Largest outside event space in Leeds’ city centre set to launch
Moda Living in collaboration with New Citizens is launching a dedicated new event space in Leeds.
The 103,000 sq ft venue is said to be the largest open-air events space in the city centre and will play host to music, sports, cultural and arts events. It is the first development in the site’s plans to become a vibrant new city centre neighbourhood, part of a wider masterplan that will deliver a new area of Leeds by Caddick Group.
Canvas Yard’s first event will kick off in April, with a line up of events including FAC51 Hacienda Open Air on 30th April and the legendary The Garden Party at the end of May. FAC51 Hacienda Open Air, featuring Roger Sanchez, Dimitri from Paris, Todd Terry, Derrick Carter and Graeme Park, was announced last year.
Moda Living and New Citizens, the team behind the renowned Chow Down and Canal Mills, first joined forces in 2022, following conversations between Leeds City Council and Caddick Group. Working with the council, friends, and partners across the city they transformed the iconic brownfield site into Leeds’ first festival of the season. The Garden Party was a sell out as some of the world’s most renowned DJs, including Denis Sulta Eats Everything, Ewan McVicar, HAAi, Hot Since 82, Jon Hopkins, Maribou State, and TSHA attracted partygoers from all over the UK. This year’s event will be announced as part of a new series of events held at Canvas Yard.
Lydia Eustace, Marketing Director at Moda, said: “Our collaboration with New Citizens on The Garden Party last year was a huge success and one we were keen to develop. The potential at Canvas Yard is enormous, from health and wellbeing, fitness and sports events to music festivals, art exhibitions, and everything in between – we can’t wait for the event programme that will come forward at Canvas Yard. New Citizens share the Moda ethos of well-being and community and so it’s fantastic that we can announce the launch of Canvas Yard in association with them.”
Matt Long, Director at New Citizens, said: “We are delighted to be building on our relationship with Moda Living following the success of our 2022 event. The collaboration and launch of Canvas Yard will fill a gap in the Leeds cultural landscape providing a space for creativity across music, arts, film and TV sectors.”
Based at City One, a development site currently in planning for Caddick Group, Canvas Yard is a short walk from the Leeds train station.
Locals celebrate London win!
One of Lincoln’s best-loved venues has been honoured with national recognition at the ‘Oscars’ of the events and venues industry.
The Blue Room, on Union Road in Lincoln, was presented with the Bronze award for the UK’s Best Unusual Venue at the M&IT Awards in London. To celebrate the achievement, a special Wedding and Events Showcase will be held at The Blue Room on 26th February to give visitors the chance to see what makes the venue so special.
The Blue Room is housed in the 200-year-old, Grade II listed Lawn building, set in lavish grounds and is a unique venue which was originally purpose-built as a Victorian ballroom. It has been lovingly refurbished and boasts amazing period features including an eye-catching stained-glass, arched window for a stunning backdrop to any occasion.
Karis Hildred, Events Manager at The Lawn said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our special and unique venue has received such national recognition. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our special showcase event so they can see what makes our venue and services award-winning.
“We’ll treat our guests to delicious canapes, prosecco and offer advice on planning the perfect wedding or event. They’ll also get to meet some of our trusted experts who arrange every detail for all occasions, including room dressing, lighting, menus and more. I’ll be pleased to arrange personal tours of our building too.
“The Blue Room was up against stiff competition and some of the biggest names in the industry. The team and I are thrilled.
“The Wedding & Event showcase on 26th February is the perfect opportunity to discover more about our range of services and spaces. I’m proud of my team who work tirelessly to ensure that every event and performance we host, from weddings and business functions, to sell-out theatrical shows are uniquely memorable, delivered seamlessly so our guests come back time and again.”
The Blue Room is just one of the spaces at The Lawn building which also offers office space rental, wedding ceremonies, life celebrations and business functions. The Wedding & Event Showcase on 26th February from 10am to 3pm is set to be the perfect opportunity for anyone planning a wedding, event or business function. Places can be booked now by registering here: Wedding & Events Showcase | The Lawn (lawnlincoln.com)
AMRC team up with East Midlands Railway on depot simulation tool
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is working with engineers from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to create a simulation tool that will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its depots.
