Innovation Agri-Tech: BBC News Feature

Earlier this month one of our SME partners was featured on BBC News in relation to their ground breaking new agricultural technology project. Innovation Agri-Tech Group was interviewed by BBC News about how their technologies could help save water for the farmers of the future.

For the full video clip click here: https://youtu.be/7IWYnBIXv80

For more information about the company and their initial investment offering to prospective investors do not hesitate to contact us directly and request an information pack.

Godwin Developments: Green light for Starbucks store and ultra-rapid EV charging hub in Uttoxeter

UK property developers Godwin Developments announce they have secured detailed planning permission for a new commercial scheme comprising a Starbucks drive-thru store and six ultra-rapid EV charging points in the Staffordshire market town of Uttoxeter.

The 0.64-acre development site, which is situated just off the A518 and next to a newly opened Lidl store, benefits from a high daily passing traffic count. Uttoxeter’s main railway station, used by 165,000 people every year, is in close proximity and a population of nearly 20,000 lives within 3 miles.

This highly prominent location has secured occupier commitment from Starbucks’ drive-thru franchise partner, The Magic Bean Company, who recently signed a long-term lease for the site. When built, the development will be operated by The EV Network, an independent EV charging infrastructure company, that will provide six ultra-rapid EV charge points (150kW+). The scheme will also feature 24 standard and 2 disabled parking bays as well as cycle storage and pedestrian access from the nearby food store.

Godwin Developments secured the site in November 2021.

Claudine Tracey, Associate Director, Commercial Development at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really pleased to be delivering yet another great roadside retail opportunity for international brand Starbucks through their franchise partner The Magic Bean Company. We are also thrilled to be working once again with The EV Network following on from the successful completion of our scheme in Stoke-on-Trent earlier this year.”

“This modern, purpose-built development will not only provide additional choice and amenity to local residents and visitors to Uttoxeter but would also deliver the first ultra-rapid EV charging points in the area, supporting its transition to more sustainable forms of travel.”

“I would like to thank our expert in-house team and external consultants for securing both the planning permission and lease agreement for this development at pace, as well as the planners at East Staffordshire Borough Council for their support with the scheme.”

Sam Shaybani, Co-Founder and COO at The EV Network said: “We’re very excited to bring forward the first ultra-rapid EV charging station to Uttoxeter, offering the community and visitors the opportunity to charge their electric vehicles in the shortest amount of time possible.

“It has been great to work with the Godwin Developments team once again and we look forward to bringing the scheme into operation.”

Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the deal and Simply Planning were the planning consultants.

Godwin Developments has commercial and industrial divisions with developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline. Its commercial division develops and delivers projects for leading brands such as Lidl, McDonald’s, Burger King, Greggs, Starbucks and Costa Coffee, with sixteen units delivered to date, with a further pipeline of 31 units. At the same time the team works closely with electric vehicle charging providers, helping power the UK’s low carbon future.

Godwin Developments: Funding deal for affordable homes development signed with CBRE Investment Management

UK property developer Godwin Developments has agreed a forward funding deal with CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) – a fund managed by CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) to deliver 184 affordable homes in central Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

The four-acre scheme, named Bletchley View, will provide a mix of affordable and shared ownership properties, a combination of one and two-bed flats as well as 12 three-bedroom houses.

CBRE UK Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) invests in affordable housing with the aim to have a significant social impact across the United Kingdom.

Bletchley View will cater to the growing demand for affordable homes in the area, especially from young people and families, seeking quality housing within commuting distance to employment opportunities. It will consist of two six and five-storey buildings, a row of townhouses as well as commercial spaces for the benefit of residents and the neighboring communities.

Aligning with the sustainability ambitions of AHF and Godwin, air-source heat pumps for hot water and a mechanical ventilated heat recovery system will be installed. The scheme is also located close to a train and bus station to help promote the use of public transport.

Stuart Pratt, Founder and Director at Godwin Developments said: “With its proximity to Milton Keynes, the UK’s newest and fastest-growing city, Bletchley has significant potential to become a modern thriving urban destination as outlined in the plans for its regeneration.

“We are therefore thrilled to have partnered with CBRE IM in delivering the first major new residential scheme in the area which will ensure local and new residents have access to a range of quality affordable homes. This scheme aligns perfectly with our strategy for developing a range of residential opportunities across key growth locations nationwide.”

Andrew Davey, Head of Liability Aware Strategies at CBRE Investment Management commented: “We are particularly proud of our partnership with Godwin as it demonstrates the commitment we have to provide affordable homes where they are needed most. Our business plan proactively manages the scheme by setting rent levels and shared ownership prices to meet the specific affordability requirements of the local population.

“We look forward to working with all our partners on this development and are excited to be delivering affordable, sustainable homes to the community of Bletchley.”

Part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment plans for the Buckinghamshire town, famous for its role in World War II code-breaking, Bletchley View will also support ambitious local plans for delivering more homes, wider infrastructure upgrades and amenities to the area. Located adjacent to Bletchley station, with connections to London and across Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire as a part of East West Rail, the scheme will be close to a range of existing amenities, with more to be delivered soon as a part of the metropolitan hub. When completed and fully occupied, it will sustain a diverse range of local shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, niche retail, and SMEs which are expected to make Central Bletchley a destination in its own right.

National business Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on the scheme with work on-site already underway and expected to complete in Q2 2024.

Godwin was advised by agents CBRE and lawyers Hamlins. Simply Planning were the planning consultant. Advisors to CBRE Investment Management were Penningtons and CS2.

Godwin Developments has a fast-growing nationwide portfolio, including nearly 3,000 residential units nationwide some of which are set to begin construction in the second half of 2022. The business operates across the BTR sector covering both multifamily and single-family housing as well as affordable homes with a number of residential developments covering Nottingham, Doncaster, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes, and Derby, and many more in the pipeline. The company’s commercial and industrial divisions work includes recent developments in Northamptonshire, Staffordshire, Dorset and Cambridgeshire, alongside a strong UK-wide pipeline.