Community Infrastructure Levy proposed for York developments

Tess Egginton
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Community Infrastructure Levy proposed for York developments
Proposals have been shared by City of York Council for a draft Community Infrastructure Levy (the ‘Levy’ or CIL), which will result in significant investment in local community developments.
The Levy is a charge which can be raised by local authorities on new developments in their area and is an important tool enabling councils to support key infrastructure delivery in local communities. The introduction of the CIL would allow the council greater flexibility than existing (S106) agreements to choose the infrastructure that is to be funded to deliver the Local Plan. CIL also provides developers with greater certainty, as it is non-negotiable so development costs can be more readily calculated than previously, as S106 agreements are open to negotiation. Following work to understand the viability of potential charges, the council is proposing charges which support delivery and mitigate impacts of new developments set out in the emerging Local Plan. This will be subject to consultation and independent examination. Once the CIL charging schedule takes effect, schemes which the money can be spent on includes:
  • transport infrastructure
  • flood defences
  • schools
  • hospitals
  • other health and social care facilities
  • open spaces
  • cultural and sports facilities
  • district heating schemes
  • other community safety facilities
Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for finance and major projects, said: “With the Local Plan now entering its final stage, it’s crucial we create the right approach to delivering the homes and business space set out in the plan. The Community Infrastructure Levy will enable us to deliver the right infrastructure for the local community alongside the new homes that York needs to support our city growing in a sustainable way.” If approved by Executive on 26 January, the CIL schedule will be consulted on in the coming weeks. Following a successful examination, the charging schedule would be brought back to Executive to request approval to adopt.

£10.2m awarded to Barnsley in Levelling Up Fund

Tess Egginton
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£10.2m awarded to Barnsley in Levelling Up Fund
£10.2m has been awarded to Barnsley following a successful bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund. The Barnsley Futures bid has been awarded £10.2m to help transform young people’s cultural and well-being facilities in the newly redeveloped town centre. The investment will include the creation of an activity park next to the town centre’s forthcoming Youth Zone, including a skate park, bike track, new active routes and play spaces. This project will be co-designed and delivered with young people. Working with key partners YMCA Barnsley and ChilyPep, the council will also redevelop the complementary Young People’s Wellbeing Hub ‘H.O.M.E.’ based at YMCA to provide fit-for-purpose places for services focused on emotional well-being and resilience including a broad range of mental health and well-being activity. The bid also includes the creation of a new Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence (NAVE) to deliver outstanding singing tuition to young people. This will also serve as a permanent home to the world-renowned Barnsley Youth Choir. The choir is ranked 5th in the Interkultur World Rankings (the highest ranked choir from Great Britain) and has won eight first prizes in some of the most important international competitions in the world. The NAVE will bring back into use a prominent building, the council’s former Computer Centre building on the corner of St Mary’s Place and Westgate behind the Town Hall. Built in 1879, it was previously the courthouse for the town until the new court was built in 1970. There will also be a contribution to the major project to refurbish The Civic cultural centre to secure its future and extend its reach. This will bring into use parts of the building not used for many years so it can work with and attract new audiences, particularly young people under 30, and develop their skills and talents. Leader of Barnsley Council, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, said: “We truly believe it’s time to believe in the possibilities of Barnsley, to look to the future with excitement and optimism, so we’re very pleased that the government has listened to our call for Levelling Up investment in Barnsley. “We’re already incredibly proud of our fantastic town centre, and this investment gives us a brilliant opportunity to offer even more opportunities and reasons to visit, particularly for our young people. “We’re using this funding to improve the educational, well-being and health outcomes of Barnsley’s young people, and to improve cultural engagement for everyone through making further improvements to The Civic. That’s because Barnsley’s a place that fosters and grows ambition, enabling everyone to be the best they can be. “We’re of course disappointed that our £16m bid to further develop Elsecar Heritage Centre into a national tourist destination was unsuccessful on this occasion. However, we remain committed to our vision for Elsecar, and we look forward to working with government and other agencies on how we can secure funding to make it a reality. We will be inviting the Secretary of State Michael Gove to meet with ourselves and South Yorkshire Mayor at Elsecar.”

