Work begins on transformation of iconic pub site
Work has started on the £1.5 million transformation of the former site of Lincoln’s famous Golden Cross pub, which closed in 2020.
Following the recent demolition of the old pub, the Gelder Group has embarked on a special housing project, after being awarded a contract by Framework Housing Association.
Although the building site is quite small, the Young People’s Learning Provision (YPLP) – which is part of the county council’s Children’s Services – has kindly allowed the company to park site traffic on their land. This has removed the need for additional traffic to be on the road, relieving potential congestion.
The new building will comprise 15 supported housing flats, which meet the Secured by Design accreditation. This is a police-preferred specification which provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder said: “We are delighted to be working on this project for several reasons. Obviously, winning this work was great news for team Gelder.
“It is also special to be transforming a site which, historically, had connections with Lincoln City Football Club. Being so close to City’s Sincil Bank ground, it was a natural watering hole for Red Imps’ fans.
“On a more serious note, we have also long admired the amazing work done by Framework, in supporting people who are homeless or at risk of being so. Also, it doesn’t stop there, because it also supports its ‘clients’ with their health, social care and employment needs.”
The building is due to be completed by March 2025.
Framework Director of Corporate Services, Dave Newmarch said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to help address the shortage of accommodation for homeless people in Lincoln with these purpose-built premises providing 15 self-contained, one-bed units for single homeless people.
“Framework is a registered charity and a registered provider of social housing and we have been providing services for homeless and vulnerable people in Lincolnshire since 2011.
“This new housing on the High Street will be our fifth major capital investment in Lincoln to provide good quality, purpose-built accommodation for people in need. It brings our total investment in the city to more than £9.6m and enables us to provide accommodation for more than 100 homeless people at any one time.
“With support from the City of Lincoln Council, the £2.65m project has been funded under the government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme which provides homes and crucial support for people with high and enduring support needs, including rough sleepers.
“The government grant of £1.7m has been supplemented by a contribution from Framework itself worth £850,000.
“We are delighted to be working with the excellent Gelder Group – keeping the work in Lincolnshire and ensuring that the project is delivered to the high standards we wish to provide for the people we support.
“When the flats are occupied in spring 2025 residents will receive dedicated support from staff who will be on site 24/7 to address the issues that contributed to residents’ homelessness in the first place.”
Frasers Group acquires Doncaster Shopping Centre
Shirebrook-based Frasers Group has acquired Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster.
The 770,000 sq ft retail centre is a major regional shopping destination welcoming over 16 million customers a year.
The shopping centre is a key part of the retail offer within Doncaster town centre and the South Yorkshire region, with major high street tenants, including Next, H&M and TK Maxx.
The deal facilities the opportunity to more than triple the Sports Direct store size to over 35,000 sq ft and provide customers with access to other brands from the Frasers Group ecosystem including USC, GAME and Evans Cycles.
Michael Murray, Chief Executive, Frasers Group, said: “The acquisition of Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to investing into brick-and-mortar.
“Acquiring property in key trading locations to unlock new opportunities for our retail and leisure businesses, such as Sports Direct, Everlast Gyms, Frasers and FLANNELS, is a key
priority.
“We are committed to re-inventing retail and injecting new life into high streets across the UK to bring the very best brands, environment, and experience to customers across the country.”
Frasers Group was advised by CBRE on this acquisition.
Senior partner appointed at GSSArchitecture
Architecture practice, GSSArchitecture, has appointed Jonathan Hunter as senior partner, following the retirement of Tom Lyons in June.
Jonathan has been part of GSS for over 23 years, having first joined in 2001 as a graduate architectural technologist. He soon progressed through the company, gaining promotion to associate in 2007 and then partner in 2010.
Jonathan has been central to the growth of the practice over recent years. Building on established relationships in the Midlands, Jonathan has built and nurtured strategically important long-term relationships with key clients across Yorkshire and the Northeast.
In 2009 Jonathan had the vision to establish an office in Yorkshire to provide a stronger, locally focussed service to clients in the region. Continuing to enhance the practice’s reputation, he then went on grow the business in the Northeast, opening a Newcastle studio in 2016.
