Milestone for Castlegate regeneration as geoarchaeological work begins
The next major phase in Sheffield City Council’s plans to regenerate the historic area of Castlegate gets underway this week as essential geoarchaeological work begins.
Geoarchaeological investigations will be carried out by archaeology and heritage specialists, Wessex Archaeology, as they conduct 33 borehole surveys across the site of Sheffield Castle to examine the characteristics and conditions of the site’s underlying groundworks. The findings will then be analysed to give insights into what is underground and in turn inform the council’s redevelopment proposals for the area.
It marks a significant step in propelling the council’s plans to revitalise Castlegate after securing £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund last year. Plans include the de-culverting of the River Sheaf, interpretation of the castle remains and the creation of attractive green public spaces; the creation of an cultural destination providing S1 Artspace and Sheffield Music Academy and Sheffield Music Hub with new state-of-the-art facilities; the preparation of land for future uses and investment; better connectivity and improved infrastructure for active travel.
Cllr Mazher Iqbal, co-chair of regeneration, transport and climate policy, said: “This is a huge step forward in our plans to transform Castlegate into a thriving and vibrant city centre hub, as it would have been hundreds of years ago when the castle still stood. Gathering this data is the key to unlocking the future of the site; it will tell us what is and isn’t possible for the development of the land so that a masterplan can be drawn up and put to the public for their thoughts in a consultation this autumn.
“It’s a really exciting time for the project and I look forward to seeing the next stage develop.”
Cllr Julie Grocutt, co-chair of regeneration, transport and climate policy committee, said: “Castlegate is a large part of Sheffield’s rich history and heritage and like our residents and stakeholders, we want to understand more about the site so that a suitable approach to future development is established.
“We want to transform Castlegate into a district of innovation, education and culture that re-energises our city centre and benefits our communities and this is another important step to helping us realise these ambitions.”
In consultation with South Yorkshire Archaeology and Historic England, each borehole’s location has been carefully planned based on a need to further investigate the site, in order to add the information to the previously conducted archaeological evaluations, including the one carried out by Wessex Archaeology in 2018, after the Castle Markets were demolished.
This phase will supplement the information gathered from earlier assessments to produce a report, a detailed deposit model and archaeological sensitivity map to feed into a constraints plan for the area. The drilling is expected to last 6 weeks.
Milica Rajic, an infrastructure director from Wessex Archaeology, said: “Wessex Archaeology are delighted to be back on the fascinating castle site, working with Sheffield City Council and partners. The exercise will help us to gather more information about key elements of the site such as where the castle moat joins the River Sheaf, allowing us to further the knowledge we have about the site and uncover more of Sheffield’s history.”
Martin Gorman, chair of the Friends of Sheffield Castle, said: “We are delighted that further investigations of the Castle site are now taking place, and I’m sure this will add value to what we already know. We hope this is the start of a wider programme of investigation of the site, to ensure that the remains of the Castle form part of a high-quality public realm and help to re-vitalise this historic part of our city.”
Housing boost for Bentley
Twenty new purpose built affordable homes are under construction in Bentley, Doncaster as the council continues its commitment to providing new homes which meet local housing need by increasing housing choice and enabling older people to maintain their independence for longer.
The site at Cooke and Truman Street adjacent to the existing Housing21 scheme at Minden Court will be completed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), in spring 2023.
When complete, the development which is designed with the older generation in mind, will comprise of six one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments alongside eight 2-bedroomed bungalows.
All units are being constructed offsite and will be delivered to site completely finished, right down to the electrics, plumbing and interior paintwork. Contractors M-AR then complete the project with external cladding and landscaping.
Cabinet member for housing and business, Cllr Glyn Jones, said: “As part of the five year Housing Delivery Plan, we’re always looking to improve our housing offer to older people and those within our communities with physical disabilities. These new homes meet those objectives and local residents will benefit massively.
“We are currently facing a cost of living crisis and with residents struggling with rising costs, these homes will focus on affordable rents and energy efficiency whilst also protecting and enhancing the natural environment through sustainable development.
“New housing developments, either via our own council build programme or facilitated through our Housing Association partners, will be delivered in a way that meets the needs of our residents but also respects our environment, with the aim to deliver new, well designed, energy efficient and affordable homes that match needs across the Borough.”
Business Lincolnshire calling on local businesses to take part in latest survey
Business Lincolnshire has launched a new survey to help understand the needs of businesses across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.
The organisation is inviting local businesses to take part in their online survey, which aims to measure the impact of support received from the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Business Lincolnshire are always looking for new ways to grow and expand their services, and hearing from local businesses directly is the most useful feedback they could possibly ask for.
