Rishworth Street and Gills Yard car parks in Wakefield will be permanently closed from midnight on Sunday 18 June, so that work can begin on a new private sector development that will see the former police station on Wood Street transformed. The car parks form part of the site now earmarked for a residential offer. As Rushbond, the developer, is due to start work in July, the car parks will close. The ambitious plans form part of the Civic Quarter regeneration and will re-purpose one of the most historic areas of Wakefield city centre as a place where people can live, work and socialise. Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, said: “The surface-level car park on Rishworth Street was created as a temporary measure following the demolition of the multi-storey car park. It now needs to make way for this exciting regeneration project that will breathe new life into this historic part of the city. “We know that many of the spaces in these car parks are used by people who work around the Civic Quarter, including our own Council staff. We will be directing people to other long stay parking spaces, as well as creating new ones this Summer and Autumn.”

Added Value Portal Limited has been awarded £75,000 from the government-funded Levelling UP scheme towards creating a new rooftop bar at 55 Whitefriargate. The project will include a multi-functional bar, food and leisure area on top of an extension at the back of the original building, creating six full-time equivalent jobs and adding to the area’s evening economy. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This project complements what is already a vibrant place for people to work and socialise. “This new rooftop bar will enhance the appeal of the city centre as a destination to help drive footfall and boost the hospitality and evening economies.” 55 Whitefriargate, on the corner of Parliament Street, has undergone significant regeneration in recent years. Built in 1879, the former bank is now home to Bar55, situated in the old bank vaults. Gerard Toplass, The 55 Group chief executive, said: “Whitefriargate was the heart of the city for so long and it’s fantastic to be part of the regeneration that will bring life back into this fantastic part of Hull. “We have built our business in Whitefriargate and we are looking forward to continuing our investment with help from the Levelling Up Fund. “We are excited about building an urban landscape and rooftop experience to rival what is available in cities like Manchester and London.” In 2021, Hull City Council was awarded £19.5million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support infrastructure and deliver a package of city centre regeneration works. £7.5million of this being used for the Levelling Up Fund grant scheme, which aims to bring unused floorspace of any vacant or partially occupied property back into use and creating new jobs. Similar to previous grant schemes in the Old Town, the Levelling Up Grant scheme will allow various diverse businesses to open and operate, breathing new life into the area.

A feasibility study looking into the future of the Grand Theatre in Doncaster has found that the building could partly re-open over the next few years once repair works are completed. The working group – made up of officers from City of Doncaster Council, Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust, local elected members, the Theatres Trust, the Friends of Doncaster Grand and building owners, The Frenchgate – commissioned the feasibility study in September 2022. The study – looking into the future of the theatre – found that it would be economically beneficial for the city to work towards re-opening the Theatre but this must be done as a phased approach and urgent funding and repair works are needed first. The report also added that the theatre must add to the overall vitality of the city centre offer and complement existing city venues. The study further determined that the building needed to avoid more deterioration to the building fabric and that certain works must be undertaken before opening in any capacity – with external funding needed to get the theatre back to full working use. It is however suggested that the Theatre could get back to some small-scale performances, such as music gigs, comedy and business events, without the full amount of investment needed, but repair works to the parapet, valley gutters, interiors and downpipes are needed to avoid further decay and ensure public safety. These works are to be undertaken in the very near future once consents have been acquired. Exploration is now underway into bringing a special purpose organisation into the theatre, which would help take this to the next stage. Capacity – without the full external investment needed – would be fairly limited, with developments around the theatre and limited escape routes reducing the theatre to a capacity of around 450-500. The study concluded with a recommendation that a phased approach for the theatre be put in place, with funding helping the theatre re-open to small scale use first, such as business networking events, shining the spotlight on the theatre for higher levels of funding, to compliment rather than compete with, any other performance venues. Cabinet member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Culture at City of Doncaster Council, Cllr Nigel Ball, said: “This is still relatively early days in this new journey for the Grand Theatre, but I am delighted that this study, which has involved lots of work and resulted in a very large and comprehensive report, has found that there is an opportunity for the Grand Theatre to be brought back to life, albeit in a safe and phased manner. “The Grand Theatre is not a council building and the funding needed for the full restoration of this theatre is vast and given the above will need external support to help with this. I am confident however, and hopeful, that work can be progressed with the owners Frenchgate, to bring some of the building at least back into some form of use, in the near future.” Ken Waight, Chair of the Friends of Doncaster Grand Theatre, said: “After so many years of inactivity, this report and its findings is very welcome, particularly that the Grand can be brought back into some use, relatively soon, leading eventually to full reopening. We accept that there is a lot of work needed and substantial funding to be found, but hopefully a proper plan for modern use of the theatre will now be established and that can only be good for all in our city.” Siân Eagar, Theatres at Risk Adviser, at the Theatres Trust, said: “Theatres Trust welcomes the collaborative approach that is being taken to reviving Doncaster Grand, which has been on our Theatres at Risk Register since 2006 when we started the list. We believe the Grand has real potential to be restored and returned to cultural use but recognise that a phased approach will be the best way of securing its future. It will be a long journey, but it will be worth the investment to revitalise this wonderful building for the people of Doncaster.”

