2. Biz Network April 2026 51-84.qxp_Chamberlink 30/03/2026 12:24 Page 55
POLITICS
Regeneration will retain Newark’s unique identity The next phase in the regeneration of Newark town centre has been announced. The Newark Town Centre Masterplan has been drawn by a partnership made up of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Historic England and urban designers and architects Allies & Morrison. It hopes to steer new developments and support a vibrant, sustainable and accessible future for the town, preserving its historic character while encouraging growth and investment.
THE MASTERPLAN IS STRUCTURED AROUND SIX KEY THEMES: 1. Revitalising the Market Place as a safe and flexible space 2. Supporting a strong economy and town centre living 3. Promoting education, skills training, and creative industries 4. Enhancing riverside leisure and flood resilience 5. Improving walking, cycling and public transport links 6. Celebrating Newark’s history and cultural assets
How a revitalised Newark town centre could look
Councillor Claire Penny, the district council’s portfolio holder for sustainable economic growth, said: “Newark is a town with a proud heritage and a vibrant community. The masterplan is about building on what makes Newark special while ensuring it thrives for generations to come. We’ve listened carefully to what people have told us, and this Masterplan reflects that feedback.” Read the full report at: https://is.gd/2Ju82y
Specialist nurseries survive closure threat Management at two nurseries for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have expressed their relief that they will not now be closed by the local council. The Wigston Menphys Nursery School and Sketchley Hill Menphys Nursery School had been threatened with closure by Leicestershire County Council. The Oasis Retreat in Melton Mowbray and Lift Beacon in Loughborough were also threatened. However, following a consultation with parents, carers and professionals, the Reform UK-led council decided to axe the plans. It followed more than 2,500 responses to a survey on the proposals, mostly expressing concerns, as well as a 2,000-signature petition. Robert Martin is chief executive of the Leicestershire Menphys charity which helps
Councillor Dan Harrison
disabled children, young people and their families. He said: “We are incredibly pleased and relieved that Leicestershire County Council has listened to families and the wider community and has decided to keep the Menphys nurseries open for the children who need them most.
‘The nurseries gave us immense reassurance, understanding and hope’ “We sincerely thank the council for recognising the strength of feeling shown throughout the consultation and the vital importance the nursery schools. “For many of us, this decision is deeply personal. The nursery changed the direction of my own family’s journey with my son Arthur during a time of real desperation. “The nurseries gave us immense reassurance, understanding and hope. Like so many families, the thought of these doors closing was heartbreaking.” Council leader Councillor Dan Harrison said: “It’s hard not to be moved by the powerful feedback received. These young children desperately need our support. Our intention was not to cause worry but the first-hand accounts I’ve heard and read have left me in no doubt that halting plans is the right thing to do.”
IN BRIEF FUNDING AIDS REGION’S TRANSPORT NETWORK The Chamber has welcomed an announcement of over £470m from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to upgrade bus services, cycle routes and repair roads across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. At least £120.9m of the money will be used for road maintenance over the next three years and will be split between the four highway authorities for each city and county. Projects set to benefit from funding include: • Spondon Interchange, Derby • A50 Junction 3A link road, part of the South Derbyshire Growth Zone • A614/A6097 corridor, Nottinghamshire • Road safety programmes across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “A reliable, efficient and modern transport system is essential to business, the workforce and communities, as well as the wider supply chain that depends on it. “Poorly maintained roads are a barrier to growth, which is why the need for improved connectivity and transport infrastructure are policy asks in the Chamber’s Framework for Growth. “The publication outlines specific actions that, if taken, would unlock the full potential of the East Midlands and enable the region to thrive so I very much welcome this investment as a significant forward step.”
‘DEFENCE COUNCIL’ AIMS TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT Sixteen senior defence industry leaders have been appointed to support the sector’s growth in the region as government prepares to boost national security spending as a result of heightened global tensions. Some of the region’s biggest employers as well as SMEs are represented on the new Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council, tasked with attracting investment for high-quality, well-paid jobs in the region’s defence and security industries. The council is a joint body created by EMMC mayors Claire Ward and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker. It is chaired by Chris Spicer, managing director of engineering and systems integration at Babcock International. Claire Ward (pictured) said: “The East Midlands has substantial strengths in defence and the sectors that support it, but we know that even greater strength and opportunity is generated by the wider Midlands working together. Our supply chains do not stop at administrative boundaries, so we have built a partnership that understands and responds to that. This will allow for stronger, inclusive growth. “Businesses expect us to ensure that the benefits of increased defence investment accrue to our major global businesses and SMEs alike, and this council will ensure that we work together to deliver that.”
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