|
Corridor to become testing ground for green technology - 07 Oct 2010
CORRIDOR Manchester has announced that is working in partnership with consultancy firm Wood Holmes to develop the first phase of what will be known as a "Low Carbon Laboratory". The organisation, which is responsible for the development of the Oxford Road area of the city, has said that it will become a place where innovative technology designed to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions will be developed and tested. Corridor Manchester said that a number of scientific studies are already underway with the the area's universities and private sector research firms being encouraged to experiment with new technologies. Jackie Potter, chief executive of Corridor Manchester, said: “The Low Carbon Laboratory will play a very important role in our vision to reduce carbon emissions on the Corridor. "The Corridor is the research and innovation hub for Manchester and is ideally placed to deliver such a ground-breaking initiative that has the potential to benefit not only Manchester but also cities all over the world”. £400M Energy Park Plan Unveiled - 12 July 2010 PLANS have been unveiled for a £400m waterside energy park in the region which could create 20,000 jobs. Teesside firm Able UK wants to build an "international centre" for renewable energy on the south bank of the River Humber. The project, which would see Able UK build a mile-long quay at its 2,000 acre Able Humber Port site at Immingham, will aim to attract large offshore wind turbine manufacturers. Also planned is a 300MW biomass power station which would create enough electricity to power 500,000 homes. Simon Hill, executive director of business at Yorkshire Forward, welcomed the announcement. Mr Hill said: “Yorkshire Forward has supported the significant economic development opportunities offered by the Humber estuary over a number of years. "The potential for the creation of tens of thousands of jobs in the region through the off shore wind sector is strongly recognised by the growing global industry. We welcome Able UK’s plan to create a marine energy park to accommodate part of this development potential are a major step forward. " Mr Hill said the Humber estuary was the right location to provide the services required by wind turbine manufacturers and would also sit close to three of the government’s planned largest off shore wind farms. Able UK's founder and chief executive, Peter Stephenson, said the Humber Marine Energy Park plan would greatly boost the regional economy. Associated British Ports is planning a similar project on the north bank of the Humber. Skyscraper approval deferred over parking concerns - July 2010 Developers will have to wait for a decision on their plans for 33-storey student tower in Manchester.
Councillors were advised to approve the scheme proposed by Southampton-based Allied Developments and the student accommodation specialist Connislow this week, but they deferred a decision after asking for more information on parking provision.
The New Wakefield Street development will tower above neighbouring buildings near Oxford Road Station and has been described as "out of character" and "dominating" by local residents.
The scheme - Manchester's second highest residential building after the 47-storey Beetham Tower - will have four towers of varying heights containing 520 bedrooms in 404 studio flats and 30 apartments. The accommodation is aimed at students and key workers.
The recommendation to approve by council officers came with the condition that the applicants agree to pay a financial contribution to infrastucture and environmental works in the city centre.
HIPs are History
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Housing Minister Grant Shapps have announced that, with immediate effect, Home Information Packs (HIPs) are suspended.
Mr Pickles said that the suspension will show those thinking of selling their home that they can put it on the market with less cost and less hassle. HIPs will no longer hold back the housing market by forcing sellers to fork out extra cash, sometimes hundreds of pounds, just to be able to put their home up for sale. Mr Pickles and Mr Shapps also confirmed that in order to help people reduce their energy bills and tackle climate change, sellers will still be required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when they sell their home. |