City of York Council is sharing revised ideas for new public space in one of York’s most historic and important areas – and wants to hear from residents and businesses.
Updated concept designs from landscape architects BDP imagine how the Castle and Eye of York area could meet residents’ ambitions for the public space to replace Castle Car Park, as well as how it can become greener and more accessible.
In November 2023, the council’s Executive asked for the scheme to be reviewed to deliver flexible green space with children’s play provision, retain blue badge parking numbers, and reduce capital and management costs.
The ideas residents and businesses will be asked to feedback on include more planting and green spaces, improved pedestrian facilities, options for retained blue badge parking, and connections to the river with a riverside path and boardwalk to the rear of the Castle Museum which would link to the proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Foss.
Image credit: City of York Council
An engagement period will run until 20 September 2024.
Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said: “The Castle Gateway plans have been shaped by a real desire to improve this important part of the city.
“Over recent years the council has been listening to a range of ideas which have shaped an open brief and masterplan for the area to create a place where all our residents want to spend time and enjoy.
“We want to get on with delivering these improvements. The key changes that we are asking for views on respond to our core commitments as a council to equalities and climate as well as the recently approved ‘Our City Centre’ vision’.
“Also, following unsuccessful levelling up funding bids in previous years, we need to adapt the scheme to make it affordable and deliverable for the city, all while achieving the improvements to the area that people are demanding of us.
“Your thoughts and feedback are vital in helping shape the scheme design before a revised planning application is submitted, so please take a look at the updated concept designs and have your say.”
The scheme will now be brought forward in phases due to the funding available, focusing on the Castle Car Park and the boardwalk in the first phase. However, the original planning application, which was submitted in February 2022, will be revised so that a comprehensive scheme is developed for the whole area, which can then be implemented when funding becomes available.
The feedback gathered will allow detailed proposals to be developed, with a revised planning application expected to be submitted in early 2025.
York-basedAbingdon Health, a lateral flow contract research (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has completed the acquisition of the CS Lifesciences group (Compliance Solutions).
The business announced the £3.2 million deal earlier this year, as well as a placing to raise £5.2 million.
Compliance Solutions is a consultancy business which specialises in meeting compliance (Quality/ Regulatory/ Clinical) requirements in international In Vitro Diagnostic and medical device markets.
The news follows Abingdon Health’s acquisition of IVDeology.
Chris Yates, CEO, Abingdon Health, said: “We are delighted to welcome Edwin Lindsay and all the Compliance Solutions team to the Abingdon Health group.
“The acquisition of Compliance Solutions deepens and broadens Abingdon’s regulatory service offering allowing us to fully support our customers in bringing their products from idea to commercial success.”
Edwin Lindsay, Managing Director of Compliance Solutions, said: “We are delighted to join the Abingdon group and we look forward to working with the Abingdon team to support our growing customer base across the In Vitro Diagnostic and Medical Device Market.
“The regulatory landscape is going through a period of significant change and the enlarged group is well placed to support customers in navigating this complexity to achieve and maintain successful product registrations.”
Acting on behalf of parcel distribution business, EVRi, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has acquired two new sites to support the ongoing expansion of the firm’s logistics network.
EVRi has taken a 10-year lease on 132,977 sq ft at Newhall 130 in Sheffield. The scheme is strategically situated near Junction 34 of the M1 Motorway and on the fringes of Sheffield City Centre, and was recently developed speculatively by Newsholme Developments, on behalf of Urban Logistics REIT.
EVRi has also taken a further 113,573 sq ft of space on a 10-year lease at Central Approach, Avonmouth. This self-contained unit was speculatively built by Trebor Developments and sits within a well-established distribution park.
James Polson, head of industrial & logistics at LSH, said: “These two sites are strategic acquisitions which further strengthen EVRi’s logistics network and capabilities.
“Sourcing these deals was a collective effort across LSH’s national office network and our expanded regional knowledge has delivered the optimal outcome for our client.”
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has advised the shareholders of HS Butyl Ltd, the manufacturer and distributor of butyl tapes, on their disposal to NYSE-listed H.B. Fuller, the pureplay adhesives company.
Family owned and founded since 1964, HS Butyl has been designing, engineering and manufacturing butyl tapes for a variety of applications within the construction, infrastructure, automotive and renewable energy industries. It has become a globally recognised business, exporting to more than 50 countries from its site in Hampshire.
The transaction will assist the $3bn-turnover H. B. Fuller accelerate its expansion into the $15bn global waterproofing tape market, which includes butyl tape technologies.