Both studios have gone from strength to strength under Jonathan’s direction. The Yorkshire team has recently moved into central Leeds while the Newcastle team has moved into larger premises, to accommodate their sustained growth and strengthen their offering in both regions.
Jonathan has also been directly responsible for delivering many large-scale developments throughout his career to date. Across a range of sectors, projects include the Catalyst at Newcastle Helix and more recently the £500m masterplanning of the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood in partnership with Newcastle University and Genr8/Kajima JV.
As senior partner, Jonathan will maintain his focus on continued growth at a national level. He will utilise his extensive technical knowledge and cross-sector experience to set the strategic direction for the practice at all six of its office locations and will build on the foundations laid by previous partners delivering high-quality, sustainable architecture for clients.
Throughout his time at GSS, Jonathan has worked side-by-side with Ian Bray, and this relationship will continue with Ian Bray remaining as the practice’s managing partner.
Ian Bray said: “We have been planning for Tom’s retirement for the past few years to ensure we have a robust succession plan and management structure in place to deliver a seamless transition for our clients and teams. I have every confidence in Jonathan as he continues to drive the practice forward in his new role.”
Jonathan said: “I’m really excited about the future! We have a fantastic team at GSS, full of dedicated and creative people who are at the heart of what we do. There are many exciting opportunities for us to grow the business together, building on our history, substantial experience and by driving innovation.
“Stepping into this new role as senior partner is an honour. I have a duty to do my best for this practice and to represent every member of our extensive team in the best possible way. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, and I hope to do the team proud during my time in post.”
Development consortium gains momentum to deliver affordable Yorkshire and Humber homes
A recently established partnership tasked with supporting young and fledgling housing associations and community groups to build new affordable housing in Yorkshire and Humber is having a positive impact across the region.
The Unity Community Development Consortium (UCDC) was set up in May 2021 by Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
The consortium has since expanded its membership to include Chartford Housing, Manningham Housing Association, Harrogate Housing, and Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
Unity has also been supporting Pickering and Ferens Homes to deliver new properties in Hull. To date they have completed eight new homes and are due to complete on a 24 unit bungalow development in September.
In the past year, Unity assisted Hull and East Yorkshire Mind to convert three large properties to produce 21 flats for people suffering from mental health and are also working on a development opportunity which will yield 26 new properties on behalf of Harrogate Housing.
UCDC has been granted Investment Partner status by the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, which allows it to apply for grant funding to deliver new properties through the Affordable Homes Programme 2021 to 2026 and the Rough Sleepers and Single Homelessness Programmes, providing much needed affordable accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in the region.
Wayne Noteman, Director of Regeneration at Unity Homes and Enterprise, explained that the partnership arrangements have enabled consortium members to support each other’s development plans by sharing best practice, resources and expertise.
He said: “The vision behind the establishment of the consortium was to create a pathway for smaller providers to utilise their development capacity and increase the supply of affordable housing for the public good.
“Not all housing associations possess in-house development expertise to build homes. However, by drawing on the professional support of other members, construction programmes have gained momentum with numerous schemes now on site or at an advanced stage of preparation.
“Alongside new properties, assistance has also been given by Unity to acquire existing properties from the open market for affordable rent and facilitate the transfer of housing stock from other Registered Providers.”
Gudrun Haskins-Carlisle, CEO of Chartford Housing, said the knowledge transfer between the six housing associations which form UCDC has been “hugely beneficial.”
She continued: “We are a small organisation which manages more than 600 properties across West Yorkshire.
“Through our involvement as a founder member of the consortium, Chartford has developed four flats for homeless people and secured capital and revenue funding of over £2 million to deliver a further 22 new properties.
“The assistance we have received is also supporting our efforts to identify and acquire suitable properties on the open market to add to our existing stock.”
Manningham Housing Association, which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, has joined UCDC more recently.
Its CEO, Lee Bloomfield, said: “We were seeking to reboot our development plans and the support from UCDC and Wayne has been vital in progressing these.
