Microsaic Systems and Labskin Limited have secured lab space at York Biotech Campus (YBC). Microsaic Systems supplies a comprehensive solution for water purity monitoring, protection and control, working with water authorities globally to ensure water safety and quality. It has taken 1,350 sq ft of laboratory space at YBC, where it will produce detection bioreagents that are consumables for its wide range of testing equipment. These bioreagents are then used to detect toxic chemical pathogens in water. Labskin Limited, a skin science company, has also moved into YBC. The business creates human skin equivalent models that are used by skincare, cosmetics, ingredient manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies as part of their research processes. They occupy a total of 1,800 sq ft across three laboratories on site. Both organisations were formerly located at the science campus under a shared parent company, operating as Modern Water and Labskin. Earlier this year, Microsaic Systems acquired the Modern Water business, while private investors purchased Labskin’s assets from their parent company. Microsaic Systems and Labskin Limited both have plans to expand at YBC and grow their respective teams. Bob Moore, Chief Executive at Microsaic Systems, said: “We’re thrilled to be based here at YBC with our excellent team producing our bioreagents. “YBC is an exceptional bio-cluster, and we’re surrounded by many other leading bioscience businesses who we can draw expertise from, as well as benefit from access to an abundance of skill and talent in the area. “We’re well-placed to achieve our growth ambitions, including expanding our facilities to enhance capacity and serve even more customers worldwide.” Dr Nicola Kingswell, Scientific Director at Labskin Limited, said: “YBC has always been a supportive, nurturing home for us, so we’re pleased to be based here in the next stage of our journey. “It’s an extremely exciting time for Labskin Limited as we’re expanding our services, including launching a new Labskin model with melanocytes, the cells that produce the colour pigment melanin in our skin. This means we’ll have a model for testing skin ethnicities. This is just one pioneering launch with plenty more in the pipeline.” Liz Cashon, Estates Manager at York Biotech Campus, added: “Microsaic Systems and Labskin Limited are both leaders in their fields, playing crucial roles in our everyday lives. Microsaic Systems focuses on ensuring the safety and security of our water, while Labskin Limited is dedicated to testing and improving the products we use daily. “We are proud that they have chosen YBC as their base, adding to our diverse mix of innovative organisations already based here, and further bolstering Yorkshire’s reputation as a leading centre in bioscience.”

City of York Council is investing in a new construction skills initiative called Construction York, to reduce inequality, address the construction skills gap and enable inclusive economic growth.

A duo of lettings totaling more than 60,500 sq ft have been completed at Velocity Point, the UBS AM Real Estate & Private Markets (UBS AM REPM) funded logistics park in Leeds. The latest deals follow a flurry of lettings at the urban logistics industrial development with occupiers signing up to 7 of the 9 specialist units since PC just 7 months ago. Garolla, the garage door company, has taken Unit 9, totaling 33,500 sq ft over ground and first floor. The company, which supplies and installs made-to-measure electric garage doors nationally, has acquired the site as part of its growth plans as it expands in the garage door market and adjacent categories. Avison Young advised Garolla on the acquisition. Total Hardware, a window and door hardware supplier, has agreed terms on Unit 6 totaling 27,000 sq ft over ground and first floor. The company is moving to Velocity Point to facilitate its business expansion into larger, more practical, modern premises. The company supplies a comprehensive range of hardware products to the trade. Velocity Point is a Grade A, speculatively built Industrial Park set across 13 acres and offers nine units across five buildings from 3,500 sq ft to 108,500 sq ft. CBRE, Carter Towler and Savills are joint marketing agents for Velocity Point. Jonny Ufton, Investment Manager, UBS AM REPM, said: “Velocity Point, which is set against the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, offers occupiers a high quality working environment with vast green spaces and has been designed to promote a positive work life balance by putting people at its heart. “The development is built to the highest standard with future-thinking design firmly focused on sustainability, with renewable and environmentally responsible features being integral to the scheme. “It’s a real draw for businesses of all sizes from those looking to integrate their operations into national and international supply chains to companies seeking strong links to academia excellence and places occupiers in a prime position for growth.” Dani Raunjak, Associate Director at CBRE Leeds, said: “The deals secured on seven out of nine units within a few months of completion at Velocity Point demonstrates the appeal of well positioned, quality stock in a supply constrained Northern logistics market. “Carter Towler, Savills and our team have received considerable interest in the remaining units and look forward to achieving full occupation soon.” Rob Oliver, Principal at Avison Young, who advised Garolla on their search and acquisition, said: “We have undertaken several acquisitions across Yorkshire in recent months, with a number of further projects ongoing. “We were delighted to work with Garolla on this matter, undertaking a thorough review and consideration of their options, and then securing a lease on this high quality new unit at Velocity Point. Availability of quality units across the region ready for immediate occupation is getting challenging, given the limited amount of current development. “It is particularly pleasing to support a manufacturing business looking to upgrade and expand their operation.”