The specialist housing team at the Leeds office of construction and property consultants, Summers-Inman, has won a framework appointment by Yorkshire Housing to provide Employer’s Agent and Cost Consultancy services on a new housing scheme in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. The £14 million development comprising a range of 64 two, three and four-bedroom affordable family homes is being built by Yorkshire Housing in partnership with Countryside Partnerships, which only recently merged with Vistry Partnerships at the end of 2022. Following planning consent in late 2022, the new homes, which will be available across a mix of tenures including social rent, shared ownership and affordable rent, will be built on the former Trelleborg Factory site on Halfpenny Lane, which closed in 2016. Work started on site in January this year and if all goes according to plan, the scheme will complete in October 2024. This is just one of several recent appointments secured by Summers-Inman and it follows hard on the heels of places won on further frameworks in the North of England and Scotland, including those of Wakefield District Housing, Thirteen Group, Tyne Housing Group, Bridge Homes and the Wheatley Group in Edinburgh. Speaking about the consultancy’s recent spate of success, Summers-Inman director and specialist housing lead, David Blakey, said: “We have worked hard to secure places on many frameworks up and down the country in the capacity of Employers Agent, Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Principal Designer – all of which are familiar territory for our team. At the present time, the value of the schemes in which we are involved in one or more of these services is in excess of £170m. “We are delighted with these appointments, many of which promise well for future work. It is a very active sector at a time when the need for affordable housing has never been more keenly felt and we are pleased to be working with Yorkshire Housing and Countryside Partnerships to be able to bring these houses to market. “The existing Trelleborg factory was demolished some time ago and the new scheme is designed to create a community feel where residents will be proud to call home.” Director of development, Yorkshire Housing, Sian Webster added: “It’s great to be teaming up with Countryside and Summers-Inman to deliver high-quality homes that over 60 families will be proud of. We’re committed to creating affordable and sustainable homes with cost effective heating and power at a time when it’s needed more than ever. The scheme also brings us closer to achieving our target of building 8,000 new homes across Yorkshire.” Andy Poyner, Managing Director, Yorkshire, Countryside Partnerships, said: “Through our partnerships model we look to reuse land wherever possible, focusing on high quality mixed-tenure developments that deliver positive social impact for those communities with placemaking at the heart of what we do. We’re delighted to be partnering with Yorkshire Housing on this inclusive residential development, which will give local people the opportunity to buy the house of their dreams.”

Plans for a £20m refurbishment of the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield have been given the go ahead by Kirklees Council’s Planning Committee, with the hotel set to be operated by Radisson RED. The approved plans for the 91-room boutique hotel form part of the wider Huddersfield Blueprint, a ten-year vision to create a thriving town centre boasting a diverse and exciting offer. An important landmark adjacent to the Huddersfield Railway Station, The George Hotel was the first building on St George’s Square in 1851. In March 2020, Kirklees Council purchased the Grade II* Listed building so it could secure its future and incorporate it within its long-term regeneration programme. The new-look hotel promises a fashionable feel and will incorporate a basement, ground floor and four upper levels. Radisson RED, known for their stylish interiors and vibrant bars, will operate the premises. As part of the refurbishment, the original building, which has a prominent location facing St George’s Square, will be refurbished almost entirely in its current state. The hotel’s historic façade will also be preserved along John William Street, but with a new structure replacing the existing internal structures behind. A historically unimportant three-storey block, which faces towards the train station, is in poor condition and requires dismantling. It will be replaced by a similar sized and more sympathetic block using quality materials and a similar colour palette to the rest of the structure. As part of remodelling, the ground floor will house the hotel’s reception lobby, lounge and a 70-seat restaurant and bar. There will also be a large conference-style room for hire and the lower ground floor will provide a 100-cover banqueting suite for business events, receptions and weddings. Leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor Shabir Pandor, said: “Today is a significant milestone for the George Hotel and we’re delighted to have secured an exciting and long-term future for it. Huddersfield town centre has long needed a high-quality hotel and Radisson RED is a stand-out international hotel brand known for its eye-catching style and excellent customer service. “Alongside our wider Huddersfield Blueprint plans and Our Cultural Heart, the George will act as an impressive gateway to the town centre and continue to grow our profile as an attractive destination for tourism and business.” Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, added: “Our goal from the outset has been to do this historic building justice, not just as a key part of Huddersfield’s heritage but also as a major economic driver in the town. I’m thrilled that our plans have been approved. “This is a hugely exciting project. We’ve gone to great lengths to make sure that, in delivering these plans, we’ll now be working with the best possible range of contractors to achieve our vision – reopening the hotel as an amazing new establishment with international hotel operators Radisson RED.” Adela Cristea, Vice President, Business Development UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We’re proud to build on the success of Radisson RED and continue its UK expansion with this impressive project. We’re delighted to partner with Kirklees Council and bring a new chapter to one of Huddersfield’s most iconic buildings by introducing the bold and vibrant brand to the town.” Kirklees Council have now appointed Morgan Sindall in a Pre-Contract Service Agreement, and they will be working on further designs for the building work over the coming months. The council have also now appointed Queensberry as the project’s development manager, and Bowman Riley are the architect and heritage advisor. Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to work on what will be a significant new addition to the town. Our business has strong local connections with Huddersfield having completed many projects here over the years, and we look forward to helping to grow the local economy and bring a skills boost to the area through our work on this fabulous new hotel.” Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added: “We are extremely pleased with today’s positive outcome. The building has significant history and this sympathetic redevelopment will secure its long-term future, whilst also acting as a catalyst for wider investment and regeneration in the great town of Huddersfield. The Raddison brand is a very fitting custodian to maintain this wonderful asset and we’re sure both locals and visitors to Huddersfield will enjoy it.”

