Grimsby’s Freshney Place redevelopment moves forward with demolition phase

April Lara
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Grimsby’s Freshney Place redevelopment moves forward with demolition phase

Demolition has started at Grimsby’s former Top Town Market site, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of Freshney Place Shopping Centre.

The project, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and managed by Queensberry, aims to transform the site into a mixed-use retail and leisure destination. Plans include a new Parkway multi-screen cinema, a market hall, and a combined food and shopping space.

The redevelopment forms part of a broader investment strategy for Grimsby town centre and is one of the council’s largest investments to date. It is intended to drive additional investment, support existing tenants, and open up opportunities for new businesses.

Preliminary work, including asbestos removal and dismantling mechanical systems, has been completed. Main contractor GMI Construction Group has now commenced structural demolition, progressing the project to its next phase.

Major letting secured at Moor Lane Trading Estate

Tess Egginton
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Major letting secured at Moor Lane Trading Estate
Over 55,000 sq ft of industrial space set in over 3.5 acres at Moor Lane Trading Estate in Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire has been let to Welfare Hire Nationwide Limited. Part of Kelling Group, Welfare Hire is a rental and lease provider of specialist mobile welfare equipment to infrastructure markets including highways, rail and utilities. The deal sees the firm double the size of its operational bases across Yorkshire. Chief Financial Officer at Kelling Group, Matthew Jowett, said: “As our business continues to grow, it was essential to secure a facility that meets our operational demands and allows for future scalability. The Moor Lane Trading Estate site provides the perfect combination of space and accessibility to support our expanding hire services business. “Establishing Welfare Hire’s regional footprint in this dedicated facility also facilitates further growth capacity for its sister company, Access Hire Nationwide Limited, the UK’s leading rental and lease provider of vehicle mounted access platforms for sectors including Telecoms, Street Lighting and Power. “Separating out the two core businesses from our headquarters in Normanton represents a major milestone for the Group. The access business will remain there, whilst this new site is ideal for the welfare division. “We will be investing around £250,000 in the new site to deliver a well-connected and highly secure facility, as well as creating new jobs, and work has already started on site.  This exciting development for Welfare Hire follows on from the opening of a new purpose-built depot in Bristol in 2024 and a regional depot in Scotland in 2023.” The site was brought to the market by the agency division of property consultancy, GV&Co. Associate director of agency at GV&Co, Jonathan Jacob, said: “Moor Lane Trading Estate offers strong credentials to occupiers requiring well connected and cost-effective manufacturing and storage space, and we’re delighted to have facilitated Kelling Group’s expansion there.”

Sleaford hotel to receive £1.8m refurbishment funding

April Lara
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Sleaford hotel to receive £1.8m refurbishment funding

North Kesteven District Council has allocated £1.8m for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Carre Arms Hotel in Sleaford. The council, which acquired the hotel last year, aims to protect a key local asset while driving regeneration in the town.

Renovation work, set to begin shortly, will overhaul the hotel’s exterior, bedrooms, roofs, and reception area, with completion expected within up to two years. The project is funded by the council’s share of local business rates, part of which is reinvested in community initiatives.

Since its purchase for just under £1.5m, the council has focused on expanding the hotel’s business, particularly for weddings, conferences, and events, which have seen significant growth. While initial plans outlined a 10-year timeline for investment, urgent repairs have prompted an accelerated schedule for some work. The outdoor area will also be revamped, including new planting to enhance the venue’s suitability for special events.