Willmott Dixon is extending its track-record for building homes in South Yorkshire with a contract from City of Doncaster Council to build 83 homes across four sites. Procured through the framework YORBuild, it will see Willmott Dixon build 48 homes at Cedar Road, Balby, four homes at Edlington Lane, Edlington, as well as a further 21 homes at King Edward Road, Balby, and 10 homes at Goodison Boulevard, Cantley. The developments at King Edward Road and Edlington Lane will complete summer 2025, while Cedar Road and Goodison Boulevard will be completed in early 2026. These properties will be the first ‘gas free’ homes built by City of Doncaster Council. Willmott Dixon has also previously built numerous affordable homes across various sites for City of Doncaster Council, delivering a mix of one, two, three and four bedroomed family homes and bungalows. Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Glyn Jones, said: “I am delighted that a further 83 affordable homes will be built across Doncaster. We have worked alongside our partners at Willmott Dixon over a variety of exciting projects and the standard of housing delivered is always of the highest standard. “I look forward to seeing these innovative new projects come to life, and welcoming new residents to their new homes.”

Caddick Construction Group has reached completion of Stonebridge Beck, Rushbond’s brand new “heritage village” at the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills in Leeds. Handover of the development marks the completion of a £25m renovation and new-build project to create 112 residential properties, including mill townhouses, contemporary new build homes and restored cottages. Construction work began in May 2021 and has seen the derelict 19th century mill and cottages restored and refurbished to create a unique residential community spanning 9.1 acres. Preserving the mill’s historic character was a crucial element of the Rushbond project with Caddick restoring and retaining existing features. These included original signage, a cast iron weigh bridge, an internal stone staircase with cast iron balustrade and chimney restoration. Caddick’s work on-site also included the installation of incoming utility services, associated plot drainage, estate infrastructure, ancillary works, highway works and car charging for all properties. The Yorkshire-based construction firm also facilitated 10 local apprenticeships, welcomed two construction T-Level students from Leeds College of Building into work placements, created 100 new jobs in Leeds and engaged with over 700 local pupils through 12 educational visits and workshops. J W Maud, Chairman at Rushbond Plc, says: “We have been delighted to work with the talented Caddick team and to deliver the Rushbond vision – a respectful, significant heritage anchored residential community, harnessing and preserving Leeds’ gem for a new future.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group in Yorkshire and the North East, says: “Delivering Rushbond’s vision to create Stonebridge Beck and bringing this historic mill site back to life was a project that required meticulous attention to detail and I’m very proud of what the Caddick team has achieved. “Preserving history while creating something contemporary and sustainable is a fine balance and the result is a stunning residential development by Rushbond that pays tribute to Leeds’ industrial heritage. “The historic significance of these Georgian and Victorian mills meant that it was important that we worked closely with the planning and heritage officers, as well as registering our site with the Considerate Constructors Scheme to make sure we delivered the development to an impeccable standard.”

Wakefield Council is working in partnership with property investment company, Rushbond, on the project that will see new homes created in the former Wood Street police station at Gills Yard, and Rishworth Street as part of the regeneration of the city centre. The neighbourhood is being delivered by Fallowdale Homes, the housebuilding arm of Rushbond, which has appointed Mulberry Construction Group and Keepsake Construction as the lead contractors on the scheme. James Dinsley from Rushbond said: “This is an exciting milestone as work begins to create a new opportunity for families and people of all ages to live in the heart of this beautiful city. “Wakefield is famous for its cultural and architectural heritage – but there is also so much placemaking and infrastructure investment taking place to cement its future as a desirable, thriving centre, which is a hugely attractive proposition for making your home here.” The city centre’s former police station has the first section of scaffolding in place, ready to transform it into 33 one, two and three-bedroom heritage apartments available to rent, alongside the conversion of Wood House into a large, four-storey residential property. Over the next few months, specialist cleaning and sensitive renovations will be carried out on the heritage exterior, alongside the repair of the masonry and roof. Internally, existing walls will be knocked through with new steelwork fitted, ready for the internal fit-out which will begin later this year. Next month will see the start of work with ground-breaking on ‘Gills Mews’ for 20 two and three storey new build townhouses on the site of the former Rishworth Street car park, which are due to be completed from the end of 2025. Nine new three-bed townhouses at ‘Gills Yard’ built on the former Council-owned car park will also be available for purchase, with the homes due to complete by summer 2025. The ‘Wood Street Collection’ will also feature new green landscaping with green space in the city, and improved neighbourhood connectivity. There are plans to develop public art, with more details to be unveiled later this year.