HS Butyl had been owned by East Yorkshire-based Hodgson Sealants Group since 2007, growing its annual sales to £18m.
The group will continue to focus on the Hodgson Sealants business.
A team of Yorkshire advisers assisted the shareholders of HS Butyl, including Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP (Matthew Smith and Nicole Waldron), Park Place (Richard Firth and Hector Simpson), and Brown Butler (James White and Craig Hughes).
Philip Ashworth, corporate partner of Andrew Jackson, said: “Having acted for the Hodgson family since the 1980s including the acquisition of HS Butyl in 2007, it is a delight that Matthew, Nicole and team, together with colleagues at Park Place and Brown Butler, have assisted on the family’s exit from the business after 17 years.”
Amazon has launched a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre at Gateway45, Leeds.
The Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre will employ more than 2,000 people by November this year.
This latest generation fulfilment centre utilises advanced technology across three floors of Amazon Robotics to stow, pick and ship customer orders.
The building is located in close proximity to an Amazon delivery station and an Amazon Robotics sortation centre, and less than ten miles from the Wakefield fulfilment centre which started operations in October 2022.
James Mason, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: “This further, significant investment from Amazon is a confirmation of our strategic location for the logistics industry as a whole, and a ringing endorsement for the strength and skillset of the workforce in our region.
“We at the Chamber welcome the job creation, a significant boost for the region’s economy.”
Richard Thompson, Amazon’s Regional Director, said: “West Yorkshire is an important region for Amazon, with more than 3,800 small- and medium-sized enterprise selling partners, and I am delighted to confirm our ongoing commitment with this £500 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Leeds.
“This new site will create more than 2,000 new jobs, taking our total workforce in the region to more than 4,000 full and part-time roles, and our investment in the region to more than £1.5 billion since 2010.
“Amazon continues to invest in our buildings and innovative technology to provide our people with some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, ensuring their wellbeing while delivering for our customers.”
Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Amazon’s multi-million pound investment in Leeds is a fantastic vote of confidence in our region and supports our ambition to drive economic growth.
“I’m delighted that thousands more new jobs will be created for people throughout our communities, as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Landowning partnership Howard Farms has completed the sale of the first two phases of Mulberry Logistics Park in South Yorkshire.
With the site located on the border of Doncaster and the Bassetlaw district, Mulberry Logistics Park gives businesses direct access to the trunk road network leading to Doncaster, Sheffield and Nottingham.
Founded in 1888, Howard Farms is a Nottinghamshire-based rural family business, providing food and renewable energy across its various sites. The sale of the first two phases of the site to Mulberry Commercial Developments marks the multi-disciplinary developer’s expansion in South Yorkshire.
Law firm Browne Jacobson advised Howard Farms on the initial conditional option agreements and sale of the first two phases of Mulberry Logistics Park’s developments – beginning in January 2021 and finalising in July 2024.
The Browne Jacobson team comprised of real estate partner Robert Wofinden and associate Sam Trevorrow.
East Midlands-based land development consultancy Mather Jamie acted as the appointed land agent for the sale. Both Browne Jacobson and Mather Jamie will continue to support Howard Farms throughout the third and final remaining phase of development.
Robert Wofinden, partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “This has been a fantastic piece of work for the firm, and we’re pleased to have supported a farming partnership like Howard Farms which makes a truly positive impact with their work in the food production and green energy sectors.”
Andy Howard, company owner of Howard and Co. Farming Ltd., said: “We’d like to express our thanks to Rob and Sam from Browne Jacobson for their support and Gary Owens from Mather Jamie – this has been a landmark transaction for us, and they’ve worked hard to ensure a smooth and efficient process over the last few years.”
Market leaders in the manufacture of gaskets since 1989, Hull-based Direct Gaskets celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024. The business is headed by a mother and daughter team, with the factory manager and production team also family.
“Having been established for 35 years, we play an important role in Hull’s manufacturing sector,” a spokesperson for Direct Gaskets shared. “Whilst doing this we have also built up a strong reputation for supplying high quality products at very competitive prices and an unbeatable service. No matter if your gasket needs are a one off, or on-going – we can help.”
Direct Gaskets’ highly trained workforce has the experience to always manufacture high quality gaskets and joints in semi and non-metallic materials. The business also offers an outstanding turn-around time as well as call-out service, no matter the quantity of the order.
All of Direct Gaskets’ materials are sold in sheet form, or they can make bespoke gaskets cut from any desired material to your specifications.
