A landmark refurbishment project at Glen Lodge, an independent care community with extra care in Heworth, York, has been completed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm Hobson & Porter. The £3.2m, 15-month programme has transformed the older part of the property, which was originally built in the 1970s and consists of 32 assisted living apartments for older people. Working on behalf of City of York Council, Hobson & Porter has delivered a complete modernisation programme, making the scheme more accessible, energy efficient and comfortable for residents. The comprehensive refurbishment included the installation of brand-new kitchens and en suite bathrooms in every apartment, along with fully redecorated bedrooms and lounges. Essential infrastructure upgrades were also completed, including a full rewire, new plumbing systems, and the installation of a new roof. Outside, residents can now enjoy improved landscaped gardens with new pathways and seating areas. Senior site manager Dave McCorrie from Hobson & Porter said: “Glen Lodge needed a complete refurbishment to bring it in line with modern standards, and we are delighted to have delivered a project that will significantly improve the comfort and quality of life for its residents. “As well as vital structural and mechanical works, we’ve created bright, accessible spaces that residents can really feel at home in.”

Together Housing Group is working with local partners including Termrim Construction to progress the construction of 30 homes for affordable rent at Rawson Wood, Sowerby Bridge – a site previously occupied by an extra care scheme which was demolished in 2018. The project is being delivered through the Calderdale and Together Housing Investment Partnership (CTHIP), a collaboration with Calderdale Council and Together Housing, further strengthened by the support from employer’s agent CPC Project Services and procurement specialist EN Procure. The development will feature a mix of two- and three-bedroom homes designed to meet a wide range of housing needs. Three of the homes will include enhanced accessibility features, such as level-access showers, wider parking bays, and hoist-ready infrastructure, to accommodate residents with additional needs. The Rawson Wood site, which is funded by Homes England, will also be entirely gas-free. Each home will be equipped with Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV systems to help lower carbon emissions. Mark Dunford, executive director of finance and commercial, Together Housing, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Calderdale Council once again to increase the supply of affordable housing at such a critical time when demand for affordable, high-quality homes continues to grow across Calderdale and the wider region. “This development not only provides much needed homes, but also shows how effective partnership working can help unlock the potential of underused land to benefit local communities in a sustainable way.” Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing grants for Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Together Housing to achieve their ambitions. “Rawson Wood is a prime example of how we are working collaboratively with partners, through the Affordable Homes Programme, to achieve our mission to build thriving communities that people can be proud to call home.” Cllr Scott Patient, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for climate action and housing, said: “Thanks to some great partnership work, these planned affordable homes will meet a number of our priorities – helping families to settle in Calderdale and build a thriving life, contributing to our vibrant towns, whilst also protecting our borough’s distinctive environment through action to tackle climate change.” Jason McGarvey, director at Termrim Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working once again with Together Housing to deliver the Rawson Wood development. Collaborative working has been key to overcoming the complexities of the site, and with the initial earthworks now complete we are pleased to see the scheme progressing well.” Richard Greenwood, director of operations for new build at EN:Able Procure, added: “Delivered through the Efficiency North Framework, the project reflects our shared commitment to delivering quality homes alongside real community benefits, including the use of apprentices and local supply chain partners. “Once finished, the homes will benefit from highly energy-efficient Air Source Heat Pumps alongside Solar PV and battery storage, ensuring the homes are truly sustainable and cost-effective to run, supporting lasting benefits for the Calderdale community. “Rawson Wood is a brilliant example of what can be achieved locally through the facilitation of the right partnerships at the right time. It’s a response to local housing needs and a reflection of our shared ambition to create high-quality, sustainable places for people to live and grow.”