The project, made possible by the Network Rail Performance Improvement Fund, has seen AMRC engineers work closely with EMR operations staff to record the rules, processes and timings of train movements to develop a representative model of its Nottingham Eastcroft depot.
Eastcroft provides the day-to-day maintenance of the EMR Regional fleet – a very complex operation as the fleet is split into three different types of train, known as Class 156, 158 and 170s.
The tools create a virtual simulation of activities taking place on the shop floor at the depot and gives the user the power to identify capacity constraints, model scenarios and rapidly visualise the impact on performance.
They will enable EMR to plan, stress test and simulate operational scenarios in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional methods – hopefully improving train services for customers.
Richard Gardiner, AMRC senior innovation fellow and sector lead for rail, said the AMRC has relished the opportunity to work with East Midlands Railways (EMR) on a depot modelling project.
“We are collaborating to assess the application of state-of-the-art process flow simulation tools to assist the efficiency and effectiveness of rail depot operations.
“The AMRC is drawing on its manufacturing intelligence team’s significant expertise in modelling and optimising manufacturing production facilities using a range of tools. These tools create a virtual simulation of activities taking place on the shop floor and give the user the power to identify capacity constraints, model scenarios and rapidly visualise the impact on performance.
“The model incorporates the depot and local Nottingham station roads and accommodates a range of units. It provides a virtual representation of activities in a 24-hour period and assists the current ‘beat-rate’ exercise. This model will add a dimension of scenario planning that was previously difficult and time consuming to accomplish.”
Richard added: “Since usability is a key feature of the project, a user-friendly interface is being developed that allows users to adjust variables and model scenarios without detailed process modelling software knowledge. As a net result of all the features and components of the model, depot operations can be made more efficient with an improved unit availability and better service to the public.”
Neil Bamford, fleet director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at ways we can embrace technology to help us run our services more effectively and are delighted to be working with the AMRC on this project.
“We hope this collaboration will result in a more detailed understanding of all the barriers that impact on running depot operations as efficiently as possible.”
Health and social care sector to get free PPE ‘whilst stocks last’
The government has announced its decision to extend the central, free provision of PPE to the health and care sector for protection against COVID-19, by up to one year to March 2024 or until stocks are depleted.
Supporting frontline workers remains a priority for the government. NHS trusts, primary care and adult social care providers will continue to receive PPE free of charge to ensure staff and their patients are protected against COVID-19.
The government acted swiftly at the height of the pandemic to secure PPE to protect frontline staff. Free, centrally procured PPE helps relieve some of the financial burden of PPE procurement done on an individual basis.
DHSC will continue to supply all categories of PPE to health and social care providers according to demand until the end of March 2023, free of charge. More information abut the scheme is available here.
York encourages businesses to visit free mental health and wellbeing event
City of York Council is pleased to invite members of the city’s business community to a free mental health and wellbeing event on Tuesday 31 January, from 4 – 5 pm.
Participants will learn about the free support available to support their workforce or themselves as business owners. The event will be held at the council’s West Offices and will be a hybrid session, meaning attendees will have the option to join virtually using an online link.
Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive show that 822,000 workers in the UK suffered from stress, depression, and anxiety across 2020 and 2021, and the economic pressures of recent years are expected to have taken an additional toll on business owners and their staff. With over 95% of York’s businesses classified as micro or SME firms, where these pressures are likely to be more acutely felt, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the city’s business community is an important part of the council’s economic strategy.
Chaired by the Director of Public Health for York, the event will highlight ways in which businesses in the city can access free support and coaching. Following short talks from Cllr Ashley Mason and Andy Knowles, founder of Assetiam Business Support Services and volunteer at Menfulness, on the importance of mental health and wellbeing, businesses will have the chance to hear from York Mind, the HSE, York St John Communities Centre and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) detailing the support they offer. Participants will then be invited to ask questions as part of a Q&A session with the speakers.
This event forms part of one of eight projects to support inclusive economic growth in the city. Delivering on the commitment to support mental health and wellbeing in the local business community, the council has previously worked with York St John University to produce the ‘Building Business Resilience’ research report in 2021, and regularly promotes free support services through its weekly business bulletin.
Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “Working in the business sector can be emotionally and mentally challenging, and the current economic climate undoubtedly presents additional pressures to many.