Direct Gaskets make standard tables such as ASA 150, British Standard Table ‘E’ and PN6/10/16/25 & 40, ranging from 1⁄2” to 32” for use within all types of pipe works which can be made from various materials to seal all types of liquids, gasses and chemicals.
For more information on Direct Gaskets as it marks 35 years, visit https://direct-gaskets.co.uk/, email info@direct-gaskets.co.uk, or call 01482 219 655
The UK economy stood stagnant in June, following a return to growth in May, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
In line with expectations, GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, showed no growth month-on-month in June, following 0.4% growth in May, with quarterly growth of 0.6%.
The monthly result reflects a fall in services output, offset by growth in both production and construction.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said:“After a strong performance in May, a slowdown in GDP growth was always on the cards for June. But a second successive quarter of above-trend growth suggests the UK economy has finally shaken off its slumber of recent years.
“We think the quarterly data probably overstates the underlying momentum in the economy, with recent CBI surveys of activity remaining fairly subdued. But firms nonetheless appear confident that the recovery will continue.
“After a challenging, few years, and ahead of the Autumn budget, the focus is shifting to the steps needed to raise the UK’s growth rate over the long-term. This could include the reforms set out in our recent business tax roadmap, which can incentivise private investment and together with a Net Zero Investment plan boost green growth, one of the fastest growing sectors in the country.”
Plans for a new residential development to the south west of Harrogate are set to move forward after they won the support of North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee.
Developer Banks Property has been progressing plans for the new Castle Hill West housing scheme on a 12.7 hectare site on Whinney Lane in Pannal Ash, which would include 224 new homes as well as a new primary school.
The proposals for the site, which was allocated for residential development in the Harrogate Local Plan, were recommended for approval from North Yorkshire Council’s expert planning officers.
And now, the members of the Council’s strategic planning committee have been unanimously minded to follow that recommendation.
Castle Hill West will include a 40 per cent allocation of affordable housing and is located directly opposite the Castle Hill Farm residential development, for which Banks Property received planning permission in 2018 and which was subsequently built out by a regional housebuilder.
The development will also make substantial contributions to the expansion and improvement of local secondary education, healthcare and sports facilities, as well as transport infrastructure.
Gillian Reed, senior development manager at the Banks Group, says: “Having had a recommendation for approval from North Yorkshire Council’s expert planning officers for a site that is allocated for residential development in the Harrogate Local Plan, we are very pleased that the members of the Council’s strategic planning committee have unanimously supported that recommendation.
“We worked with local community groups for a number of years, we’ve listened and we have provided reassurance about how development will work.
“Castle Hill West offers a fantastic opportunity to deliver a wide range of new community facilities alongside 224 much needed new homes, 40 per cent of which will be affordable homes, as well as the supporting social, environmental and transport infrastructure that is an essential part of creating a thriving new community.
“Land and resources will be made available within the development for the construction of a new primary school on the site, while substantial contributions to the expansion and improvement of local secondary education, healthcare and sports facilities, as well as transport infrastructure, will also be included.
“The new government has stressed the importance of increasing the UK’s supply of high-quality homes, both to ensure people have the housing options they need in the places they want to live and to support the wider UK economy’s future growth, and the Castle Hill West site will now be part of meeting both these objectives.
“We’re very grateful to all those who have backed our plans and will now look to move them forward as quickly as we can.”
High-quality and easily accessible health facilities in Hull city centre have moved a step closer after a contractor was appointed to support the delivery of a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC).
Ridge and Partners LLP has been awarded a Multi-Disciplinary Services Team (MDST) contract by Hull City Council to support the provision of the CDC on the corner of Albion Street and Bond Street.
The council is in a funding agreement with NHS England and Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to build a £14m NHS CDC as part of the former Albion Square development.
The construction project will be delivered through the council’s contractual arrangements with VINCI Construction Ltd.
The CDC will welcome thousands of patients annually, relieving the strain on acute hospitals whilst also creating around 100 local jobs.
It will feature a range of services including MRI, X-ray, CT scanning and ultrasounds, whilst it is also expected to benefit the wider city centre economy due to increased footfall from patient numbers.
Cllr Linda Chambers, portfolio holder for public health at the council, said: “It is great news that the council has appointed a contractor to support the delivery of this project.
“The success of this scheme is important to the city and its residents and the specialised knowledge and expertise within the MDST will enhance our council team and transfer skills to help with future similar projects.
“The CDC will provide high-quality, easily accessible health facilities in the city centre and is a fantastic opportunity to improve the health of people in and around Hull.
“Early diagnosis is essential to early treatment and positive outcomes for patients and their families and the CDC will help to do that.”
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