Multi-million redevelopment works progressing well for Sutton on Sea Colonnade
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site.
Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework – the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space.
Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets.
Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation of additional walkways.
Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature.
Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway.
The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council.
The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline.
“Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.”
Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings.
“When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.”
Work starts on site to build two new Lincolnshire primary schools
Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started on sites in Waltham and Scartho, to build two new primary schools that will open in September 2025.
The primary schools, which are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT).
The projects, based on Matthew Telford Park in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, received planning approval at the start of the year.
Hobson & Porter is on-site this week preparing the ground for the initial phase of the works.
Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “We have a long and successful track record in the education sector, across both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, but it’s still always an exciting moment to start work on new-build school projects, which will inevitably become valuable assets within their respective communities.”
Speaking shortly after Hobson & Porter were announced as the winning contractors, Council Leader, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “It’s great to see this project now progressing, with a building contractor appointed and getting on site. Over the coming months we’ll start to see things happening on site and that’s fantastic.
“These two schools will provide some much-needed additional education provision for children in our area.”
The Trust has held events in both villages to showcase its plans for Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy. These events were aimed at parents of children who may wish to attend the schools once they open in September 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said: “We’re pleased to see contractors on site and the project progressing. We’re excited about opening the two academies and look forward to meeting prospective parents and carers at the meetings in Scartho and Waltham.
“They’ll be able to choose either school when the local authority opens its admissions process later this Autumn.”
Stephanie Ledgerwood, from Equans, whose Architectural Team designed both schools and will act as contract administrator throughout the construction, added: “Work starting on site is an exciting step forward for the project and we are looking forward to seeing the designs come to life as works unfold.
“The benefits these schools will have on our community are endless and we are so glad to be a part of it.”
Both schools will have 210-pupil places, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities. The project is being delivered by Equans, working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council. Residents in the surrounding area have been sent a leaflet informing them about the works.
The two academies will open in September 2025, with admission details for parents being released this Autumn.
Free advice session planned for would-be business owners
Opportunity Goole has joined forces with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team to host an informal, drop-in event at Goole Library, offering free guidance and support to anyone thinking of starting their own business.
Entitled ‘Getting Started In Business’ and taking place on Wednesday 2 October, from 5pm to 7pm, the event is aimed at anyone interested in becoming their own boss, whether they’re looking to turn a hobby into a business venture, have been dreaming of starting their own business for some time but don’t know where to begin or have just taken their first steps in business and are looking for more support.
Members of the Opportunity Goole team, which is funded by Goole Town Deal, will be on hand to chat to people about the support they can provide. Meanwhile, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, which is part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will offer guidance on all the things people need to consider before starting a business.
Local business owners who have previously accessed funding and support will also be in attendance to share their own personal stories, including Lexy Kelly, who opened The Lounge Paradise Tearooms and Bar on Paradise Place in Goole almost two years ago.
She said: “A few months before I opened the tea room, I attended a business support event at Goole Library that gave me much more knowledge, helping me with my business plan, budgeting, the legal requirements and employment law.
“It was a lovely welcoming atmosphere and I met some really friendly, helpful people that I’m still in contact with now. It’s great to know that I can access help and information from the Business Support Services team easily, whenever I need it.”
Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This free event is about empowering local people to embark on their journey towards becoming their own boss and I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to go along, even if you only have the seed of an idea at this stage.
“We’re seeing more and more businesses choosing to invest in Goole and there’s a wealth of free support, guidance and grant funding available to help those who do, from the friendly and knowledgeable experts in the Opportunity Goole and Business Support Services teams. Come along and take advantage of the free support on offer; take your first steps towards turning your dream of launching your own business into a reality!”
More than 450 turn out for Chamber Business Expo in Rotherham
More than 450 went to Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Means Business Expo at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham.
The event showcased more than 65 local businesses, with the addition of a second floor of exhibitors representing anchor organisations from across South Yorkshire.
The Expo is said to have been a representation of the growing business landscape of Barnsley and Rotherham. From new innovations and solutions to long-standing local services from trusted businesses, the event provided a great opportunity for businesses across various sectors to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas.
The sold-out exhibition was a testament to growing business community in the region, sponsored by KCM Waste Management Limited, KAT Communications Ltd, and EntrySign, the event continues to fulfil the appetite for business networking opportunities across the region. Through the support of the sponsors and exhibitors, Chamber Means Business has cemented itself as the go-to business expo in the regional business calendar, and their ongoing support reflects their commitment to supporting growth within the local community.
Shane Young, Operations Director of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “Chamber Means Business Expo 2024 was a great reflection of the businesses and connections happening across Barnsley, Rotherham and the wider region through the Chambers membership network. This year we smashed previous records with attracting over 450 in attendance.
