The next step towards the complete transformation of Grimsby Town Centre’s Alexandra Dock area is being taken.
Following approval at a meeting of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet, initial work will begin to look at an overall vision for the waterside land and how it could be redeveloped.
This will focus on the potential to transform brownfield areas in and around Alexandra Dock. This investigative work will run alongside a refresh of the town centre masterplan, and a look at the current infrastructure in the area – including the highways and public transport.
In a report to Cabinet members, it was outlined how funding of up to £500,000 is potentially available from Homes England and MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) over the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26.
If the council was successful in securing some of that funding, it would be used to support the progression of plans. Fuller details would be outlined in future Cabinet papers, adds the report.
It goes on to highlight how this redevelopment, as well as changes that have taken place, or are in progress, are in line with ideas outlined in the Grimsby Town Centre Masterplan. The current plan, which will now be refreshed and updated, was the basis for multi-million pound funding bids to Government, which were successful and have supported the work so far.
This has included the new Garth Lane bridge leading to the redesigned walkways, grass areas and river embankments, the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone, and the plans for 123 new homes on land bought by the council.
There’s also the Freshney Place Leisure, Foodhall and Market scheme, the new-look Riverhead Square, E-Factor’s redevelopment of St James’ House, the work on St James’ Square and visual improvements to Victoria Street.
North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, whose portfolio includes regeneration, said after the meeting: “Giving people reasons to visit, live in and enjoy our town centre means it must diversify and we are making great strides in doing just that.
“We must now continue on this transformation path, and this is the next step that can be taken with the support of partners and those around us.”
Significant investment agreed at first gathering of Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority
Proposals to bring significant investment to Hull and East Yorkshire have been agreed at the opening meeting of the newly formed Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA).
The historic first gathering took place at the ergo business centre in the shadow of the Humber Bridge on Wednesday 5 March.
Among items discussed included the Combined Authority receiving a proportion of the billions of pounds announced to tackle transport infrastructure, including funding for Bus Service Improvement Plans.
£15 million will be made available to support transport, flood and coastal erosion programmes across the area, along with a coastal regeneration programme in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and a brownfield employment programme in Hull, subject to agreement of the relevant business cases.
Further money can also be accessed to support the area’s economic growth priorities for Offshore Wind, and also to address the effects of climate change at the coast.
There is also £1 million earmarked towards the Howden link road scheme to support housing development in the area.
The Combined Authority is comprised of two councillors from both unitary authorities in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, along with no more than four other non-voting members.
Hull City Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Mike Ross, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Jackie Dad.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is represented by its Leader, Councillor Anne Handley, and Deputy Leader, Councillor David Tucker.
The non-voting members are made up of representatives from the Hull and East Yorkshire Business and Skills Boards.
The Combined Authority’s Executive Board also confirmed the appointment of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jonathan Evison as a non-constituent member of the Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority will be led by an elected mayor, to be determined via a Combined Authority Mayoral election to take place on Thursday 1 May.
Councillor Jackie Dad said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in our devolution journey and that we have had a successful first meeting.
“There’s been a lot of hard work to get us this far, but huge investment can now come into our region, allowing us to further tap into the talent and drive that people have here.”
Councillor David Tucker said: “It’s fantastic to reach this historic milestone in the devolution process.
“The Combined Authority will play a crucial role in devolving powers from Westminster and delivering for our residents of Hull and East Riding, and I look forward to working with the Authority to unlock investment and opportunities for our region.”
The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority was created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government.
The deal has unlocked a £400 million investment fund, alongside powers that will move from Westminster to local decision-makers.
The new Combined Authority does not replace either council, with both retaining their independence and continuing their work as normal.
UK economy contracts
The UK’s economy contracted in January.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, is estimated to have fallen by 0.1% month-on-month in January, contrasting expectations of a 0.1% rise and growth of 0.4% in December.
It reflects, across key sectors, monthly services output growing by 0.1% in January, following growth of 0.4% in December, production output falling by 0.9%, following growth of 0.5% in December, and construction output dropping by 0.2%, following a fall of 0.2% in December.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “After a surprisingly strong performance in December, some pay-back was always a possibility in January. But the mixed picture across different sectors in recent months suggests the recovery is still fragile.
“There are signs that the drop in business and consumer economic confidence following the Autumn Budget is bottoming out. But downside growth risks remain from the potential for a softer labour market and an uptick in inflation. And rising global trade tensions could also keep business investment on the sidelines.
