Latest news with #regeneration
BBC News
4 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Dumfries town board boss steps down with immediate effect
The man leading a board set up to help spend £20m to regenerate a Scottish town centre is stepping down with immediate Nicoll took up the role in Dumfries last year after it emerged as one of seven "overlooked" towns around the country in line for the said it had not been an easy decision to step down but, due to "upcoming changes" to his professional priorities, he could not give the time to the position he Nicoll said that as a "born and bred Doonhamer" it had been "one of the most meaningful and rewarding roles" he had ever had. The funding was announced in 2023 by the then prime minister Rishi Sunak to be put "in the hands of local people" to revitalise their high - along with Greenock, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Coatbridge, Clydebank and Elgin - was on the support was subsequently confirmed by the new Labour government and Mr Nicoll had been leading efforts to invest the funds - to be delivered over a 10-year he said he was no longer in a position to lead the town board set up as part of the investment process. 'Extremely proud' He said he was "incredibly proud" of what the board had achieved in terms of a regeneration strategy and "meaningful engagement" with others."We've begun building something truly unique and this is something that I am extremely proud of - a model unlike any other town board in the country," he said."One that is independent, community-led, and free from political interference."It's a model rooted firmly in the voice and will of the people of Dumfries."He highlighted Dumfries Shine - a community clean-up initiative - as one example that "meaningful, local-led change" was possible."My personal ethos has always been that you are either fully in or respectfully out," he added."With upcoming changes in my professional priorities, I do not want to reach a point where I'm missing meetings or limiting my contribution."The people of Dumfries deserve full commitment; nothing less."He said he would support his replacement and urged whoever it was to reflect the needs of local people not the agenda of any political organisation.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Sea Lanes Brighton announced as new Hilsea Lido operators
A new operator has been announced to take over the running of a popular Lido, in Portsmouth, closed in 2022 for a £7.6m regeneration, and is set to reopen to the public in the autumn to coincide with the 90th anniversary of its original opening in City Council announced it will be run by Sea Lanes Brighton, a group of local businesses and open water swimming enthusiasts, partnered with South Downs Lanes director Harry Smith said they were "thrilled" to he chosen as the preferred operator, and that they saw Hilsea Lido as "more than a pool". "It's a unique place with history and heart. A hub for the local community. A centre for both mental and physical wellbeing," he said."Our vision is to create a vibrant community hub, a welcome space where people of all ages can recharge, move and connect."Extensive work is currently underway to fully renovate the pool, filtration equipment, and surrounding Lanes will introduce a sauna, along with a pop-up food and beverage Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "We are all absolutely delighted to finally reveal our partnership with the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton."This is a major milestone for Hilsea Lido, and it will help to transform the north of the city."An opening date for the Lido will be announced once agreed with the Sea Lanes team, the council said. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Talks under way about future of ex-pub building
Talks are under way about the future of a well-known former pub, a council leader says. Chambers in Gloucester was part of the city centre's nightlife for years but it was closed in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and never reopened. Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton told councillors the local authority was "close to finishing discussions" with a food and beverage outlet. He said he could not reveal more details until "the legals have been done". The council had previously advertised the site on a leasehold basis and at least one bid was submitted which included a vision for a pub with a cafe, food and games space. However, nothing came from that proposal, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire Conservative opposition leader of the council Stephanie Chambers called the building - which is currently boarded up in Kings Square - "derelict" and an "eyesore". "I wouldn't like to see some sort of nightclubby type place there," she told a council meeting on Thursday. The new tenants of the space would become part of the ongoing £200m regeneration of Gloucester city centre, alongside the soon-to-be finished University of Gloucestershire campus in the former Debenhams building and The Forum. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Popular pub for lease in £200m city centre revamp Related internet links Gloucester City Council
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Future of Chambers pub building in Gloucester being discussed
Talks are under way about the future of a well-known former pub, a council leader in Gloucester was part of the city centre's nightlife for years but it was closed in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and never City Council leader Jeremy Hilton told councillors the local authority was "close to finishing discussions" with a food and beverage said he could not reveal more details until "the legals have been done". The council had previously advertised the site on a leasehold basis and at least one bid was submitted which included a vision for a pub with a cafe, food and games nothing came from that proposal, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Conservative opposition leader of the council Stephanie Chambers called the building - which is currently boarded up in Kings Square - "derelict" and an "eyesore"."I wouldn't like to see some sort of nightclubby type place there," she told a council meeting on new tenants of the space would become part of the ongoing £200m regeneration of Gloucester city centre, alongside the soon-to-be finished University of Gloucestershire campus in the former Debenhams building and The Forum.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Council agrees to demolish eight Brighton tower blocks
Brighton & Hove City Council has confirmed it will push ahead with plans to demolish eight tower blocks which no longer meet current safety standards.A report went before councillors on Thursday recommending the blocks, containing 554 flats, be demolished and replaced with newer council buildings are Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court in Whitehawk, Dudeney Lodge and Nettleton Court in Hollingdean and St James's House in Williams, cabinet member for housing, said that after "careful consideration" it was agreed in principle that "regeneration is the preferred option". Structural surveys last year found the buildings no longer met current safety standards for withstanding a collapse in the case of an explosion or large fire. The council looked at strengthening and refurbishing the buildings but research found these methods would only guarantee their safety for 20 Williams said attention now turns to helping residents find new accommodation and that meetings would soon be held to ensure the new designs reflect their "needs, voices and visions"."We recognise that these buildings have happy memories, in some cases for three generations of families," she said."This is why it was important for us to explore all the options in detail, including strengthening and refurbishing the blocks."We will now begin working hand-in-hand with residents on every step of the next part of the journey."Ms Williams said no one would have to leave their property immediately and that the council would do everything it could to ensure those who want to stay in the area can do so.