“The result has been the stock transfer of 18 houses and the acquisition of a further 14 properties through Home England’s Purchase and Repair programme.
“On top of these achievements, we have concluded a deal to purchase 20 new homes and remain in negotiations to secure a further 30 properties.”
Leeds agency wins work in support of property company’s Manchester development
Leeds-based PR agency Yasper has been appointed by BR2.0 to deliver a media relations and content brief across its group businesses, supporting the firm as it moves its headquarters to Manchester city centre and launches new brands, Xpercity and Inspired, which will sit alongside its established construction business, Big Red, to provide an end-to-end property solution.
Originally founded in Huddersfield in 2018, Big Red has seen a swift rise, building a number of high-profile developments, particularly in Manchester city centre. The move to become a full-service property company through the launch of its development arm Xpercity, and its facilities management arm, Inspired, follows investment into the business and a reorganisation of its service offering.
Yasper’s services for Big Red will initially focus on media relations, social media content and marketing. The appointment builds on range of exciting projects Yasper has been delivering for a number of high-profile clients over the past six months, including those in the healthcare, transportation and infrastructure space. Yasper launched in 2023, with established Leeds agency Umpf taking a stake in the business.
Yasper’s work will initially focus on communicating the Group’s points of difference and helping to establish the offer across the North. In addition to a regional and national property media brief, Yasper will also seek to establish new brands, Xpercity and Inspired, in their respective trade titles. The Leeds-based agency will also support the production of unique content across the group’s social media channels and website.
Yasper founder and MD Julian Pearce said: “I’ve watched Big Red’s growth closely and seeing what’s been achieved in such as short space of time has been inspirational. This piece of work plays to Yasper’s strengths, not only in the sector, but also in taking two or more of our core services and expertly blending tactics towards a known goal.”
Consultation extended on proposals for new electricity substation in Rotherham
National Grid is extending its public consultation on proposals for a new electricity substation in Rotherham until 11:59pm on Monday 22 July.
As part of the Brinsworth to High Marnham project, National Grid is proposing to build and operate a new 400 kV substation on land to the east of Long Lane, in Rotherham.
National Grid says the new substation, which forms a key part of The Great Grid Upgrade, will play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system and provide the ability to transport cleaner energy from the North of England to homes and businesses across the Midlands and beyond, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Leanne Evans, Project Director for Brinsworth to High Marnham, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for taking part in our consultation so far, your comments and feedback are invaluable in helping to refine our proposals for this important development. If you haven’t yet done so, please do get involved, visit our website and find out more.”
National Grid expect the proposed substation in Rotherham to be operational in winter 2029.
Creative team moves into new space at Dean Clough
The Creative Core has agreed a deal on a 1,500 sq ft unit within the historic F Mill at Dean Clough in Halifax, relocating a team of twelve from Huddersfield.
Established in 2010 to deliver specialist interpretation design services for museums, heritage sites, libraries and cultural attractions, The Creative Core also operates its own in-house bespoke joinery business which employs a further 30 people at its manufacturing site in Boothtown.
Core’s clients include national organisations like the National Trust, the Science Museum, Amgueddfa Cymru and the RNLI, besides those closer to home, including the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds, Bolton Art Gallery, Library & Museum, and the Peace Museum in Bradford.
Nichola Ward, Creative Director at The Creative Core, said: “Dean Clough was the obvious location for us to relocate to. The venue is well known for its cultural offering, with a mix of successful galleries, a theatre, art houses, media, and design businesses which is a great fit for The Creative Core.
“Representing a legacy of industrial heritage and innovation, Dean Clough provides the perfect setting for us to showcase our services and ethos to visiting clients. The site ticks all boxes in terms of accessibility, amenity and wellbeing for our own team, and the Dean Clough team have been incredibly accommodating, with great flexibility and warmth.”
Jeremy Hall, Chairman and MD at Dean Clough, added: “We are thrilled to welcome The Creative Core to the Dean Clough family. The business model is truly exciting and blends perfectly with the innovative design orientated businesses we have here.
