Green light granted for Castleford Tigers stadium redevelopment and employment site proposals
Planning applications for a major upgrade to the Wheldon Road stadium and a significant new employment development on the Axiom site, at Junction 32 on the M62, have both been approved by Wakefield Council’s Planning & Highways Committee.
Mark Grattan, Castleford Tigers RLFC Managing Director, said: “Our historic Wheldon Road home has long been in need of significant modernisation. Today’s decision by the planning committee members marks another major hurdle cleared. We are grateful to Wakefield Council’s planning committee members for backing their officer’s recommendation today.
“We are also grateful to Wakefield Council for the £2 million of funding through their Rugby League Resilience Fund, which will be invested in Wheldon Road. In addition, the multimillion pound private sector investment provided by the Axiom proposals will deliver a stepchange for the club, enabling us to secure the long-term future of the club and place us on a more equal footing with other professional rugby league clubs.
“Castleford Tigers supporters have been hugely patient and we sincerely hope that patience will soon be rewarded, when we have high quality facilities to match our rivals.”
A spokesperson for Axiom Yorkshire, owners of the Junction 32 site, said: “Wakefield Council has been rigorous in their approach to these two planning applications, and we are grateful to both the planning committee members and the officers for the decision to approve both proposals.
“As the site is within the Green Belt, the Axiom application will be referred to the National Planning Casework Unit who will advise on whether the decision by Wakefield Council requires further scrutiny before formal planning approval is given.
“We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the thousands of people who supported the Wheldon Road and Axiom proposals. We will provide a further update in due course.”
The circa £200 million Axiom Yorkshire proposals will deliver around 141,000 sq metres of new employment, logistics and manufacturing floorspace, providing around 1,830 permanent full-time jobs in Castleford, with a further 365 ‘spin-off’ jobs created within the Wakefield Council area. During construction approximately 1,500 on and off-site construction jobs per year are likely to be generated at both Wheldon Road and the Axiom employment site.
Once fully operational, this significant job creation at the Axiom site is calculated to generate around £142 million of local economic activity per year. The Axiom site will also provide approximately £3.2 million per year of additional Business Rates when fully occupied.
The Axiom proposals will provide £12.2 million of funding towards major upgrades at Castleford Tigers’ Wheldon Road. A further £2 million is being provided by Wakefield Council’s Rugby League Resilience Fund.
Axiom will also deliver £17 million of highways improvements to the Junction 32 roundabout.
Wheldon Road will benefit from a new all-seater main stand. As well as much improved ‘back of house’ sporting facilities for players and officials, a banqueting suite and corporate hospitality function rooms will provide new opportunities for income generation.
Upgraded facilities at Wheldon Road will deliver major improvements to be enjoyed by all fans, including new catering facilities and toilets. Importantly, improved accessibility and much enhanced viewing areas will transform the matchday experience for fans with disabilities.
New accreditation means Greater Lincolnshire’s tourism sector can step up a gear
Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland have achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership LVEP accreditation which is a major milestone in the evolution of Destination Lincolnshire after a four-year transformation to make sure it was perfectly positioned to support businesses, operators and councils after covid.
Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive at Destination Lincolnshire, said: “The accreditation is testament to the amazing performance of our team, the vision of our Board of Directors and the unwavering support of our partners.
“We’re just at the beginning, but already we can see where the step-change will be. With LVEP status secured, we’ll be invited to take part in national development and marketing activities with VisitEngland, which could unlock funding for marketing campaigns, destination development, data and insights, and business support with training.
“There will also be a regional strategy which will encourage East Midland LVEPs to collaborate with each other.”
Andrew Stokes, Director at VisitEngland, said: “The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England.
“LVEPs are supporting sector growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. Working together, LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors. As Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland his established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support including a dedicated regional lead.”
Spanish nuclear manufacturer joins University’s research centre
Spanish nuclear engineering group ENSA is joining the University of Sheffield’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to develop new capabilities in electron beam welding.
The company manufactures large components for nuclear power plants, including steam generators, reactor pressure vessels and heads and heat exchangers, as well as fuel containers, racks and nozzles.
Thomas Dutilleul, welding engineer at the Nuclear AMRC, said: “We will work together to explore the use of electron beam welding to fabricate such components, and collaborate to assess the maturity of this new technology and understand where it fits and how it differentiates itself from other technologies, to help ENSA decide if it makes sense to adopt electron beam welding and what work is necessary to do so.”
The Nuclear AMRC is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and collaborates with companies of all sizes to help them develop and prove advanced manufacturing techniques.
ENSA has previously collaborated with the Nuclear AMRC on a number of projects, including international R&D projects funded by the European Horizon 2020 programme, in areas such as intelligent robotic systems for automated weld grinding, and addressing the root causes of stress corrosion cracking in reactor components.
Sheffield printer buys its own premises after ten years of renting
Later this year specialist school printer Ecclesall Print will move from its home in Sheffield’s Archer Road into its first commercial property – the former Tiles Direct building on the corner of Alderney Road in the Millhouses area of this city.