“The aim of Business Lincolnshire is to support business growth; helping create more jobs in the area and contributing to our local economy. When businesses thrive, we all benefit! This survey will set out a clear set of guidelines for what businesses are looking for, how they can achieve their goals and what they need support in the most to become the best they can be.”
Business Lincolnshire’s Growth Hub offers a number of programmes to support business owners across the region including industry-specific workshops, one-to-one specialist support as well as helping hundreds of businesses secure vital grant and bursary funding.
In order to improve and diversify their services in the future, the Growth Hub is asking businesses to feedback vital information on what support has been most beneficial in their career journey, and what kind of services they would like to see provided going forward.
The survey is also open to businesses across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland who have not already worked with Business Lincolnshire, to help understand their barriers to accessing support from the Growth Hub.
The Business Intelligence survey is being conducted by Social Change UK on behalf of Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub. It should take around 10-15 minutes to complete, and can be found online here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BLGHBI/
Sills & Betteridge LLP and IDAS join forces to support Domestic Abuse survivors
Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East Midlands law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP have announced 12 months of corporate support for Yorkshire’s largest domestic abuse charity IDAS.
The charity works tirelessly to assist those needing to escape and recover from the impact of domestic abuse or sexual violence, providing refuge accommodation, safety planning advice, community-based support and access to a free out of hours’ helpline. The last year alone has seen them help some 20,000 people.
Sills & Betteridge have 6 teams of specialist, accredited domestic abuse lawyers in the Yorkshire area, and are part of the largest family law team in the region. They provide a holistic, emergency service, often working very closely with charities such as IDAS.
Chrystal Theofanous, head of the firm’s Domestic Abuse Team, said: “We partner with a number of domestic abuse charities across the region. The value of a dedicated lawyer and specialist charity working together to provide practical, legal and emotional support cannot be underestimated when dealing with domestic abuse survivors and their families.”
Together, IDAS and Sills & Betteridge recently helped Lydia from Rotherham.
Following an incident with her ex-partner that she reported to the Police, Lydia was referred to IDAS who quickly allocated a dedicated support worker to her. They then carried out safety checks at Lydia’s property, signposted her to other agencies and enrolled her on a course, which helped her to understand the impact of domestic abuse and gave her strategies to help her to recover and move on.
On the advice of IDAS to find a solicitor, Lydia approached Sills & Betteridge having seen a number of reviews left online by other people who had gone through similar issues as her. Solicitor, Sarah Rowe quickly advised Lydia on various legal options together with carrying out a funding assessment. Urgent applications were made to Court and emergency Orders to protect Lydia and her children were in place within 48 hours.
Lydia explained: “Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult, however I feel that I had such good support from IDAS and Sills & Betteridge that it made me feel stronger as a person to break the cycle. I found them very helpful, knowledgeable and kind.”
Sarah Hill, CEO IDAS, says: “We rely on the generosity of our partners and supporters to continue to deliver our life-changing and often life-saving services. We are grateful to Sills & Betteridge LLP for choosing us as a charity partner. We look forward to working with them over the next 12 months to raise vital funds to support victims and survivors escape domestic abuse and rebuild their lives.”
Chrystal said: “IDAS are an extraordinary charity – demand for their services is huge, and they need additional income from the private sector to continue the incredible work they do. In addition to the corporate financial support that we are able to give them, our staff are also looking forward to getting involved in their fundraising events including the Big Yorkshire Tour!”
Steelwork contractor set for growth after securing new funding
Richmond-based steelwork contractor Hambleton Steel is focused on growth after securing new funding from FW Capital and NPIF, enabling it to invest in its workforce and create 17 new jobs to support new contract wins and future expansion.
The investment was delivered from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), and The Tees Valley Catalyst Fund which is managed by FW Capital on behalf of Tees Valley Business, the local growth hub for the Tees Valley and part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Hambleton Steel was founded in 1995 and today is one of the most progressive steelwork fabricators in the UK. It works across a variety of sectors carrying out steelwork construction projects from simple portal frames through city centre beam and column work onto larger projects and complex refurbishment packages. Projects include warehouses, sports stadiums, hospitals, retail, residential, education, industrial and commercial offices.
The investment was facilitated at FW Capital by investment executives Jordan McGorrigan and Allison Routeledge.
Matt Gibson, who was recently promoted from finance director to Managing Director at Hambleton Steel, explained: “We are entering an exciting period of growth and with the support from NPIF and FW Capital we can invest in our future success. The more contracts we win, the more people we can employ and with this funding we are creating 17 new jobs as we look to maximise our factory capacity.
“We have been delighted with the support provided by FW Capital, Jordan and Allison impressed me with their structure and excellent communication. We have felt well supported throughout the funding process.”