“For more than 40 years, we have invested in the values of placemaking, creating an attractive destination for business enterprise alongside a vibrant and diverse mix of amenity and cultural experiences. This, alongside the indisputable carbon benefits that the reuse of historic buildings brings for sustainable practice, is fundamental to attracting business occupiers.”
Dean Clough, which recently won the much coveted ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2024 Placemaking Awards, is one of Yorkshire’s largest centres for the business of arts and culture, supporting commercial enterprise, educational practice, public engagement and innovation across a broad spectrum.
Navigo signs up as latest Foster Friendly business in North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire’s health and social care company Navigo has become the latest business to sign up to North East Lincolnshire Council’s ‘Foster Friendly business’ scheme, with members supporting employees who are also foster carers, or those who may choose to become foster carers in the future.
Foster Friendly businesses taking part in the scheme will offer benefits to staff who are foster carers, including additional annual leave for appointments and training.
Navigo chief executive Simon Beeton said: “As a leading provider of mental health services, we see every day the impact and difference a stable home can have on the lives of the people we serve. We are committed to supporting foster carers as it is important that this vital role is recognised and encouraged.”
Locally and nationally there is a great shortage of foster carers, and it is organisations and businesses supporting people who provide homes for foster children that could help to tip the balance across North East Lincolnshire.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services Director, Ann-Marie Matson, welcomed the news: “It is fantastic that Navigo has chosen to sign up to the ‘Foster Friendly’ scheme, joining North East Lincolnshire Council, Toll Bar Academy, and Grimsby Town Football Club as we all make a commitment together to support foster carers, and in turn foster children who desperately need welcoming and safe homes to live in.
“Foster carers provide homes for vulnerable children and young people, and many of these young people need support whilst they adjust to their new environments. This can require additional help from foster carers, and those with jobs may find it difficult if employers are unaware of the additional care young people may need during these traumatic times.
“Becoming part of the Foster Friendly scheme gives employers an insight into the needs of foster carer employees and provides them with the tools they require to support them and the foster children in their homes.
“We welcome Navigo to the scheme and look forward to others across the borough joining us in the future.”
ASD acquires assets of Atlantic Steel
ASD Limited, the Leeds-headquartered metal stockholders and processing suppliers, has acquired the assets of Atlantic Steel Processing Ltd, based in Birkenhead, Merseyside.
This strategic move marks a new growth chapter for ASD under the umbrella of Hierros Añon SA, one of the largest mill-independent steel distributors in Europe. With a site at the Port of Liverpool, ASD will enhance its presence in the Northwest of the UK and enable cost-effective distribution to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland markets.
Peter Whiting, CEO of ASD Limited, said: “The acquisition of the assets of Atlantic Steel Processing Ltd marks a significant milestone for ASD. The strategic location within the Port of Liverpool, combined with our enhanced product range and unique processing capabilities, presents exciting new opportunities.
“This expansion strengthens our ability to deliver superior service and meet the evolving needs of our customers more effectively.”
Five care homes sold for £8.8 million
Impact Healthcare REIT has exchanged contracts for the sale of five non-core care homes for £8.8 million, as part of its active portfolio management policy.
Impact has exchanged on the sale of three care homes in East Yorkshire for a total consideration of £4.3 million: Ashgrove Care Home, a 56-bed care home in Cleethorpes; Emmanuel House, a 44-bed care home in Hessle; and Hamshaw Court, a 45-bed care home in Hull.
The purchaser is a local owner and operator of care homes.
In addition, Impact has exchanged and simultaneously completed on the sale of two care homes for a total consideration of £4.5 million: Eryl Fryn Care Home, a 30-bed care home in Llandudno, Wales; and Stansty House Care Home, a 73-bed care home in Wrexham.
Impact acquired the five care homes as part of its IPO seed portfolio in May 2017. The homes have either had a history of relative under-performance, have low EPC scores or are smaller than the ideal size for a care home.
Following the sales, Impact will own 135 properties. The disposal of these five homes will help improve the sustainability performance of the Group’s portfolio either by reducing exposure to homes with an EPC C or D, or disposing of homes that have higher CO2e emissions per m2 than the portfolio average.
