing boost for the East Midlands with 1,500 homes to be built on brownfield sites

Nearly 1500 homes are set to be built on brownfield sites across the region following a cash boost from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

A dozen schemes in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have been identified for grants to support housing development on brownfield land through the government’s Brownfield Housing Fund, which has allocated nearly £17million to EMCCA to deliver the developments.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, who called for more homes to be built on brownfield sites during her campaign to be elected as the East Midlands’ first Mayor said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to kickstart a housing revolution across the region so quickly and begin the challenges of delivering the homes people here need.

“These housing developments will see under-used sites brought back into life in our cities and communities with work starting on some sites. This is a significant stride toward unleashing the potential of brownfield regeneration across our region.”

EMCCA received 50 expressions of interest in bidding for funding for schemes across the region. Independent experts Cushman and Wakefield assessed the applications based on criteria including the ability to get schemes underway quickly.

Now the schemes will undergo further due diligence exercises ahead of business cases for each development being submitted to EMCCA’s Board for final approval.

“It’s really encouraging that applications for this funding were oversubscribed and I’m now working with Government to develop more opportunities for new homes on brownfield land and seeking support for extra funding to get more schemes underway.

“We’re also talking to Homes England about other ways to kickstart housebuilding across the region.”

Ben Pretty, Partner in Cushman & Wakefield’s national land, development and planning team said: “We received a high number of quality expressions of interest and have been through a rigorous sifting process to identify those most aligned to the EMCCA and MHCLG criteria. We look forward to working with EMCCA and scheme promoters to progress the 12 shortlisted schemes through to delivery on site to unlock around 1,500 new homes across the region.”

Jo Nugent, MPP Midlands Director at Homes England said: “Transforming brownfield sites into new communities with much needed new homes should benefit residents across the East Midlands. We’ve been working in partnership with EMCCA to bring these brownfield sites forward, and we now look forward to continuing to support these developments, providing expertise for the due diligence stage, and, ultimately, deliver high-quality homes, and thriving places in the East Midlands.”

If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about the fantastic quality of life in our town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

Stancliffe homes construction building

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Board launched to strengthen regional business connections

Representatives from across the East Midlands are being sought to help strengthen the connection between East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and local businesses.

EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board will provide strategy, advice and guidance to the main EMCCA Board, chaired by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward and EMCCA’s committees. It will help ensure the experience and knowledge of regional businesses is harnessed when making decisions around the economy, skills, transport, housing and the transition to net-zero.

David Williams, Chairman of Geldards, one of the UK’s leading law firms and business representative on the EMCCA Board will chair the new Business Advisory Board.

David Williams, Chair of the Business Advisory Board, said: “I’m committed to raising the economic prosperity of our region and through this board we will build a strong partnership between the public and private sector and ensure that the benefits of devolution can be realised across the region. We need experienced individuals to join the board who are willing to share their insights to help guide the work of the new combined county authority.”

Mayor Claire Ward said: “It is vital that we bring together representatives from across the business community to help shape the future direction of the East Midlands. Our region is home to a huge range of businesses from global manufacturers through to small high street retailers and through this board we can shape policies and support programmes that will drive growth across our region.”

EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board will include 16 members, including representatives from the private and public sector and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce. Private sector representatives will include experts from large businesses, small and medium enterprises and sectors with a significant chance of attracting further investment.

Members of the Board will be expected to have a good understanding of the East Midlands region and the business sectors that operate within it, experience of leadership roles in business and understand the challenges faced by businesses.

The Business Advisory Board will meet four times during each financial year.

More information about the Business Advisory Board including details about the role of the board and the person specification for members can be found in the East Midlands Combined County Authority Board papers from Monday 17 June: (Public Pack)Agenda Document for East Midlands Combined County Authority – Board, 17/06/2024 11:00 (derbyshire.gov.uk)

Two briefing sessions for businesses are set to take place on the following dates:

  • Weds 14th at 1400
  • Thurs 15th at 0930

Anyone wishing to express an interest in joining EMCCA’s Business Advisory Board should contact Acting Executive Director for Strategy and Inclusive Growth, Will Morlidge at will.morlidge@eastmidsdevo.org.uk

claire ward speaking into a microphone at Celebrate Chesterfield

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

D2N2 LEP incorporated into the new East Midlands Combined Authority

Work to boost inclusive growth across the region has taken an important step forward this week following the incorporation of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) into the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The move sees around 20 LEP staff joining the EMCCA to support the work to improve the lives of everyone living and working in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and Derby and Derbyshire, through delivering improvements in transport, housing, skills and adult education and net zero.