“Amid a very fluid international environment, the government’s domestic growth agenda can serve as a North Star. Yesterday’s announcements to reduce regulatory burdens in a variety of sectors were welcome. But businesses are still struggling with high energy costs, increased labour costs and the possibility that the Employment Rights Bill makes hiring riskier and more costly still.
“The government should be looking for every opportunity – not least via the upcoming Spending Review and industrial strategy – to support businesses with measures that give them the confidence to invest, grow and boost productivity.”
Halifax music store expands with start up loan support
Halifax-based music retailer The Jam Shack has grown rapidly after receiving a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, delivered by the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF).
Founded in 2024 by guitarist and sound technician Rik Panesar, The Jam Shack fills a gap left by the closure of the area’s last music shop. The funding helped secure a 400 sq ft unit in Halifax’s Piece Hall, establishing the store as both a retail space and a social hub for musicians.
The shop offers instruments, personalised lessons, live events, and rehearsal space, attracting customers from across Yorkshire. The BEF and British Business Bank highlighted The Jam Shack’s success as an example of how targeted funding can support regional entrepreneurs and creative industries.
SSE advances major battery storage project in North Yorkshire
SSE has reached a key milestone in its South Milford battery storage project, with battery units now delivered to the Monk Fryston site near Tadcaster. Once completed in early 2026, the 320MW/640MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) will be SSE’s largest to date and one of the UK’s biggest operational storage sites.
The project is more than six times the size of SSE Renewables’ 50MW/100MWh battery in Salisbury and more than double the capacity of its 150MW/300MWh sites under construction at Ferrybridge and Fiddler’s Ferry. When fully operational, Monk Fryston will power up to 533,000 homes for two hours during peak demand.
Morrison Energy Services, part of M Group Services’ Energy Division, is overseeing the installation, which includes Sungrow’s battery units. Sungrow is also working with SSE Renewables on the Ferrybridge storage project.
SSE and its partners see the Monk Fryston BESS as a critical step in improving grid flexibility and supporting the UK’s renewable energy transition.
Soanes Poultry invests £850,000 in solar energy for factory
East Yorkshire-based Soanes Poultry has invested £850,000 in a solar energy system to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs.
The company partnered with Boston Renewables to install a 1,648-module field-mounted solar array, which is expected to generate 727,000kWh of electricity annually—enough to power 269 homes. The system is projected to cut CO2 emissions by 156 tonnes in its first year, equivalent to planting nearly 5,900 trees.
Managing Director Ben Lee said the solar panels were designed with an east-west orientation to maximise energy capture during peak factory hours in the morning and late afternoon. The investment aligns with Soanes Poultry’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes biomass energy, wind turbines, and energy-efficient refrigeration.
Soanes Poultry, a family-owned business since 1947, supplies chicken to butchers, independent retailers, and wholesalers across the UK. Boston Renewables specialises in solar PV installations for agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and other industries.
UK government expands defence contracts for SMEs
The UK government has announced new measures to increase small and medium enterprise (SME) involvement in defence contracts, following its commitment to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027. A new hub will be launched to improve SME access to the defence supply chain, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will introduce direct SME spending targets by June.
Currently, nearly 70% of defence spending goes to businesses outside London and the South East, but only 4% reached SMEs in 2023-24. The new hub aims to address this gap by working with suppliers across the UK to increase procurement opportunities for smaller firms, enhance competition, and accelerate innovation.
Defence spending supported over 430,000 UK jobs last year, with government contracts injecting £28.8 billion into UK industry. Regional spending increases included a 30% rise in the East Midlands (£328 million), 20% in Northern Ireland, and nearly 19% in Yorkshire and the Humber. The government says expanding SME participation will drive further economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen the UK’s defence industrial base ahead of the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.
Work begins to transform site of former Chantry House building in Wakefield into affordable homes
Work has begun to transform the site of the former Chantry House building in Wakefield into 50 new affordable homes.
There will be 26 townhouses and 24 apartments built on the site by Caddick Construction and owned and managed by WDH, for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Cllr Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “I am really pleased to see work beginning on this site.