“Supporting mental health and wellbeing within the local business community is a key aspect of our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive economy, and this event will highlight the importance of mental health to achieving that aim. We’re delighted to be joined for this event by representatives from the council’s Public Health team, as well as speakers from partner organisations York Mind, Menfulness, York St John University, the FSB and the HSE.
“I would encourage local business representatives to attend the event to hear about the support and resources that are available. We hope it will help business owners to feel more confident supporting their employees and their own mental health as they encounter the challenges of this new year.”
Energy support package leaves UK steelmakers at a financial disadvantage, says trade association
The Government’s Energy Bill Discount Scheme offers less for UK steel producers than for competitor countries, according to Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel.
Although welcoming the scheme for its certainty and stability, Stace points out that there are concerns that the newly-announced support falls short of that of competitor countries, including Germany, since it significantly narrows the help Government will provide, with a maximum discount of £89/MWh, which stops delivering once those prices go beyond a ceiling of £274/MWh.
He said: “The Government is betting on a calm and stable 2023 energy market, in a climate of unstable global markets, with the scheme no longer protecting against extremely volatile prices. The German Government guarantees an electricity price of €130/MWh for the whole of 2023, ensuring German industry can continue to operate competitively within Europe and beyond. In contrast, the reformed EBDS provides a discount for electricity prices above £185/MWh, leaving UK steel producers paying an estimated 63% more for power than German steel producers this year. This situation will maintain a long-standing competitive disadvantage for UK producers, resulting in higher production costs and a reduced ability to compete this year.
“Given the disparity in relief provided in the UK and competitor countries, it is essential that the Government now delivers on its Energy Security Strategy and addresses the outstanding disproportionate costs UK steel producers face in electricity bills, including high renewable levies and network costs. Years of paying more for these elements of electricity costs have placed UK industry at a competitive disadvantage against its European and global competitors.
“Steel demand and prices are falling in the UK and across Europe, while key input costs remain persistently high, leading to reduced production, shrinking market share, and increased imports for the UK. Whilst we are grateful and pleased to see that Government has acted to extend the scheme, there remains a vital gap in that delivery. We urge Government to take the next step and look to match what is provided in Germany for the most energy intensive industries.”
Optimism returns to financial sector, says CBI
Sentiment among financial services recovered to +10% from -55% in the three months to December, despite gloomy expectations for activity in the quarter ahead, according to the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey.
The quarterly survey found that business volumes grew at a solid rate in the quarter to December (+24% from +31% in September). Employment growth recovered to a firm pace (+23% from -8% in September), while profitability was flat (-1% from +24% in September).
Looking ahead to the next three months, FS firms expect business volumes (-28%) and profitability (-26%) to decline. Headcount is anticipated to be unchanged.
The outlook for investment over the next year is mixed. While IT investment is set to grow over the next 12 months (compared to the previous 12), capital expenditures on land & buildings and vehicles, plant & machinery are anticipated to decline.
Uncertainty about demand was the key factor weighing on investment intentions in the year ahead (34% of firms from 17% in September).
Over 2023, the key trends driving disruption for firms are expected to be changes in regulation (85% of firms), high inflation (79%), and accelerations in digital technologies (70%). With the cost-of-living crisis spilling into the new year, the survey found that over two-thirds (70%) of financial service firms have initiatives to support consumer and/or commercial clients with inflation.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said: “It’s good to see optimism return to financial services in Q4. Unfortunately, this may prove to be short-lived as FS firms’ predictions look bleaker going forward, with business volumes and profitability set to fall over the next quarter.
“All eyes are now on the upcoming Spring Budget to see if the Chancellor can build on the stability provided by the Autumn Statement and deliver a concrete plan for growth.
“A fit and firing financial services sector is vital to the UK’s long-term economic success – that’s why we need business and government working together to safeguard the industry’s global competitiveness.”
Cabinet set to approve Compulsory Purchase Order for former Rotherham nightclub
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet is set to approve the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to acquire the burnt-out buildings on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre.
Previously the buildings at 3-7 Corporation Street were used as a nightclub but have remained unused and derelict following fire damage in 2007. Since then, the Council has worked with the landowners to encourage them to redevelop the building and to make the area safe for members of the public.
Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “These burnt-out buildings are situated in a prominent position in Rotherham town centre with the poor appearance of the site detracting from the appearance and vitality of the town, and this is having significant negative impact on the surrounding area.
“Unfortunately, negotiations to acquire the building by agreement with the landowners have been unsuccessful to date, making the Compulsory Purchase Order a necessary alternative to bringing the site to beneficial economic use.
“By looking to enact a Compulsory Purchase Order, we aim to redevelop the site for the benefit of residents and visitors to the town centre as part of our Town Centre Masterplan.”
Planning permission for the demolition of the derelict buildings and the redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed-use residential scheme have already been submitted.
This scheme will contribute to the plans to develop the Cultural Quarter to complement the work taking place to develop Forge Island as well as the nearby Riverside Residential Quarter.
Meanwhile, plans are progressing on the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets with Henry Boot recently appointed as contractor for the project.
Extensive public consultation took place on the development of the Town Centre Masterplan, highlighting key sites in the town centre such as the buildings on Corporation Street, including workshops and briefing sessions for residents and business owners.
New head of housing maintenance and energy solutions appointed to York property company
York-based Urban has recruited a new head of its maintenance and energy services division which delivers maintenance, retro-fit and remedial solutions for social housing providers around the UK.
Ben Jenkinson has joined the team with 25 years’ experience operating at director level in housing, construction and maintenance services for several Tier 1 main contractors.
He will run the maintenance and energy division at Urban, as well as working with a strong team of direct staff, engineers and supply-chain partners to ensure the highest levels of quality and service are delivered. Managing client’s needs from pre-commencement to hand over, he and the team will deliver maintenance, retro-fit and remedial solutions to a strong existing and growing client base.
Ben Jenkinson, Urban Group’s head of maintenance & energy services, said: “I have worked with some of the largest social housing providers in the UK and look forward to working with a great team at Urban to future-proof housing stocks.
“As well as new build, we offer a seamless retrofit service from assessment to design, installation and after care. From domestic energy generation solutions to the next generation of energy saving devices and products, we also deliver remedial work to solve issues such as damp mitigation, insulation and glazing, something which is very much front of mind at the moment.”
All UK social housing providers are currently under pressure to tackle immediate and urgent damp proofing issues across the country’s ageing housing stock following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale. The case, which made national headlines, saw the inquest coroner rule that mould left untreated for months in his parent’s social housing flat was a direct contributor to his death.
Reviewing and retro fitting social housing stock with the next generation of energy saving devices and products is also priority for UK providers following the Government’s announcement that, as from 2030, all social housing needs to attract a “Band C” or above EPC* Rating for energy efficiency. With 4.4 million social homes across the country this is a huge undertaking for providers if they are to meet the end-of-decade deadline.
Brendon Hutchinson, group Managing Director at Urban, added: “We are delighted to have secured such a high calibre new recruit to the Urban Group. Ben has a raft of experience at a senior level within the housing sector.
“Commercially minded, he will be an asset to the team which will continue to deliver effective maintenance and retrofit measures for Housing Association and local authority clients.
“He will also help to grow our newly launched zero carbon division, providing a seamless retrofit service across the social housing sector, which will complement the other Group Divisions who also have a focus on this sector. From inception to completion, Ben’s knowledge, supported by our fully-accredited supply chain, will ensure we continue to provide cost-efficient, innovative solutions to boost housing Energy Performance Certification bands.”
York property company buys Harrogate town centre building
York-based property company Grantside has purchased a prime building in Harrogate town centre which includes retail units and a development opportunity to transform the upper floors into apartments.
The 10,000 sq ft Cambridge Street building is in the heart of Harrogate’s thriving town centre and is very close to the railway station.
Current occupiers of the ground floor shop space include Card Factory, jewellers Fogal and Barnes, and Phone Patch, with one unit currently vacant.
Planning permission has been granted to convert the upper floors into five new apartments.
Steve Davis, CEO of Grantside, said: “This is a great opportunity and a brilliant location – in the heart of Harrogate town centre. Our vision for the building is to bring it back into full use through the conversion of the upper floors into apartments, which will be used as holiday accommodation and help the town’s economy.”
On behalf of Grantside, Knights plc acted as legal advisers and BHT was the property agent on the purchase.