Founder and MD of Steve Durbin said: “Following a full refit, we aim to be in the building in March. We have been trading for 10 years; renting our current premises for nearly seven and building up our customer base and production process. We see the purchase of our own, bigger, commercial property as the start of a new, exciting expansion.”
As well as proving printing services for local business, Ecclesall Print also operate nationally through its School Print World brand, which provide personalised Christmas cards and printed products for hundreds of schools throughout the UK.
The company’s School Print World brand sees it recruit up to 10 seasonal workers each year to manage demand in the run up to Christmas.
Steve added: “Christmas is a year-round focus for us as more and more schools look to raise vital funds through selling bespoke Christmas cards. We are busier than ever and our new, larger premises on Alderney Road are instrumental in our growth plans for the future and recruiting more permanent members of staff to the team.”
Acting on behalf of Ecclesall Print, Mason Thomas Law completed the purchase of the building. Steve added: “Buying a commercial property was a completely new experience for us but Mason Thomas Law ensured the progress was smooth and kept us informed throughout. Sheffield has always been at the heart of manufacturing and production and for us to own our own piece of that heritage and secure our place in its future, feels very special.”
Cathy Thomas, director and solicitor of Mason Thomas Law, said: “We were thrilled to work with Steve with the purchase of his new premises. We are always excited to support local business owners to get their feet on the commercial property ladder in Sheffield.”
Dog rescue charity appoints new CEO
North Lincolnshire-based charity Jerry Green Dog Rescue has appointed Christina Marriott as CEO.
Christina’s appointment comes at a significant time for the charity, which operates centres at Broughton, Gilberdyke near Goole, Algakirk near Boston, and Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, says Chairman of Trustees Ian Cawsey.
He said: “The charity world faces many challenges, not least raising enough funds to do important work in difficult times when people are finding it hard to pay their bills.
“Christina’s experience and track record of delivery is impressive, and as we start the 63rd year of Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we look forward to working with her on the next chapter of our development, to build an organisation that can endure for many more years ahead.”
Exclusive Viewing Day: You’re invited to Ashfield Park, Lincolnshire
Tingdene Residential Parks are delighted to extend a special invitation to you for our upcoming viewing day at Ashfield Park, Scunthorpe, a vibrant community exclusively for the over 50s.Join us as we unveil a range of new plots and thoughtfully designed homes, whilst exploring the benefits of park home living firsthand. With brand new 1- and 2-bedroom homes available, starting from £139,500, our viewing day is your chance to explore the new opportunities available at the park and imagine the fulfilling lifestyle that can be achieved by making Ashfield Park your new home.Our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on your journey.We look forward to seeing you.Date: Tuesday 20th FebruaryTime: 10am – 4pmLocation: Burringham Road, Scunthorpe DN17 2AL
Tickets can be booked on Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/february-viewing-day-introducing-ashfield-park-lincolnshire-tickets-810758940817?aff=oddtdtcreatorOr call our team on 01933 837192 to book a place.
York project to boost green construction skills
A new initiative which plans to create new jobs in York, boost green construction skills and in turn help tackle the climate emergency will be discussed at a meeting next week, on 20 February.
City of York Council, with partners on the Retrofit One Stop Shop York (ROSSY) project, has been awarded £3.37 million from Innovate UK to support, promote and encourage retrofitting work to homes across the city, helping residents to save money and to move the city towards net zero, while upskilling the sector with the latest techniques.
The ROSSY project forms a key part of the council’s Construction Skills Initiative (CSI York), alongside two previously-announced UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects which help young people gain experience and skills in the construction sector, and supporting work to improve community venues in the city.
Councillor Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said: “Under our Council plan’s ‘economy and good employment’ priority, we committed to a fair, thriving, green economy for all, and to developing green skills, quality qualifications and employment.
“We pledged to tackle the climate emergency and help people into well-paid ‘green jobs’. This is a significant step in delivering that pledge, and a milestone on the way to the ‘Green Construction Skills Village’ we promised.
“Initiatives such as CSI York are critical to this and have far reaching benefits, tackling a skills gap in the construction sector and upskilling residents so more of them can work in well-paid jobs in the exciting developments being built in the city.
“Retrofitting homes in York means warmer homes and cheaper energy bills with both better for the environment. I want to thank all the partners for their hard work on this so far and I look forward to continuing to work with them to make a real difference.”
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities said: “While retrofitting has many benefits, we are aware of some of the barriers for residents, including the upfront costs, practicalities and lack of clear information.
“A key part of this new initiative would see us work to remove these barriers by offering advice and support and creating a ‘retrofit one stop shop’.
“In the long-term everyone benefits from homes being retrofitted. Better insulation will mean people can live in warmer homes while paying lower energy bills.
“A third of the carbon impact in York comes from our homes and retrofitting will help to reduce that number significantly. With the economic benefits too this means the impact of this work stretches far beyond each individual home.”
