Gateway at PEAK showcased at COP26 Regional Roadshow with the University of Derby

Milligan’s forthcoming joint venture development on the Peak District National Park boundary with Birchall Properties, the Gateway @PEAK showcased its sustainability credentials at the East Midlands COP26 Regional Roadshow, as part of its strategic partnership with the University of Derby.

Milligan and landowner Birchall Properties have formed a working group with The University of Derby to bring the latest applied thinking in sustainable tourism, circular economies, data collection and monitoring, geosciences and biodiversity planning to the project. 

The Gateway @PEAK is a great example of the Net Zero Carbon developments being discussed at COP26 in Glasgow.

At the heart of the development is a “Journey to Zero” mobility and transport hub. Hydrogen powered vehicles will connect to a zero-carbon travel network within the Park that has the potential to remove over 500,000 car journeys each year, significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving the visitor experience for everyone. 

The mobility network will also open access to thousands of park attractions, spreading the economic visitor benefit and relieving destinations that become overwhelmed during peak seasons. Planning permission for 2,800 car parking spaces and 5,000 overnight beds has already been granted to the Gateway at PEAK which is situated on 300 acres of fully reclaimed land.

The COP26 East Midlands Roadshow took place on the 11th November, during the international summit in Glasgow. In the virtual conference, delegates will be able to browse other projects from the region and learn more about the Gateway’s ambition to create a blueprint for the sustainable delivery of mixed-use ‘smart’ campuses. 

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Prof Chris Bussell said “The University will help the Gateway @PEAK project team define sustainable tourism, bringing innovation to this landmark project for the region, and for the UK’s National Park’s. 

Our research and experience in building digital twins and data sciences will give the project a credible data strategy, which is critical to it delivering its sustainability goals. The collaboration offers university students an exciting, local project which is breaking new ground and the project itself access to the latest thinking and research.”