Sheffield construction ball returns to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield construction ball returns to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice
The Sheffield Charity Construction Ball returns on Friday 6 June to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice. The Sheffield Charity Construction Ball is organised by Arup, HLM Architects and Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) with the aim of bringing the region’s construction and property sector together and giving back to an important community cause. Over the past 26 years, the Ball has been attended by prominent figures across the property and construction industry and has raised a total of £401,300 for a variety of local causes. It takes place at the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel in Sheffield. Past beneficiaries have included Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Weston Park Cancer Charity, Hallam Cash for Kids, The Prince’s Trust and Bluebell Wood. This year’s charity, St Luke’s Hospice, is a leading provider of specialist palliative care for adults with terminal illnesses in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Matt Sheridan, senior fundraising manager from St Luke’s Hospice, said: “It’s fantastic news that St Luke’s has been chosen as the charity partner for the 2025 Sheffield Charity Construction Ball. “At a time when hospices across the country are facing growing financial challenges, the support of such a prestigious event, championed by so many inspiring organisations across Sheffield’s construction industry, means more than ever. “One of the key aims of this year’s fundraising is to support the purchase of cuddle beds, which give patients and their loved ones the chance to be physically close at moments that truly matter. “This kind of support has a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful to be part of this special event.” Since 1971, St Luke’s has supported thousands of patients and their families, delivering compassionate, high-quality care. The hospice is committed to helping people live with dignity, comfort, and choice at the end of life. Matt Summerhill, managing partner for Yorkshire, Humber and the North East for  construction consultancy Rider Levett Bucknall said: “It is wonderful that the Sheffield Charity Construction Ball is supporting St Luke’s Hospice this year. “From my own personal experience when my late wife was under the care of St Luke’s, I know how important to families the cuddle beds will be as they spend their last precious days together. “As always, the focus of the ball is to have fun and celebrate everything that is good about our wonderful industry, but it is also nice to know we are helping those who need it the most.” The event is an opportunity to network with industry leaders, enjoy a three course meal of fine dining and live entertainment from the acclaimed magician Ben Hanlin. A new addition to this year’s event is the Future Professionals Table, where younger professionals can connect and get inspired by like-minded individuals. Matt Summerhill, Delia Harmston and Phil White are the event directors and Kathryn Hind, Claire Lowe and Rebecca Ball have been providing the day to day organisation of the event. Delia Harmston, Sheffield studio director from HLM Architects, said: “It’s always a privilege to be part of such a special event that not only brings together our region’s construction community, but also supports a truly meaningful cause. “St Luke’s Hospice touches so many lives in Sheffield, and this year’s focus on fundraising for cuddle beds is particularly moving. The Ball is a celebration of our industry’s generosity and collaboration, and I’m incredibly proud of the role we play in making it happen.” Phil White, Arup’s Sheffield office leader, said: “We’re proud to have played our part in organising the Sheffield Charity Construction Ball for over a quarter of a century. “The Future Professionals Table is a brilliant opportunity to support the next generation in forging their careers in Sheffield’s built environment community. “We are delighted to be fundraising for St. Luke’s Hospice this year, making a tangible difference by supporting meaningful causes in our city.”

2025 industrial take up gets off to strong start in Yorkshire

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2025 industrial take up gets off to strong start in Yorkshire
Take-up activity in the industrial and logistics market across Yorkshire has seen a strong and encouraging start to 2025 according to latest research from property consultancy Knight Frank. The firm’s latest Logic Report highlighted 1.3m sq ft of units over 50,000 sq ft were transacted in Q1 in South Yorkshire, already exceeding the 986,000 sq ft transacted in the full-year 2024, and marking the region’s strongest quarter since Q2 2021. In West Yorkshire and Humber, take-up reached 912,800 sq ft in the same period, double the level seen in Q1 last year and also the strongest quarterly total recorded since 2021 for units over 50,000 sq ft. Q1 take-up in South Yorkshire saw six transactions take place at units along the M18, the largest at V277 Water Vole Way with homeware retailer Dusk expanding into a 277,232 sq ft unit, having previously taken two units at the nearby Verdion iPort logistics hub in 2021 and 2024. iPort also secured two new occupiers, Batt Cables and Moran Logistics, with the global cable distribution company signing a 15-year lease on the 259,286 sq ft iP10, and Moran Logistics taking the 166,872 sq ft iP7, for 10 years. Two of the six units leased in Q1 in West Yorkshire and Humber were over 250,000 sq ft, with supply chain specialist Torque Logistics securing the 398,000 sq ft California 400 in Normanton and Sika Everbuild taking the new 280,000 sq ft SH280, Sherburn 42, Selby, which was speculatively developed by Firethorn Trust in 2023. Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of Yorkshire Industrial and Logistics at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “At the back end of 2024 we started to see improved enquiry levels and positively a number of larger requirements too. This has filtered through and resulted in a strong start to 2025 which is expected to lead to further take up in coming months. “Demand continues to be led by both B8 and B2 occupiers with South Yorkshire still maintaining its reputation as one of the best manufacturing and logistics locations.” Iain McPhail, partner and specialist in Logistics and Distribution in the Leeds office of Knight Frank, added: “Despite a relatively quiet end to 2024, importantly over 800,000 sq ft was under offer at the turn of the year, and consequently, we have already seen a number of buildings transact in 2025. “Notably we have also achieved a new headline rent for the region of £10.00 psf for the mid-box market, and Baytree Leeds is looking to drive rents further for the larger end market, with their two available units (of 76,000 sq ft and 145,000 sq ft) now reaching practical completion and receiving positive interest.”

