NEWS
NEWS
£2.3bn investment in infrastructure for new housing
Fields in Trust publishes impact report for 2016 Fields in Trust has published its impact report for 2016, looking at the value that parks and green spaces bring to people’s lives. Last year was an important year for parks and green spaces. The trust’s primary research on Centenary Park in Rugby demonstrated the value that green space brings, while data from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s State of UK Public Parks 2016 reported that 50% of all local authorities have sold or transferred management of parks and green spaces in the last three years. The announcement of a parliamentary
inquiry into the future of these vital community spaces was welcomed by the trust. A statement on the trust website said: “Supporting the parks and green spaces we protect in perpetuity is an important strand of our work, to help ensure these spaces are used and loved by their local communities. Our team of development managers is always on hand to offer advice on field management, financial support, and improving facilities.” The full impact report can be viewed online. www.fieldsintrust.org
A £2.3bn infrastructure fund has been launched by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid. Speaking at the LGA Conference, he said that the investment will help to fund projects such as roads, bridges, energy networks and utilities. The investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) aims to solve this problem, and is open for bids from local authorities in England, who can come forward with proposals to help get homes built faster. “To build the homes this country needs, we need to deliver the right infrastructure,” said Javid. “Investing in local infrastructure can help to unlock the building of thousands of new homes in areas where they are needed most.” LGA chairman Lord Porter said: “We’re pleased that the government has followed through on its commitment to invest in infrastructure linked to housing, and that this is to be led by councils as we outlined on our Housing Commission findings last year.” www.local.gov.uk
LXB appoints Strata Design for second phase of Rushden Lakes LXB has appointed Strata Design as landscape architect for Phase 2 of the £140m Rushden Lakes shopping and leisure scheme in Northamptonshire. It follows director Richard Willmott’s previous successful design work and supervision on Phase 1. The scheme combines its location in an area of outstanding natural value with shopping and leisure pursuits. Phase 2 will build on Phase 1’s landscape features, which include lakes and woodland, a boathouse and boardwalk with
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waterside dining, a wet play area, a central water feature and a 54m rill. Over 43 shops and restaurants will open as part of the first phase. Developer Mike Bell from The Crown Estate told ITV News Anglia: “We think this is the first time in the UK that shopping and eating have proactively been brought together with more unusual outdoor activities.” Phase 2 proposals include a leisure terrace, 14-screen cinema and more restaurants. www.strata-design.co.uk
www.futurearch.co.uk
11/07/2017 10:29