S1 Artspace is to reveal its plans to transform the former Yorkshire Bank on Haymarket into an ambitious new cultural venue to Sheffield residents and heritage enthusiasts. A public consultation and exhibition will take place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 October inside the Grade II Listed building in Castlegate. For many, this will be the first opportunity in over a decade to step inside the historic Victorian landmark and view its proposed transformation from derelict bank to cultural hub. Built in 1871 as Sheffield’s Head General Post Office, the sandstone building has witnessed the city’s own evolution – serving as the Sheffield Stock Exchange for over 50 years, before becoming a Yorkshire Bank branch until 2014. Founded by Sheffield artists in 1995, S1 Artspace has championed contemporary art for over 30 years – but until now, never had a permanent home in the city. Having supported more than 250 artists through its studios and presented nationally recognised exhibitions, the transformation of the former Yorkshire Bank marks S1’s first owned space, securing a sustainable future for the charity to continue championing contemporary art in Sheffield for generations to come. Initial designs by architects Carmody Groarke will restore the building and repurpose it as the organisation’s first permanent home – complete with public galleries across two floors, workspace for artists and creatives in the city, a gallery shop showcasing local artists and makers, and an independent basement bar. Input from the consultation will inform S1 Artspace’s planning application due to be submitted to Sheffield City Council in early 2026. Louise Hutchinson, director of S1 Artspace, said: “This remarkable listed building has been part of Sheffield’s story for generations – it’s been the head post office, Sheffield stock exchange and Yorkshire bank – but it’s stood empty for far too long. We now have the chance to bring it back to life as a place for culture, creativity and community. “But this isn’t just our project – it’s Sheffield’s. We want people who live, work and create here to be part of shaping what happens next. Whether you’re an artist, a local resident, someone who loves the city’s heritage or you’re just curious about Castlegate, we’d love you to come along, see the plans and tell us what you think. “This is about more than simply restoring a building – it’s about reclaiming a piece of Sheffield’s history and giving it a new purpose and future.” The project forms a key cornerstone in the regeneration of Castlegate, aligning with neighbouring developments including Harmony Works who are transforming Canada House into a new musical home for young people, and the regeneration of the former Sheffield castle grounds to create a new public park and heritage offer.

Millar Design + Management (MD+M) has completed its role in the first phase of Leeds Bradford Airport’s £100 million terminal expansion. The project forms part of the airport’s wider LBA:Regen development, designed to modernise facilities and increase capacity.

Phase 1 included a 102,250 sq ft, three-storey arrivals terminal featuring additional seating, an expanded baggage reclaim area, new retail and dining outlets, and improved accessibility for passengers with restricted mobility.

MD+M acted as lead designer, architectural and interior designer, and project manager, and provided mechanical, electrical, structural, and fire engineering services throughout the project, which began in 2019.

The next phase will focus on refurbishing the existing 1968 terminal building while maintaining full airport operations. Upgrades will cover terminal capacity, retail space, passenger seating, and baggage handling. Completion is targeted for late 2026.

Once both phases are complete, Leeds Bradford Airport is expected to handle up to seven million passengers annually. The redevelopment is a central part of the airport’s long-term Vision 2030 growth strategy, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic development in West Yorkshire.

Study Inn, the privately owned operator, developer, and manager of student accommodation, has reported a 95% occupancy across its seven properties in six university cities — Leeds, Leicester, Exeter, Bristol, Nottingham, and Loughborough — for the 2025/26 academic year. Matt Shakespeare, managing director of operations at Study Inn, said: “Achieving 95% occupancy across our portfolio reflects the strength of our model and our ability to meet the diverse needs of both international and domestic students nationwide. “Our flexible, high-quality offering continues to attract residents seeking a premium life experience supported by service, comfort, and community at a price point that represents exceptional value for money.” Recent data from UCAS and HEPI points to ongoing strength in the UK higher education market, with total UCAS applicants rising to 665,070 in the 2025 cycle — up 1.3% year-on-year — and UK 18-year-old applicants reaching a record 328,390, an increase of 2.2%. UCAS also projects that growth in the UK’s 18-year-old population will continue to drive additional applicants over the coming years, supporting robust future demand for student accommodation. Study Inn says its success is underpinned by its vertically integrated business model, which provides full control over acquisition, design, development, and operations. The company’s all-inclusive offering includes utilities, internet, kitchens, towels, bedding, housekeeping, shared lounges, social spaces, and landscaped outdoor areas. Study Inn has achieved strong annual growth over all of its assets since inception of the brand. Current average achieved weekly rent is £226, and is forecasted to increase in 2026/27. “These are exciting times for Study Inn,” added Shakespeare. “With our experience, adaptability, and continued investment in quality, we’re perfectly positioned to capitalise on the macro favourable market conditions whilst remaining very responsive to the micro market conditions in each city and deliver strong occupancy and sustained growth across our portfolios.”