Latest news with #DavidConway
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pinewood Group plans $1.3bn data centre in Buckinghamshire
Pinewood Group has submitted an outline planning application for a £1bn ($1.3bn) data centre at the Pinewood South site in Buckinghamshire, UK. The proposal, submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, involves a 55,030m² facility, a 60-acre nature reserve, and a six-acre community garden, along with learning space. This development aligns with the UK government's designation of data centres in 2024 as 'Critical National Infrastructure'. The data centre is proposed within the Slough Availability Zone, recognised as a key strategic location. Pinewood Group CEO David Conway said: 'Our proposed plan for a data centre on the land to the south of Pinewood Studios is in alignment with the critical infrastructure needs identified by the government. 'The significant investment will bring jobs and additional benefits to the local community with the delivery of a nature reserve, community gardens and learning space.' Pinewood's planning application has a target determination date set for the end of 2025. If outline planning consent is granted, Pinewood will submit a detailed reserved matters application. In January this year, Pinewood announced a public consultation for expanding Pinewood Studios. The expansion includes production facilities and additional film stages alongside the data centre development. This mixed-use development aligns with the government's Modern Industrial Strategy, focusing on digital technologies and creative industries. The public consultation was scheduled from 25 to 27 February 2025 to engage the community in discussions about the site's development options. Commenting on the public consultation, Conway said: 'The reduction in global content production, combined with rising construction costs and business rates, triggered a review of our existing planning consent and we believe the revised proposals provide a credible alternative.' "Pinewood Group plans $1.3bn data centre in Buckinghamshire" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Pinewood Studios submits £1bn expansion plans with nature park
Plans for a £1bn expansion of a world-renowned film studio have been submitted to a council. Pinewood Studios, near Iver Heath in Buckinghamshire, which is known for the filming of the James Bond and Star Wars franchises, said it wanted to build a "state-of-the-art data centre" with a training hub and nature reserve. The plans, submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, had been adapted from an original scheme, approved in 2023, which included 21 new stages. The new plans included stages, but the company has not stipulated how many there could be. Construction will include a 55,030 square metre state-of-the-art data centre, a 60-acre nature reserve, a six-acre community garden and learning space, Pinewood Group said. David Conway, its chief executive, said: "Our proposed plan for a data centre on the land to the South of Pinewood Studios is in alignment with the critical infrastructure needs identified by the government. "The significant investment will bring jobs and additional benefits to the local community with the delivery of a nature reserve, community gardens and learning space." Pinewood Studios opened in 1936 and has played host to the filming of dozens of major movie company previously said it had changed its plans due to "a reduction in global film and high-end television production, which has triggered a review of our existing planning consent". It said the expansion and investment would create more film stages and production facilities, alongside the development of a data centre. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Solar powered CCTV in Louth to target illegal dumping
Concerns about the rise of illegal dumping were highlighted at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council. Councillors were told the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications had announced funding through the WERLA's to support Local Authorities in 2025 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI). Chief Executive David Conway outlined in his monthly management report: 'The 2025 ADI aims to reduce incidents of illegal dumping by identifying and delivering projects aimed at tackling illegal dumping 'black spots' throughout the county and adhere to key measures of prevention, abatement, education and awareness and enforcement. The Department continues to strongly encourage innovative projects, which recognise waste as a resource that can be repurposed for use in a Circular Economy.' A total of six project applications were submitted for approval under the ADI 2025 totalling €112,583.60. The Department approved funding of €100,783.60 for the completion of five projects including: Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Event – V&W Dundalk; Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Event – V&W Drogheda; Mattress and Soda Amnesty Collection Point – Ardee; Moneymore Lanes clean-up and a Solar Powered CCTV system at Williamsons Place, Dundalk. Cllr. Emma Coffey asked for an update on the Solar Powered CCTV system, asking for a timeline on when this might be delivered. She added that it was hoped this could be an initiative that could be used again, as it was likely to be more sustainable in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Director of Services, David Hanratty, explained that it has to be approved by the CCTV steering group, adding that there were increased privacy directives. This would not be a permanent fixture, and could operate on a temporary basis for a month or two. But, he pointed out that it was a piece of equipment that could be moved to other locations. The meeting heard the sofa and mattress amnesty events would be held in a similar way to previous years, in three civic amenity locations, Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Government urged to extend free travel for children under nine and pensioners to commercial services