“Councils and government must now show ambition in order to move Lagoon Hull project forward”

Tess Egginton
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“Councils and government must now show ambition in order to move Lagoon Hull project forward”
The time has come for the Humber’s local authorities and national government to make good on their promise to deliver a brighter future for the region, according to the man behind Hull’s biggest regeneration project in a generation. Tim Rix CBE, chair of Lagoon Hull, has today announced that the region’s private sector has progressed the proposed Lagoon Hull scheme as far as it can, without further ambition and official commitment from local councils, government agencies and central government. The transformative scheme is a major levelling-up project, allowing the region to adapt for a changing world and thrive long into the next century by unlocking untapped economic growth potential, creating opportunities for all and protecting the region from emerging challenges including rising sea levels. Among the wide-ranging benefits of the project could be a significant economic boost of an estimated £1bn GVA per year being added into the regional economy. This would be done by creating more than 19,000 new jobs and unlocking new dock space at the Port of Hull, as well as unloved waterside land for redevelopment, including at St Andrew’s Quay, to develop new homes and leisure space. Practical benefits include an A63 relief road in the Humber to alleviate congestion and improve air quality, along with 100 per cent tidal flood protection between the Humber Bridge and the Port of Hull to give Hull long-term security from the water without the need to build flood defence walls ever higher. Tim Rix said: “The backers and promoters of Lagoon Hull are proud of putting together such an ambitious project which would truly transform this area but it’s clear that it’s now time for those in local and national government to take it forward. “It completely delivers on flooding, transport, placemaking and port infrastructure. We believe it’s financially viable and practically possible – all backed by independent modelling and financial appraisals.” Paul Hatley, Lagoon Hull project director, said: “We have utilised our available funds not just to absolutely prove that this project be achieved but also to showcase, perfectly and inspirationally, the massive financial benefits the project could bring to this area. “I would like to thank all members of the public who have supported the scheme over the last few years and earnestly hope that they will continue to press the authorities to make the vision of Lagoon Hull a reality.” The private sector has already raised over £600,000 to get the project to this stage, showing belief among local businesspeople in its long-term ambitions for Hull. Thousands of members of the public have also signed the Lagoon Hull wave of support, pledging their backing for an ambitious future for their city, while notable supporters to have publicly backed the plans include Dame Diana Johnson MP, Karl Turner MP, Emma Hardy MP and Lord Prescott. It is now hoped the authorities will consider this support and make the aspiring vision for the region, and its people, a reality.

CGR establishes UK base with acquisition of Skipton spring manufacturer

Tess Egginton
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CGR establishes UK base with acquisition of Skipton spring manufacturer
CGR, co-designer and manufacturer of mechanic and mechatronic components in Europe, America and Asia, has acquired John Binns Springs, a specialist manufacturer of wire springs based in Skipton. With over 125 years’ experience and market-leading expertise using the most advanced technologies, John Binns Springs supports its customers in the design and manufacture of springs and wire-formed parts. John Binns Springs has a wealth of experience in offering innovative solutions to the most complex issues in all industrial sectors, including medical, nuclear, retail and automotive. The management team of John Binns Springs will remain in place, adding its expertise and industry knowledge to the family owned CGR group, contributing further to its international development. Alex Driver, director of John Binns Springs, said: “For John Binns, CGR is a remarkable growth opportunity, opening up new technologies and new fields of activity. This will allow us to increase further our technical expertise, particularly with the support of the CGR R&D laboratory.” Joseph Varoqui, president of CGR, said: “The acquisition of JB Springs is part of the vision for local production within an international scope. This is fundamental to satisfying clients’ needs.” Alexis Martel, CEO of CGR, said: “Both companies share the same values, we provide a healthy, motivating and empowering work environment for our people. By developing its global growth, CGR develops quality jobs all over the world.”