“Good quality housing is the foundation for economic growth and the priority is for Wakefield to have a high-quality housing offer that meets our residents’ needs. “The Chantry House site is part of our plans to deliver more, better and affordable homes in our district. It is so important to us to create and provide places for people to live and be proud to call home. “We want to encourage people to come and live and work in Wakefield. Creating vibrant communities which will provide a real boost to our local businesses and high street. “The Kirkgate area is a key gateway into the city centre, and this is the next vital step in our regeneration plans.” The Council began preparing this site for development in 2020. After demolishing the Chantry House building, temporary greening was added to the area. Planning was granted for 50 new homes to be built, including 24 new apartments and 26 new houses. The Council has also supported WDH by providing a grant to fill the viability gap to build these homes, using Section 106 commuted sums. This is where developers pay a one-off contribution in lieu of onsite provision of affordable housing so it can be built in other areas of the district (subject to any restrictions). Joel Owen, Service Director for Development at WDH, said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Wakefield Council to transform the centre of Wakefield and provide much needed high quality affordable homes. “Investing in our communities is a key priority for WDH and by transforming the former Chantry House site, we’re breathing new life into the city centre creating a new, vibrant community enabling better futures for our customers.” Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction has been appointed as main contractor on the project, with Caddick Civil Engineering also appointed to deliver remediation and groundworks.Building work completes on Keighley College’s new manufacturing and engineering hub
Building work on Keighley College’s new manufacturing and engineering hub has been completed.
The project is part of the wider, £12 million creation of Providence Park, a new industrial site being built on the former Universal Mills plot on the corner of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road.
Providence Park is being part-funded, to the tune of £6.5 million, through the Government’s Keighley Towns Fund – with £3 million of that used to produce Keighley College Engineering Hub.
The hub has been designed to take the training of local apprentices and students to the next level, so it can meet the rapidly evolving skills needs of local employers.
The college will now push ahead with kitting out the building with cutting-edge equipment – including a future technologies lab and engineering workshop – ahead of welcoming the first students in September.
Keighley College Principal Kevin O’Hare said: “This is a major milestone for the college, Providence Park and Keighley – and could be a real game-changer for our district and its economy.
“We are privileged to be based in an industrial heartland that continues to build on its proud history, with many of our employers forging ahead into exciting new areas of manufacturing, engineering and technology, including robotics.
“For those businesses to flourish, though, they need a steady stream of apprentices and students who have industry experience and the up-to-date skills needed to join and strengthen their workforce.
“That’s exactly what the engineering hub has been created to help us deliver – and we’ll be strengthening our already deep bonds with the district’s businesses as we develop our offering there, and work together on apprenticeships along with industry placements for our vocational students.
“We can’t wait to show employers, and our learners, around these cutting-edge new facilities which we are delighted to be opening this year, as the college celebrates its 200th anniversary.”
Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Alongside the new state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering hub, Providence Place is also home to five new buildings housing 23 industrial units. We expect about 100 jobs will be created in total across the whole site.
“Keighley has always had a proud manufacturing and engineering heritage. Its Engineering Hub will enable local people to learn highly-specialised skills and create employment opportunities for the future.”
Keighley Towns Fund Chair, Tim Rogers added: “The creation of the Engineering Hub, in partnership with Keighley College, represents an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town.
“We are proud of what is being achieved at Providence Park, which is a really exciting commercial development for Keighley, and the opportunities it will create for generations to come.”
The hub will be able to train up to 120 students or apprentices, plus staff, at any one time. The building’s lower floor will include a fully kitted-out engineering workshop, complete with lathes and milling machines.
The upper level, meanwhile, will have a future technologies lab fitted out with a laser cutter, printing machines and testing equipment, along with two IT rooms and a teaching space.
Business leaders invited to help shape Greater Lincolnshire’s economic future
Businesses have been invited to play a key role in the future growth of Greater Lincolnshire by becoming part of the Economic Advisory Panel.
The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) has opened applications for membership and a chair of the panel, which will help build a strong and successful future for the area.
This is an opportunity for those who lead or own businesses across the region to provide advice, recommendations and guidance to the GLCCA board and the new mayor.
It is a statutory requirement of the new devolved authority to bring together these key people as part of a formal board, comprising of 10 panel members from the private sector. They will serve a three-year term with one selected as chair.
Shaping and influencing the development of economic strategy and policy within Greater Lincolnshire, membership is also an opportunity to provide a business voice. This will allow a new elected mayor to ensure that future economic plans for the GLCCA are heard in Westminster.
It is hoped the panel will see a range of businesses represented. All of them will be vital to Greater Lincolnshire’s future and align to the GLCCA’s priority growth sectors of agri-tech and food, clean energy, ports & logistics, defence, and advanced manufacturing, along with the core sectors of education, housing and construction, transport and infrastructure, small business, and the visitor economy.
Key priorities of the GLCCA are to turbo charge business growth, improve the adult skills offer across the authority footprint, support the building of good quality homes, and improve infrastructure and public transport.
The investment to support the development of these priorities is now being devolved down from central government with a £720m pot over the next 30 years.