Carter Towler assists LeoVegas with Leeds move

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Carter Towler assists LeoVegas with Leeds move
Independent chartered surveyors Carter Towler is assisting LeoVegas Group, part of MGM Resorts, with its expansion to new offices at Tailor’s Corner. Located at the junction of Wellington Street and Thirsk Row in Leeds, the move marks a strategic addition to the Swedish betting and gaming giant’s UK headquarters in Newcastle. Commenting on the letting Carter Towler’s James Jackson said: “LeoVegas Group is an award-winning, dynamic international gaming group and we are thrilled they have chosen such exceptional office space in central Leeds to continue their growth. “They have taken the entire ground and lower ground floors of Tailor’s Corner, totalling over 5,000 sq ft. The fit out of the offices is already underway and is scheduled for completion this summer, with the team creating a vibrant and dynamic working environment which includes high quality collaboration, meeting and amenity spaces.” Originally the headquarters of Hepworth Tailors, Tailor’s Corner underwent a £5m refurbishment six years ago. Zoe Wood of Boultbee Brooks Real Estate, owners of the property, said: “As developers, we are passionate about revitalising buildings and giving them new purpose. Tailor’s Corner is a prime example of this, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see a forward-thinking company like LeoVegas Group establish its Leeds office here. “In addition to its rich history, the building will now help create new job opportunities for the city.” Knight Frank and Savills acted as joint agents.

Sentiment deteriorates across manufacturing sector as cost pressures strengthen and global outlook weakens

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Sentiment deteriorates across manufacturing sector as cost pressures strengthen and global outlook weakens
Manufacturing output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to April, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. While a broad range of sub-sectors reported lower volumes in April, this was offset by higher output in the motor vehicles & transport equipment sector. Manufacturers expect output to fall marginally in the three months to July. Domestic orders fell through the quarter, as did the volume of new export orders, albeit marginally. Looking ahead, manufacturers expect the total volume of new orders to decline in the three months to July as both domestic and export orders are anticipated to fall. Half of respondents cited political or economic conditions abroad as a factor likely to limit their export orders in the quarter to July, the highest proportion since April 2021. Manufacturers reported increased cost pressures. Growth in average costs accelerated in the quarter to April, compared with January, while expectations for costs growth in the three months ahead remain firm. Domestic prices are expected to rise at an accelerated pace in the quarter to July, whereas export prices are expected to be unchanged. Sentiment across the manufacturing sector deteriorated in April and investment intentions for the year ahead are weak. Manufacturers expect to reduce spending on buildings, plant & machinery, product & process innovation, and on training and retraining, which saw the weakest balance since 2020. Manufacturers cited uncertainty about demand, inadequate net returns and labour shortages as key factors constraining capital expenditure. The outlook for employment remains poor. Manufacturing headcount fell in the quarter to April, at the fastest pace since October 2020, and manufacturers expect numbers to fall again in the quarter to July. Ben Jones, lead economist, CBI, said: “The recent downturn in manufacturing output appears to have eased, but manufacturers still seem gloomy about their prospects amid rising costs, an expected decline in new orders and heighted uncertainty around global economic conditions. “The combination of financial pressures, market instability and falling confidence is leading manufacturers to cut back employment and investment, with plans for spending on buildings, equipment, innovation and training all taking a hit. “The wider geopolitical environment is becoming increasingly challenging for exporters, with export optimism falling sharply for a second successive quarter and export order volumes now hovering around post-pandemic lows. “The government is right to make the case for global free trade, with the Chancellor in Washington this week at the IMF spring meeting reaffirming that commitment. The uncertainty around global economic conditions only increases the importance of getting it right in domestic economic policy. “Firms are already feeling the cumulative burden of rises in NICs and the National Living Wage – and tariffs represent another headwind for the business sector. The government needs to view every decision through the lens of kickstarting growth and incentivising investment.”