BlackDice, a tech start-up that develops AI-driven cybersecurity solutions for global telecoms provider consumers and SME subscribers, has opened its new UK headquarters in Leeds. By setting up its UK headquarters in Leeds, BlackDice aims to tap into the city’s diverse tech ecosystem, access top-tier talent, and forge strategic partnerships that will propel the company forward. Situated within the Leeming Building – part of Wizu Workspace’s portfolio of serviced offices – BlackDice’s new headquarters will serve as a hub for the company’s technology operations, bringing together its growing workforce to provide an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration. “We chose to establish our UK headquarters in Leeds because it’s a city that truly embodies the spirit of industrial ingenuity and technological innovation,” said Sarah Hague, Chief Operating Officer at BlackDice. “Leeds offers a fertile ground for our growth plans, with its exceptional talent pool, supportive business community, and vibrant atmosphere. We believe that our presence here will enable us to forge valuable connections, collaborate with industry leaders, and solidify our position as pioneers in AI-powered cyber security solutions.” As BlackDice continues to expand its global footprint, the new UK headquarters in Leeds is just the latest move for the business, which established its European HQ in Malaga, Spain – another flourishing ‘tech zone’ – last month, and will play a pivotal role in building the company’s presence in the EU cyber ecosystem. “We aim to strengthen our commitment to the Leeds city region and create high-value employment opportunities. By nurturing local talent we want to become known for our culture of innovation, diversity and inclusion, contributing to the ongoing success story of Leeds as a burgeoning tech hub. We are confident that our presence in Leeds will bring significant benefits to the local community and enable us to chart an exciting path of growth and expansion,” added Hague.

Initial plans for a new urban district in Sheffield’s Neepsend have been submitted by social impact developers Capital&Centric. Outline plans have been lodged with Sheffield City Council to overhaul the derelict industrial Cannon Brewery site. The blueprint is being developed in stages, with the aim to deliver a bold vision for a city centre district that stitches itself into the character of the surrounding area. It details the plans for over 500 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments, planned to be delivered through a mix of contemporary new builds and retention of some of the existing buildings, namely the Water Tower and Brew House. Nestled alongside the homes will be workplaces and spaces for independent shops, delis and café-bars, creating opportunities for local indie operators and new start-ups. A lush, green urban park will surround the water tower, whilst on Boyland Street a new public square surrounded by cafes and shops will be the perfect space for pop-up events, performers and installations. The expansive Cannon Brewery site is seen as a massive opportunity to grow Sheffield’s city centre in sustainable way, with high-end architecture sparking the renaissance of the industrial area around Neepsend. It’s a chance to bring more people to the area and deliver new homes without displacing existing businesses. Richard Spackman, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve set out to make Cannon Brewery a standout community that draws people to Sheffield – one that respects and reflects back the industrial heritage of Neepsend. It’s a really challenging site to work on, but we’re progressing at pace because we see such pent-up potential. “Like many communities we’ve done before, we’re proposing a mix of old and new. Our contemporary homes will be real juxtaposition against some of the existing industrial buildings we’re aiming to keep and repurpose. “We want the end goal to be that Cannon Brewery becomes Sheffield’s best address…a city centre district where people not only want to live, but spend their weekends, hang out with mates or locate their start-up business.” Once home to Stones Brewery, the site – made up of two triangular plots bordered by Neepsend Lane and Boyland St – was the birthplace of the UK’s best-selling bitter at the time, before the doors closed for good in 1999. The place has been empty ever since and has become a magnet for street artists. Capital&Centric’s outline application aims to set the initial parameters for the district, including the footprint of the new buildings, buildings to be retained, heights and access points. Whilst previous plans had proposed for all buildings at the site to be demolished, Capital&Centric is aiming to keep those that it’s feasible to retain and repurpose. The submission follows a packed out consultation event at the neighbouring Heist Brew Co. that kick-started the conversation about Cannon Brewery. The session saw people voice support for transforming the site; as well as calls for use of greenery; a mix of homes; and a focus on securing a mix of independent operators to give the community a distinctly local vibe. Following this application, it’s intended for detailed designs of the buildings to follow in stages – with style and materials set to take inspiration from the surrounding industrial warehouses and further consultation and discussion with the community.