Women in Business Hull appoints new chair

Tess Egginton
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Women in Business Hull appoints new chair
Women in Business has appointed Karen Newton as its new chair. Karen is the former operations director for Spire Healthcare and now supports small businesses in regulatory compliance and margin management. A long-standing member of the networking organisation, she says she is proud to take on the role at this pivotal time. “The last few years have been challenging for Women in Business. During the pandemic, we shifted our systems, processes and events online so that we could continue our support for our members. Then thankfully, last year, we were able to restart in-person events and committee meetings – and it has had a really positive effect on our membership numbers.” Women in Business, which supports and encourages inspiring decision-making women in Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, now has almost 100 members – a number that is increasing all the time. Karen continued: “Change was needed but along with change always comes a degree of turbulence. 2023 is a year to reap the benefits of change and to concentrate on providing great training and wellbeing events as well as providing an opportunity for informal networking – and just having fun! “I am looking forward to my year as chair of this incredible organisation and I am proud to be supported by an amazing committee and our members who I am looking forward to seeing throughout the year.” Women in Business is a not-for-profit organisation that offers a blend of professionalism and sociability, providing support, friendship and networking to its members.

South Yorkshire LEP names Richard Stubbs as new Chair

Stuart Pearcey
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South Yorkshire LEP names Richard Stubbs as new Chair
Richard Stubbs is to be the new Chairman of South Yorkshire LEP, taking over from Lucy Nickson, who has Interim Chair since January last year. Richard Stubbs is CEO of the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN (Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network), an organisation that supports the NHS to develop and adopt innovation that improves patient care.  He grew up and still lives in South Yorkshire and holds a number of local roles that allow him to contribute to the region’s economic success including chairing the Strategic Advisory Board for the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, being a Director of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, and as a Board Trustee of Maltby Learning Trust, a muti-academy trust in Rotherham and Doncaster.  In 2021 he was named as Business Leader of the Year in the Yorkshire Post’s prestigious Excellence in Business Awards. He said: “It’s a great honour to be appointed as Chair of South Yorkshire LEP.  I am looking forward to continuing the work we’ve already been doing to make a positive impact in the local economy and community.  At this time of many economic challenges, the LEP has an important role in supporting our businesses and people and I’m committed to looking at innovative ways in which we can work even more closely with partners to transform our region for the benefit of all.” South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Richard is a highly valued member of the LEP board and we are delighted to see him taking up the position as Chair.  I’d like to thank Lucy Nickson for being an excellent Interim Chair and, prior to that, Vice Chair of the LEP, during what was a challenging time for businesses. Richard has been an active LEP board member for many years and brings with him a huge amount of passion for helping us boost economic growth in the region. We look forward to him taking up his new role.” The LEP is responsible for representing private-sector businesses and setting the strategic direction for economic growth in South Yorkshire.

Lakeside Village sales jump 11% in 2022

Stuart Pearcey
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Lakeside Village sales jump 11% in 2022
Sales at retailers in Doncaster’s Lakeside Village during 2022 were up 11% like-for-like compared to 2019, the last full comparable year due to the pandemic, and up six per cent like for like on 2021. The Centre was also fully let by the end of the year with the recent additions of Benson’s Outlet, Charnwood Entertainments, and Calendar Club, which occupied the last three empty units. The run-up to Christmas also proved to be a great hit, with Santa’s Grotto visited by over 1,000 children which helped the centre raise £4,300 for charity of the year Doncaster Mind. A two-day festive Artisan Fayre saw more than 60 stalls attend and customers galore, who enjoyed the fair as well as a host of other events and entertainment which were held every weekend in December. Di Mellis, Centre Manager at Lakeside Village, said: “Lakeside Village enjoyed one of our best years to date in 2022 with sales, average spend and the total number of transactions across all our stores all up on recent years which is great to see. “But not only that we are creating a strong sense of community and inclusivity here at the centre that is really appreciated by our loyal customers both young and old. From the children’s play areas and high-quality accessible facilities to the work we do supporting local charities and initiatives to the expansion of our green recycling hub and hosting all the fairs, events and activities throughout the year, there is a buzz about the place. “It is also important to recognise the major role we play in the local economy employing more than 500 people at the centre. All our stores and staff play such as huge part in what we have achieved and we all so excited to build on this in 2023 and go from strength-to-strength.”

