Connection warning for data centre developers
Data centre developers are far too optimistic about the time it will take to secure connections to the electricity grid, according to a report. Half of industry professionals believe they will obtain a connection within one or two years when the reality is a three- to eight-year wait. Hugh Taylor, chief executive of Roadnight Taylor, the consultancy behind the report, said: “Data centre developers are facing mounting grid connection challenges that can derail the most promising projects.”
Howzat! Site near Lord’s to be converted into 89 apartments
A brownfield site opposite Lord’s cricket ground in St John’s Wood is to be turned into a residential development with 89 apartments. It is the debut scheme from Innovo Developments UK, which is chaired by former Tory Chancellor Lord Hammond. Amenities will including a spa with a sauna, ice bath and pool, a large gym, a library and a children’s play space. The design team includes architects Apt and nine-time RHS Gold Medal winner Andy Sturgeon Design. The project is set to complete in 2029.
Only Connect: Maya Jama behind new platform for creatives
An online platform for connecting people in the creative industries has been launched by London estate agent Becky Fatemi and TV presenter Maya Jama. Called BlackBook, it’s aimed at sectors such as fashion, film, journalism and music to help creatives connect and find talent. Nearly 2,000 people have joined so far. Fatemi, who initially funded the app’s development herself, said: “Too many brilliant creatives are overlooked because they don’t have the right connections.”
Next week in The City: Inflation and borrowing figures on the horizon
- A big week for economic data looms, with the highlight being the penultimate set of inflation data before next month’s Budget.
- Tuesday sees the ONS release the public finance numbers for September, showing how much the Government had to borrow. Rachel Reeves will be desperately hoping for some improvement on the £18 billion deficit in August to help her limit the scale of the inevitable tax hikes coming down the track. Wednesday is the big day for inflation, again for September. Again it is not likely to make happy reading for the Chancellor as the headline rate heads towards four per cent. The week finishes with the latest retail sales figures.
- A raft of major household name businesses have trading statements scheduled, all on Thursday, including Unilever, Aberdeen and the London Stock Exchange group.