“Through the support of our sponsors and exhibitors we achieved record participation, highlighting the growing momentum behind this event since it began in 2012. We are proud to see this expo continue to grow year after year, bringing more and more businesses together.”
Wetherby computer company switches to employee ownership trust
Wetehjrby-based Deans Computer Services is to create an Employee Ownership Trust to protect the future and guarantee collective success for employees and the company.
Founder, Chairman and previous owner Peter Rogerson was keen to ensure a strategy and plan was in place to safeguard the future of the company and its valued employees whilst maintaining its independence.
MD Patrick Clayton said: “The move to employee ownership marks a huge milestone in our company’s journey and reflects our commitment to our employees and the long-term success of our business. By transferring the shareholding, we’ve enabled our team to maintain the high standards our customers expect, while also fostering a commitment to the company’s ongoing success.
“At the heart of this decision is our dedication to protect our employees and commitment to continuously meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. A business structure designed to promote collective responsibility will also benefit our customers. A more collaborative workforce provides a strong focus on delivering quality services, motivating employees to deliver for our customers. Thank you to our advisors, Baxendale Employee Ownership and accountants, Kirk Newsholme, for supporting us in successfully transitioning. This is such an exciting landmark in DCS’s journey, and we are confident it will lead the company from strength to strength.”
Council launches £10m grant programme for new industrial units
North East Lincolnshire Council has launched a £10 million grant programme to help property developers create new industrial units on existing Enterprise zone sites across North East Lincolnshire.
The aim of the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme speculative unit grant programme is to bridge the gap that stops speculative investment in commercial buildings, in particular, industrial units, where the realistic achievable rental value doesn’t balance out the level of investment required to build them.
The grant programme was approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting in May 2024, pending the release of money from government to the Humber Freeport.
The key objectives of Freeports are to stimulate economic activity by establishing hubs for global trade and investment, promote regeneration and job creation, and innovation.
Confirmation has recently been given that the seed capital funding, as part of the Freeport project is being released by government in the coming weeks, which has allowed this grant scheme to be activated.
The SHIIP speculative unit grant will deliver additional industrial floorspace to provide clustering and supply chain opportunities around the ports of Immingham and Grimsby.
Priority will be given in the first instance to developments proposed on existing Enterprise zone sites in Stallingborough, Grimsby and Immingham.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council said: “We know that this is an issue – we have the land to develop on, and we have enquiries coming in all the time to our Investment Team, but we don’t have the empty units available to put forward for consideration. This scheme will help address this, and in the long term, provide more jobs for local people.”
The scheme is open until noon on 13 November, and applications are invited from experienced commercial property developers who own, or have access to via lease or purchase, an Enterprise Zone within North East Lincolnshire. Applications will also be considered on non-Enterprise zones sites if funding allows.
Proposed development must be for the provision of quality industrial/manufacturing space which will then be leased to support local business growth, inward investment, innovation, and job creation. Applicants cannot access funding to construct buildings for their own use.
Food production is off the table in planning consultation, says NFU
With the end of the de facto ban for on-shore wind already ‘in the bag’, the current consultation represents a major overhaul of the planning system with the aim of delivering more housing, infrastructure, and economically important projects.
But it ignores the needs of the farming industry to put food on the nation’s tables, says the NFU. “It is clear to the NFU that agriculture and food production are not a priority for this consultation. There must be a reversal of this position to secure the future of British food security, a sustainably managed countryside, and a farming sector that can adapt to climate change.”
The NFU has written to ensure that agriculture isn’t left behind, negatively impacted, or forgotten by far-reaching planing rule changes that aim to drive economic growth and infrastructure development.
The organisation says proposed changes to how land is made available and the principle of development, have not been offered with a suitable level of protection for agricultural land, especially Best and Most Versatile.
The NFU has also stated how agricultural land in the green belt should be protected, and not included in reforms such as Previously Developed Land and the new grey belt.
“Our response to planning policies relating to climate change and how to boost the rural economy demonstrate a need for more supportive policy on agricultural infrastructure, as well as greater support for rural affordable housing of a rented tenure.
“Finally, we included concern for those that may see their land in high demand from the anticipated new development that will come from the proposals. The NFU has particular concern for tenanted farmers, and those with agricultural operations that abut new developments, all of which could see significant impacts if greater protections are not introduced.”
News skills bootcamps set workers on fast track to jobs
A new wave of Skills Bootcamps is available across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to provide learners with the skills local employers are looking for.