At the meeting Executive members will be asked to agree to accept the funding from Innovate UK. The Executive meeting takes place on Tuesday 20 February at 5.30pm.
Long-established Suzuki & Subaru dealer acquired by Leeds group
Colin Appleyard Limited, one of the longest established Suzuki & Subaru dealer groups in the UK, has been acquired by Leeds-headquartered D. M. Keith Motor Group.
Colin Appleyard Limited, which represents Suzuki in Bradford, Keighley, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Huddersfield, alongside Subaru in Keighley and Huddersfield, was initially founded by the late Colin Appleyard in 1971 and run by his son Robin Appleyard since 2010. The acquisition sees D. M. Keith’s first venture with Suzuki, giving it a scaled footprint from day one with the brand.
D. M. Keith has expanded substantially over the last decade, most recently acquiring Ringways Ford and Kia in Leeds back in 2021. It now operates 19 businesses across sites in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Greater Manchester. This acquisition sees the group grow to an anticipated 2024 turnover to be in excess of £300m.
On 14 February, all Colin Appleyard employees and assets were transferred to D. M. Keith Ltd, increasing the total number of D. M. Keith employees by 125.
The deal was brokered by David Kendrick & Ian McMahon of UHY Manchester, funded by Natwest Bank and the legal advice by Gordons LLP, Leeds.
Plans submitted for £3m health, well-being and community centre in Shipley
Plans have been submitted for a multi-million pound project in Shipley with a focus on Health, Well-being and Community.
The £3m investment from the Shipley Towns Fund will transform The Old School building on Farfield Road, owned by mental health charity, The Cellar Trust.
Plans, drawn up by local firm Rance, Booth and Smith Architects, include full refurbishment of the existing building, a new atrium at the front of the building and full landscaping.
The proposals for the grounds include the creation of a well-being garden which will be accessible to the public.
The new facility will continue to be run by well-established founding member charity, The Cellar Trust with input from strategic charity partner HALE, also based in Shipley. Its mission will be to provide health and well-being services by working with a range of services from the voluntary sector, public sector and social enterprise in one inclusive, welcoming and accessible place.
The Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler said: “We have an established track record of successfully delivering specialist mental health support. This building will give us new opportunities to work in partnership with other local organisations, who may not easily have access to such facilities.
“We’ll be making good use of the improved facilities with the access to green space and the opportunity for classes and activities. All with the aim of supporting even more people across Shipley.”
Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people. There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This new community development will be invaluable, delivering improved access to mental and physical health services and will support the well-being of our community.”
Chairman of Shipley Towns Fund Adam Clerkin added: “We are pleased to support this incredible project, which will change people’s lives. It will provide a wide range of integrated support services, delivered by a skilled workforce and a team of volunteers who are trained in engaging, assessing, motivating and giving people the tools to improve their health and well-being. We are delighted to have been able to support it through the towns fund.”
Office and co-working space has been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises. The atrium entrance space and welcome area will include an informal seating area and refreshments.
In addition to the £3m funding to be received through the Towns Fund, an additional £600k funding has been sourced through match funding, by way of building collateral from The Cellar Trust.
Goole invests in scooter fleet to help people get to work and training
Opportunity Goole – one of the eight strategic projects funded by Goole Town Deal – has subsidised the cost of 20 brand new scooters to help the town’s residents access training and job opportunities.
The new scooters will be managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s existing Kickstart vehicle loan scheme, but the Opportunity Goole-funded scooters are exclusively for the use of Goole residents. This latest investment takes the total number of scooters available to Goole residents up to 20, although 11 of these are already in use. Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council’s Kickstart Scheme has been hugely successful and there are now 55 scooters available to residents across the East Riding. Thanks to this investment from Goole Town Deal, 20 of these are exclusively for the use of Goole residents. “We know that demand for these scooters in particularly high in the Goole area, so it’s wonderful to see Opportunity Goole linking up with the Kickstart Scheme to deliver even greater benefits for the town’s residents. I’d encourage anyone who would like to loan a scooter but needs help applying or is struggling to meet the start-up costs to have a chat with the Opportunity Goole team for support and advice.” Phil Jones, Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic that there are now 20 scooters available to help residents of the town access work and training opportunities. As one of the eight strategic projects that the Goole Town Deal Board chose to allocate funding to, the Opportunity Goole team helps local people to gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure employment and ensures that employers can recruit local people with the skill set that they’re looking for. This is another fantastic example of the team – and Goole Town Deal funding – being used to make a tangible difference to local people.” Goole residents who are struggling to access work or training opportunities due to a lack of public transport or difficulties meeting transport costs can contact the Opportunity Goole team for more information or visit the Kickstart page on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website. Eligible applicants are required to pay a monthly charge of £69 to cover rental fees, insurance, tax and servicing, but this is typically much cheaper than the cost of other forms of transport. There’s also a £115 start-up fee, but the Opportunity Goole team may be able to help any applicants struggling to make this initial payment to access grant funding. Pop in to chat with the team at Goole Library or email: opportunitygoole@eastriding.gov.uk