Local enterprise partnerships were established across the country in 2010 with responsibilities for local economic development in their region. Now, as part of the devolution deal agreed with government that established EMCCA, the LEP’s board agreed that its functions would be incorporated into the EMCCA to deliver a unified approach to tackling the region’s challenges.

Mark Rogers, interim Chief Executive of EMCCA said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome LEP staff to the EMCCA. It’s an important step forward in growing organisational capacity and supporting our devolution journey that’s seen powers move from Westminster to the East Midlands where we can make the right decisions for the people we serve.

“The move means the expertise, knowledge and experience that supports business growth, investment opportunities and partnership working is in one place where we can make a real difference to our region.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP said: “I’m delighted that the LEP team is joining the Combined County Authority. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the last 13 years, but joining EMCCA means that across a whole range of issues we can do more, even bigger, even better things that support our region.”

The D2N2 Board, which provides strategic leadership for the LEP, will be in place until the end of this year.

Looking for support for your business? Find out more about the initiatives available to organisations in Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Will-Morlidge-D2N2-LEP

Will Morelidge, D2N2 LEP 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

New Mayor and East Midlands Combined County Authority given final go ahead

The last legal step to establish the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has been signed and made into law.

Jacob Young MP, Levelling Up Minister, this week signed the regulations that allow for EMCCA to be created. It means that residents across the area will get to vote for the very-first East Midlands Mayor, with elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

The new combined county authority is all thanks to a devolution deal, which will see the region benefit from a £1.14bn investment package, spread over a 30-year period, alongside devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development and net zero.

Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “The passing of this final piece of Government legislation is an historic milestone for Derbyshire and the wider region.

“It marks the moment when the East Midlands Combined County Authority comes into existence, bringing a £1.14bn devolution deal to our region to improve people’s lives through better housing, improved transport and new job opportunities.

“In many ways it’s only the beginning of this exciting journey and more benefits and funding are already starting to flow – such as the government’s announcement of £1.5 billion local transport funding for the new East Midlands Mayor.

“Year-on-year the new combined county authority will bring even more funding to our region through a strong, collective voice and a national platform.”

Plans for East Midlands devolution are similar to those already in place in other mayoral regions, like the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, and it is estimated that the region will unlock around £4bn of funding over the coming years.

The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers in 2022, will see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from a £1.14 billion investment fund. All four councils approved the creation of EMCCA in December.

In October 2023, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor.

Thanks to devolution plans, the East Midlands has also been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £160 million of support over ten years, with tax incentives for businesses that will help boost economic growth right across the region.

Government will continue to work with EMCCA and other partners to co-develop plans for the East Midlands Investment Zone – which will bring in hundreds of millions of pounds of private investment and create thousands of jobs – including priority development sites and specific interventions to drive cluster growth, ahead of final confirmation of the plans.

£18 million has already been awarded to the area during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.

Further investment for the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.

The inaugural election for Mayor of the East Midlands will take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

For more information on the elections, visit www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk

Businesses in Chesterfield can hear from mayoral candidates for the East Midlands Combined County Authority at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield conference, taking place on 20th March 2024.

Jacob Young Levelling Up Minister

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Regional business leader appointed to key devolution role

A top regional lawyer has been appointed to the shadow board steering the creation of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), ahead of the very first election for East Midlands Mayor in May.

David Williams, Chairman of Geldards, one of the UK’s leading law firms, will take on the role of interim business representative on the EMCCA shadow board, joining local politicians from the four key councils involved in the East Midlands devolution deal.