This new wave of Skills Bootcamps is now open and recruiting learners. There are courses available across a wide range of subjects including electrical engineering, business development and food and drink manufacturing. More than 1,000 learners have already completed Skills Bootcamps in Lincolnshire and Rutland and are taking on new responsibilities within their current employment or gaining new jobs. Catherine Allan, Senior Planner at Sofina Foods, recently took part in the Skills Bootcamp for Future Seafood Leaders which was delivered by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing. Catherine said: “I thought it was a great opportunity, as I am still learning and want to improve my communication and leadership skills. Because I work with the stocks, forecast and numbers side of the process, it was great to meet and talk to people face to face who were more hands on, including people who worked in technical and manufacturing roles. “Since completing the Skills Bootcamp I have taken additional steps in my job to lead on more tasks and to build on communications within the team, which has been a positive experience.” Simon Telfer, Chair of the LEP’s Employment and Skills Advisory Panel, said: “Thanks to our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and funding from the Department of Education, we are able to offer a wide range of Skills Bootcamps that will help to fill vacancies and skills gaps in Greater Lincolnshire. “They will also help individuals upskill and take on more responsibility in their current role or gain the skills needed to fast track into a new role.”
Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses for adults lasting at least 60 hours. The courses are designed to help learners fast track to a new job, take on more responsibility in their role or gain new contracts if they are self-employed.
Earlier this year the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership was awarded £3 million by the Department for Education to develop another wave of Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.
To take part in Skills Bootcamps in Greater Lincolnshire, learners must be over the age of 19, living in Greater Lincolnshire and unemployed, self-employed or seeking to switch careers.
Greater Lincolnshire employers are also eligible to send their employees on training for a small cost, if they think it will result in them being promoted or taking on additional responsibilities in the workplace.
Employers can also help develop a Skills Bootcamp focused on the skills needs of their business and recruit local talent by offering interviews to the newly qualified people who have completed one of the courses.
Manufacturing output falls in the three months to September
Manufacturing output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect output to decline again in the three months to December, the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
Both total and export order books deteriorated in September, relative to August, and were reported as well below their long-run averages. Expectations for selling price inflation eased in September, with prices expected to rise at a rate close to the long-run average. Meanwhile, stock adequacy (for finished goods) fell slightly, but remains close to the long-run average.
The survey, based on the responses of 275 manufacturers, found:
- Output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, following a more modest decline in the quarter to August (weighted balance of -20% from -9% in the three months to August). Looking ahead, output is expected to fall in the three months to December (-7%), the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
- Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to September, with the fall driven by the motor vehicles & transport, metal products and paper, printing & media sub-sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in September and deteriorated relative to last month (-35% from -22%). The level of order books remained significantly below the long run average (-13%).
- Export order books were also seen as below “normal” and deteriorated considerably relative to last month (-44% from -22%). This was also far below the long-run average (-18%) and left export order books at their weakest since December 2020.
- Expectations for average selling price inflation softened in September (+8% from +15% in August), with the balance standing close to the long-run average (+7%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as more than “adequate” in September (+11% from +15% in August), broadly similar to the long-run average (+12%).
Construction work begins on first phase of Our Cultural Heart in Huddersfield
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway.
Following the appointment of BAM as the principal contractor for this phase of work, core construction work began in earnest this week. This includes the demolition of some sections of the former Queensgate Market building, as its transformation into a vibrant new food hall and modern library ramps up.
The core Listed sections of the building will be fully refurbished, enhancing the end result and celebrating the venue’s unique heritage and character.
BAM has already completed significant pre-construction site preparation, with work including the ‘soft stripping’ of all non-structural and internal fixtures and fittings, as well as the removal of the former market stalls and asbestos.
To mark this significant project milestone, senior figures from Kirklees Council – including the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Pattison – joined project colleagues from Turner & Townsend and BAM.
This first phase of the masterplan concentrates on the major refurbishment of the Queensgate Market building, converting it into a new food hall and incorporating a new library within the existing east wing of the same building.
Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to a new public square, with the connecting space perfectly suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It’s a proud moment to see the main construction work on Our Cultural Heart get going and comes after extensive planning and consultation efforts over the last few years.
“We have high ambitions for this new era of our town centre. Developments like Our Cultural Heart will bring more visitors to the town and help to drive growth and investment in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough.
“Now that the internal strip out is completed and the real work is underway, the transformation of the site will quickly become visible to all in our town and a source of pride and excitement for what’s to come.”
Paul Cleminson, Pre-Construction Director at BAM, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and we’re delighted to be starting work on site.
“An important driver for BAM is ensuring our projects positively impact the local community and we want to make sure that this project also leaves a lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Kirklees.
“We’re driving investment into the local economy by employing Kirklees-based subcontractors, procuring materials locally, and creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities on the project.
“We’ll also be reaching out to local schools and colleges, to provide learning opportunities on the project.”
Kirklees Council submitted updated plans for the second phase of the Our Cultural Heart development earlier this month, concentrating on a flagship new museum and art gallery in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk.