West Yorkshire leaders join forces to kick-off plans for UKREiiF 2025

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West Yorkshire leaders join forces to kick-off plans for UKREiiF 2025
Senior West Yorkshire leaders from the public and the private sector joined forces in Leeds last week to kick-off and galvanise plans for UKREiiF 2025. In a powerful show of unity behind plans to boost economic growth in West Yorkshire, the gathering came ahead of the region’s investment opportunities being unveiled at the event next month. As the UK’s Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum (UKREiiF) returns to Leeds for a fourth consecutive year, the business community heard how West Yorkshire’s ambitious plan for growth is already being delivered at pace. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and the region’s civic leaders will use next month’s event to progress multi-million-pound regeneration programmes, plans to build thousands of new homes, and projects to revolutionise transport in the region, including a new tram system. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Working together to accelerate investment and turbocharge growth, we are ready to showcase the very best of West Yorkshire. “We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure investors know that West Yorkshire is the greatest place in the country to live, invest and grow a business. “It’s where opportunity lives – and with trams on the way, there’s never been a better time to invest here.” Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “UKREiiF provides a fantastic platform to showcase the dynamic growth and exciting future of Leeds and the wider region. “Our transformative regeneration plans in the city, including the expansion of Elland Road and British Library North, alongside our ambitious regional plans for a world-class tram system – the largest investment in connectivity in our region for decades – underscore our commitment to progress. “We look forward to welcoming thousands of delegates from across both the UK and the globe back to Leeds this year to showcase our wonderful city and wider region, and our ambitious plans for the future.” With over 40 investment-ready sites, three ‘corridors of opportunity’ will be showcased to thousands of businesses and investors at the annual event next month. The Western corridor focuses on growth opportunities in Leeds, Bradford and Calderdale, with plans for major housing, office and industrial developments, including Bradford City Village, a transformation of Halifax town centre, and a £2 billion ‘Innovation Arc’ in Leeds. Mayor Brabin’s ambition to bring trams to West Yorkshire, which received renewed backing from the Prime Minister earlier this month, will be key to unlocking the opportunities. With ambitions to get spades in the ground by 2028, the region’s mass transit system will redefine the urban journey from Bradford city centre to Leeds city centre, improving public spaces, driving economic growth, and ensuring faster, more reliable access to essential destinations, while linking key communities in between. The Southern corridor focuses on Leeds to Dewsbury and Huddersfield, where there are plans to develop six associated neighbourhoods including 50,000 new homes to surround Leeds city centre, while cementing West Yorkshire’s reputation as a healthtech powerhouse with a National Health Innovation Campus. A vibrant creative and industrial hub linking high growth sectors between Leeds and Wakefield forms the Eastern corridor. With major developments already underway, it includes plans for a revamped waterfront in Castleford, opportunities for large scale manufacturing and logistics units, and a £2.5 billion data centre run by Microsoft. Taking place 22-25 May, UKREiiF is expected to bring over £20 million to the region’s economy and over 16,000 delegates to Leeds.

Major new dining destination aims to enhance Leeds retail and leisure district

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Major new dining destination aims to enhance Leeds retail and leisure district
Indian restaurant group Dishoom is looking to bring a new restaurant to the heart of Leeds, taking over the former Flannels unit on Vicar Lane. The substantial space, which spans 8,000 sq ft across two floors, occupies a prime position between Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter. Known for its richly atmospheric interiors and homage to the Irani cafés of old Bombay, Dishoom’s arrival marks a major boost for the Leeds hospitality scene and reflects growing demand for high-quality, experience-led dining in the city. The Vicar Lane unit, owned by property investment and development company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), will be sympathetically transformed to align with Dishoom’s distinctive design style and storytelling approach – with each venue drawing on different elements of Bombay history. Charles Newman, associate director, estates at TCS, said: “We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring Dishoom to Leeds and be able to provide such an iconic space in the heart of the city. “Dishoom is a brand that has redefined dining experiences in the UK, and their decision to come to Leeds – and specifically to this key location, is a strong vote of confidence in the city’s continued growth as a regional destination for food, retail and culture.”

Plans for Scunthorpe’s new science and tech centre progress

April Lara
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Plans for Scunthorpe’s new science and tech centre progress

North Lincolnshire Council has secured listed building consent for alterations to St John’s Church in Scunthorpe, moving forward with plans for a £2.5m children’s science and technology centre. The new facility, called Discover@20-21, will be located next to the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and is set to open later this year, thanks to funding from the Government’s Towns Fund.

The centre will feature interactive digital displays and exhibits designed to engage young audiences with STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Among the planned installations is a projector system that will create digital artwork based on these themes, which visitors will be able to control with the push of a button.

To accommodate large-scale exhibits and light-sensitive displays, such as Luke Jerram’s “Museum of The Moon,” the church will also undergo modifications including the installation of retractable lighting and blackout blinds. These improvements will reduce the need for costly external hires and high-level access equipment, making it easier to host significant exhibitions.

The project aims to boost local tourism by attracting more visitors to the area and support community regeneration. St John’s Church, a former place of worship, has served as an arts venue since the early 2000s. Renovations are ongoing, with repairs to the building expected to conclude in late 2024.

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