An organisation representing private bus operators said it would cost €1m to extend the free travel scheme for children using commercial as well as state bus services, in a pre-budget submission to the Department of Finance. The Coach Tourism and Transport Council also wants financial incentives and funding to decarbonise the national bus fleet. It said in the third quarter of this year, the National Transport Authority will allow passengers under nine on state transport providers free of charge. The organisation said the same benefits will not be afforded to those using commercial services. It claimed this disparity is creating an unfairness for passengers, establishes an urban-rural divide, and unfair competition in the marketplace. Chairperson David Conway said the expansion of free travel is a welcome development in recent years. 'We would urge the government to include commercial operators in the next phase of the roll out of free transport, particularly for the free transport scheme for children under-nine which is due to brought in in 2026,' he said. He said this would be an important step in ensuring that thousands of families who use commercial bus operators on a daily basis can avail of an important cost reduction, 'particularly when we provide many transport routes where the state cannot". Mr Conway said the IT infrastructure is already in place, as commercial providers are part of the Young Adult Leap Card and Free Travel Pass schemes. Due to a shortage of drivers, the organisation wants older drivers to be able to continue working longer. "We know that many drivers over 70 are well able to continue working as school bus drivers,' said Mr Conway. 'They should be allowed to continue serving the communities that they have for many years.' A CCTC spokesperson said its members operate more than 95pc of school transport services and provide almost all private coach hire. It represents nearly 90 operators with a combined fleet of 11,500 coaches. Operators include, Kavanagh Coaches, Flightlink, Aircoach and Wexford Bus. Previously, a report by the National Office for Traffic Medicine warned the government of potential risks if people over 70 were allowed to drive school buses.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
New Mayor in Louth highlights ‘emerging vision of a thriving Drogheda'
She was elected unopposed at the Annual General Meeting of Drogheda Borough District on Monday evening, and in her inaugural speech spoke of the 'absolute pleasure and privilege to be elected Mayor of Drogheda for the second time.' She thanked all of her council colleagues ' for trusting me with this position,' adding: 'I hope we can all work together, all parties and none yet again to ensure the voice of Drogheda is heard loud and clear.' "Being Mayor of Drogheda is one of the must highly regarded and busiest roles for an elected representative in Ireland, never mind in County Louth. Only one person a year in the world becomes Mayor of Drogheda, not many people can say that.' She added that the Mayoralty 'belongs to the people of Drogheda, from the river to the sea, from Clogherhead to Tullyallen.' She praised the 'joy of meeting the great mix of people and cultures who live in Drogheda.' "Many of us would say that being a councillor in Drogheda is one of the most challenging, even more so than over the last few years. Dereliction remains a blight on West Street, social deprivation has increased and people are suffering due to the housing crisis.' She paid tribute to the officers of local government for their commitment, and highlighted some of the projects that have been completed since her first term as Mayor, including the Port Access Route, the new Drogheda Civic Offices, the Westgate Vision project which is moving through the planning process, the Digital Hub and the plans to transform Westgate House. 'We are busy building homes, forever homes for many people who have been on the social housing list for twelve years.' Mayor Hall welcomed the 'emerging vision of a thriving Drogheda, that will hopefully be realised' and appealed to the government and Dail Eireann to 'look at this town, or city, as it should be, to aim high, to help us succeed, by making it a wonderful place to live, shop and socialise in.' Having made the decision to leave her full time teaching post for the next year to dedicate her time to the role, she added her own personal ambitions to launch a podcast, and to write a book not only about her own time as Mayor of Drogheda, but also examining how the role has evolved over cernturies. from the Anglo Norman invasion to the present day. She looked forward to hosting a series of events over the next year, including International Women's Day, adding; 'I hope we can do it bigger and better in March 2026. ' She voiced her support for women in political roles and across all industries, saying: 'We must always raise women up when we can, and trust that they will do the same.' She pledged to work closely with Louth County Council, the new CEO David Conway, and the other chairs of Municipal Districts across the county, the Drogheda business community, BIDS, An Garda Siochana., Tidy Towns, and the new Deputy Mayor, saying 'We are stronger together.' The cycling enthusiast added: ' I am hoping we will see new cycle lanes commence this year. Cycling is quick, cheap and brings great health benefits.' She also appealed for greater focus on tackling climate change, with projects such as the development of the River Boyne 'above and below the water.' Finally she thanked the Old Drogheda Society for reviving the tradition of firing the canon upon the election of a new Mayor. The event, a visual treat of pomp and ceremony, was marked with a Mayoral reception at Millmount Museum. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