Jordan McGorrigan, investment executive at FW Capital, said: “We are proud to support Hambleton Steel, a strong, well-managed business with significant projected growth. Matt and the team have exciting plans to build further on Hambleton Steel’s success and excellent reputation.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting the ongoing growth of local businesses. I am looking forward to working with Matt during this exciting growth phase.”
Bradford Top of Town improvements work to begin
Bradford Council’s ambitious plans to transform the city’s historic top of town area are set to begin next month following a contract being awarded for work.
Eric Wright Civil Engineering which has extensive experience in delivering transformative public works was awarded the £2m contract in June.
High quality upgrades to the conservation area will include highway improvements and sustainable landscaping works at North Parade, Rawson Square, Northgate.
Bradford Council’s plan is to create a safe, healthy, attractive and community friendly environment with high quality public spaces which supports new and existing businesses.
The scheme is also designed to help tackle climate change and reduce flooding risk.
Natural stone paving will be laid to enhance the character of the many beautiful historic buildings and the pavements will be widened to create more space for pedestrians whilst allowing for essential parking.
Semi-mature street trees will be planted making the area more leafy and attractive whilst creating biodiverse urban habitats for birds and animals.
A network of rain gardens – areas of planting designed to temporarily soak up rain water – will be created to reduce pressure on storm water drains and reduce flood risk.
The area around the statue of Richard Oastler in Oastler Square will be turned into a green little pocket park.
New cycle storage facilities will be installed to encourage active travel and new collapsible bollards will be added allowing temporary pedestrianisation of North Parade for events.
The work will form an early phase of what Bradford Council’s City Village will look like.
The ambitious City Village proposals for the adjacent Oastler Market site seek to create a safe, healthy, attractive and resident-friendly environment with high quality public spaces, landscaped and traffic calmed streets to establish a desirable new neighbourhood drawing people in to live, play and work.
Funding for the Top of Town improvements was secured for the project from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Bradford City Centre Townscape Heritage Scheme, and from the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme which is administered by the European Regional Development Fund.
The improvements will begin on 8 August and continue in phases though to the New Year.
Designs for the scheme have been developed through several rounds of public consultation which have shown strong support for the improvements.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for the department of place, said: “North Parade has become a vital part of the city centre over the last ten years. It has evolved to become a significant part of our evening economy with a growing number of bars, eateries and entertainment venues and now the street needs this investment to help it develop further.
“These improvements will enhance and complement the beautiful historic architecture, make the area more pedestrian friendly and add green elements to reduce flood risk and help tackle climate change.
“It will also create a fantastic environment within which residents and businesses can flourish and showcases our approach to regeneration ahead of even bigger changes to come with the wider City Village programme.”
York makes its case to bring rail back home
People and partners across York and the wider region have come together to make the case that York is the rightful home of Great British Railways.
On 25 July the city welcomed Wendy Morton MP, the Rail Minister, to display York’s credentials to host the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).
York is one of six areas competing to be the location for the GBR headquarters. York’s bid set out its strengths and why the city is the natural home for GBR, including:
York is ready
With 5,000 rail employees and major rail operators based in York’s rail campus, as well as having over 9,000 rail employees and over 100 related companies within an hour of York, it is the largest rail cluster outside of the South East. York has a specialist rail workforce, essential to the day to day running of the railways, with considerable expertise in digital, data and automation. York’s rail campus is within 10 minutes’ walk of the station and with the York Central development underway, York has a major, Network Rail and Homes England owned site, located right next to one of the best connected stations on the British rail network.Levelling up
A recent poll confirmed that 7 out of 10 adults agree that locating Great British Railways in York would help other areas of Yorkshire to level up. There are 5 million people living within an easy commute of York, and 700 of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country are within one hour by train to York. Companies in York draw their workforces from this broad area. York’s colleges are already focussed on attracting people from all backgrounds and locations to make the most of the opportunities that the city presents. York also has the support of prominent politicians in the region, including MPs from across York and North Yorkshire, rail industry leaders, Zoe Metcalfe, YNY Police and Fire Commissioner, Andrew Digwood, VP from WY and NY Chamber of Commerce and Helen Simpson and James Farrar from YNY LEP, who feel that locating GBR in York will benefit their community.York is the future of railways
York is already leading the future of the railways in innovation and through knowledge sharing. Whether finding solutions to make the network more productive through digital signalling and safe automation, or reducing delays from leaves on the line, York is pioneering effective and efficient transport systems that are essential to the future of rail. York has the potential to be a global rail supercluster and is already home to 100 rail companies leading railway research, innovation and sustainability. It is also home to Active Travel England and the epicentre for decarbonised transport systems in the UK.York’s passion for rail