Arco commits to armed forces support and secures bronze award

Stuart Pearcey
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Arco commits to armed forces support and secures bronze award
Safety equipment supplier Arco has signed up to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and secured a bronze award – the first step in the fifth-generation family business’ ambition of becoming a gold award employer. The bronze awards given because Arco formally pledged its support for the armed forces by becoming a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and agreeing to support existing or prospective employees who are members of the community. Joining the ERS demonstrates Arco’s commitment to being armed forces-friendly and being open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners. Penny Meddes, Chief People Officer at Arco, said: “As a family-run business with a core purpose of keeping people safe at work, Arco is delighted to strengthen its relationship with the armed forces community and promote the business as a great place to work to those who have served or are serving our country. “This award is just the start of our relationship with the ERS and forms part of a wider strategy to promote the variety of career opportunities available at Arco to as wide a pool of talent as possible.” Ex-serviceman Stephen Miller, now Chief Information Officer at Arco, said: “As experts in safety, we recognise and honour the role played by all who have and are serving in the military and who risk their lives to keep us safe and we are proud to work closely with several organisations within the defence sector. The Armed Forces Covenant is our commitment to them and our ERS accreditation is a real and practical way for us to provide opportunities for ex-service personnel from all branches as they transition to civilian life which recognises the many skills and talents they have to offer.” The ERS encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The ERS is designed primarily to recognise private sector support although public sector organisations, such as the emergency services, local authorities, NHS trusts and executive agencies are also eligible to be recognised.

Ilkley-based ISP acquires Essex firm

Tess Egginton
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Ilkley-based ISP acquires Essex firm
Ilkley-based Talk Straight Limited, trading as Schools Broadband, have acquired Essex ISP, United Network Technologies. Talk Straight is one of the largest education focused ISPs in the UK, and is now able to add this acquisition to its double-digit organic growth during the last four years. CEO of The Talk Straight Group said: “United Network Technologies has an excellent track record of delivering quality ISP and security services to over 100 schools around the UK. The addition of their staff, additional product portfolio and customers are an excellent fit for Talk Straight and our national Schools Broadband brand.” Managing Director of United Network Technologies Limited, Tom Lee added: “We are very pleased to have finally become part of the Talk Straight Group, one of the largest privately owned ISP’s in the United Kingdom. “This acquisition allows United Network Technologies the flexibility to offer schools, particularly those located in the south of England, a far more comprehensive range of broadband and cyber security service in order to fully protect both teachers and pupils alike.”

Work on 132,750 sq ft Doncaster logistics facility starts

Tess Egginton
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Work on 132,750 sq ft Doncaster logistics facility starts
Tritax Symmetry have commenced work on a 132,750 sq ft logistics facility at Symmetry Park Doncaster. GMI Construction Group PLC (GMI) has been appointed to deliver the unit, which will be built on a speculative basis to net zero carbon in construction. This is the third building to be constructed on the site; the first unit (151,000 sq ft) is occupied by Dogmates Ltd, trading as Butternut Box on a 15-year lease whilst the second unit (430,000) is being built by GMI and has been pre-let to B&Q, which is due to PC imminently. An additional 1.26-acre plot is available for development. Located at Junction 34 of the A1 (M) on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, Symmetry Park, Doncaster is a 54-acre site, located adjacent to J34 A1(M) and Blyth Services. Scott Meakin, development surveyor at Tritax Symmetry, said: “Symmetry Park Doncaster has become a prime logistics location with successful companies such as Butternut Box and B&Q choosing to be based here. The highly sustainable facility we are developing will undoubtedly attract a sophisticated business looking for a build which supports its ESG and operational objectives.” Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction Group’s divisional managing director Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Tritax Symmetry to deliver a facility that will contribute to the levelling up of the region by providing much-needed logistics space that encourages investment and job creation. “This project reflects GMI’s growing position in the construction of manufacturing and logistics facilities not only in Yorkshire, but the other areas in which we operate – in the North West, North East and the Midlands.” Rob Whatmuff, head of Colliers Leeds, said: ”Tritax Symmetry’s decision to speculatively build out the net zero carbon in construction 132,750 sq ft unit comes at a time when Grade A standing stock in the region is at record low levels and we are already fielding strong enquiries regarding the unit which will PC in Q3 2023.” The Leeds offices of Savills, Dove Haigh Phillips and Colliers International are representing the development.
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