David said: “I’ve lived and worked in the East Midlands for over thirty years and I’m committed to doing what I can to raise the profile and economic prosperity of the region, developing the many successful partnerships between the private, public and third sectors. I’m looking forward to working with political leaders and other partners to maximise the opportunities that devolution will bring to the region.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “David will be a tremendous asset to the shadow board and his appointment is another important step forward as we press ahead towards the creation of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority. David brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role and we look forward to working with him during this key period for East Midlands devolution.”

Alongside his role as Chairman of Geldards, a top 100 law company with more than 300 employees, David holds a number of non-executive and trustee positions, including Chairman of EMB Group Limited, Deputy Chair of D2N2 LEP, Board member at Nottingham Trent University and a non-executive Director of East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.

EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billion of funding for the region, alongside devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment and economic development.

Businesses in Chesterfield are being invited to find out more about the East Midlands Combined County Authority at the upcoming Celebrate Chesterfield Event.

Taking place on 20th March 2024, the conference will host the candidates for the upcoming EMCCA mayoral election. Book your place here.

DavidWilliams

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Chesterfield firms to find out more about East Midlands devolution plans at town’s largest annual business conference

Organisations in Chesterfield are invited to hear from the first mayoral candidates in the running for the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The EMCCA will bring forward £1.14 billion of investment for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby City and Nottingham City over the next 30 years, unlocking economic growth and jobs, as well as significant funding and devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment, and economic development.

Ahead of the mayoral election, which is set to take place on Thursday, 2 May 2024, businesses will have the chance to hear from Conservative candidate Ben Bradley, Labour’s Claire Ward, Green-Party’s Frank Adlington-Stringer and Independent Matthew Relf at the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference taking place this March.

In a conversation chaired by Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire), candidates will outline their plans to boost our region’s economic growth, establish new relationships and broaden the pipeline for inward investment.

Now in its thirteenth year, Celebrate Chesterfield, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and in association with System Q, has become a key date in the town’s events calendar, attracting more than 250 delegates each year.

In 2024, the event will highlight the big impact that small innovations have on the town’s economic growth, focusing on investment, regeneration, and entrepreneurial successes.

celebrate Chesterfield 2023 - delegates view presentation at the winding wheel

Delegates will also hear about the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which outlines partnership activities to further raise the profile of the town as a destination to invest, work, live and visit.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “We are very excited to be hosting mayoral candidates at the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference, and finding out more about their ambitions for the region. Our town has major plans for regeneration over the coming years, and our businesses are hopeful that the extra funding will provide a welcome boost by attracting further investment to Chesterfield.

“At our Chesterfield Champions event in January, we heard about some of the regeneration projects that could be supported by the EMCCA. We heard how the East Midlands Investment Zone will focus on advanced manufacturing and green industries, expected to support the creation of £383 million of private investment and help to create 4,200 jobs regionally. We also heard how funding is set to increase each year until 2026/2027.

“I would also encourage the business community to come along to find out how Destination Chesterfield plans to further collaborate with partners and businesses in the future, to continue supporting economic growth and regeneration across the borough.”

Mike Isherwood, Managing Director at System Q, commented: “We are proud to be the headline sponsor of Celebrate Chesterfield, a prestigious event that holds great significance to us. Chesterfield has been our cherished home for three decades. Our town boasts a thriving business and technology sector, which we believe deserves recognition and admiration. We think it’s a priority to showcase and celebrate the strengths of Chesterfield and we are honoured to support our community.

“As we continue to expand, we are seeking partners and talented individuals to join our team. Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic platform for local businesses to establish valuable partnerships, secure investments, and recruit top talent to drive our growth even further.”

As well as being in association with System Q, Celebrate Chesterfield is also supported by the University of Derby and Markham Vale.

This year, the event will also host the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Expo, featuring the East Midlands Chamber Business Support Zone and the Investment Zone (currently open for sponsorship). At 70% full already, businesses are encouraged to reserve a spot quickly to avoid missing out.

Delegates wishing to attend Celebrate Chesterfield can book their free place at the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/celebrate/

Celebrate Chesterfield business expo

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,