Each year, The National Railway Museum welcomes 750,000 people to York to learn about and engage with the railways through the ages and explore the future of rail, inspiring the next generation of rail operators, engineers and innovators. As the home of GBR, York can channel that passion and enthusiasm by being closer to customers in a way that isn’t possible anywhere else. This will help drive standards and innovation, as York has done for the last 200 years. The public are encouraged to vote for their preferred location of Great British Railways online. Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “I would like to thank the Minister and the Great British Railways Team for taking the time to visit our wonderful city and hear how York is the natural home for the newly created Great British Railways. “Today, we reiterated our case that GBR in York would bring huge benefits to our communities and the wider region. With the unique opportunity of York Central and the rail innovators already operating in our city, we know York is ready to help GBR to succeed. “A huge number of local residents, businesses and partners have already shown their support for York, whether that be talking to the Minister today or encouraging people to vote. Thank you to everyone for supporting the city’s campaign and let’s keep going, as every vote counts.” Rachel Maskell, York Central MP, said: “I am grateful that York has been able to showcase its ‘rail cluster’ and operational expertise to the Minister and Great British Railways transition team to show how, as a city, we are leading rail innovations in digital and advanced rail. “After highlighting how bringing the new rail headquarters to York to the Rail Minister, Wendy Morton MP, in Parliament, it was good she was able to come and see how our unique offer will not only benefit York but will level up the nation through the skills and opportunities we can develop to deliver a safe, reliable and connected service.” Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresbrough, said: “York is such a strong contender because of the breadth of its skills in this area whether it is the rolling stock, engineering, planning or our digital future. “This is why York is ideally placed to host the headquarters of Great British Railways and why, if it comes to York, it will be able to hit the ground running. York is already well-known as a railway city. It has been for decades as it hosts several large rail-related companies and leads the country in railway heritage. ”Bringing the HQ to the North will also play to the strengths of the Government’s levelling up agenda and, while there are many other good bids, none have this compelling mix of industry, history, heritage and geography. The strength of York’s claim is clear.” Charlie Jeffery, vice-chancellor at the University of York, said: “We’ve set out a really clear vision with the Rail Minister today, about why York is the perfect place for Great British Rail HQ, and how this will drive both innovation and levelling up in the North. “Now it’s time for everyone to vote for York in the national competition – we’ve only got three weeks left to make it happen.” Julian Sturdy, York Outer MP, said: “The Minister’s visit to York comes at a crucial point when we are in the shortlist of six UK towns and cities to become the new home of Great British Railways. “I firmly believe that the great British public will rally round York as the best choice to host this new national institution and encourage everyone in the local area and beyond to support York’s bid and take part in the online vote.” Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: “The best connected regional city by rail, the National Railway Museum, the highest concentration of railway engineers, workers and supply chain and one of the best cities in the world to live in all make York the clear ‘Railway King’!”Sheffield entrepreneur to open family-friendly venue
A Sheffield entrepreneur behind several cafes and bars in the city is to open a new family-friendly venue at Hillsborough Barracks.
MNKY, owned by Ryan Macdonald, already runs two bars at Steelyard Kelham, plus five cafes and ice cream bars in the city.
Now he is getting ready to invest more than £350,000 in Monkey Bar Club at Hillsborough Barracks, after agreeing a 15-year lease with LCP, the national commercial property and investment company that manages the site, for unit 9.
The sports bar and grill, which will have about 100 covers, will include top-quality food from Smokin’ Bull, which makes burgers, fries, chicken wings and vegan options, and will serve a range of real ales and other drinks.
“I was looking for premises that were a little different from where we already are and Hillsborough Barracks is ideal because there are very few places to eat there,” said Ryan.
“I want it to be a real family environment and believe this new venue will be a real draw for them. The fit out starts soon and I hope to be open in early October.”
Simon Eatough, LCP director who is asset manager at Hillsborough Barracks, said: “This is an exciting addition to Hillsborough Barracks. It’s great to see a local businessman wanting to invest in their city and bring something new that will attract families there.”
Grade II listed Hillsborough Barracks is set within a walled estate of 11.5 acres and comprises a shopping parade with converted offices and separate office buildings. It occupies a prominent position, between Penistone Road (A61) and Langsett Road, approximately 2.5 miles north west of Sheffield city centre.
The estate was originally used as a War Office in 1848 and was repurposed 40 years ago as a retail and business destination, with multi-storey car park, local shopping parade, offices, The Garrison Hotel and McDonalds.
Glentrool Estates strengthens team with two new senior appointments
Glentrool Estates Group, the Yorkshire-based property development and investment company, has strengthened its team with two new senior appointments.
Sarah Friskney has joined Glentrool as property development director, while Chris Skipp is the company’s new property construction manager.
Sarah said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join Glentrool’s fantastic niche team. Having been in property management and development at Grovehall Estates and prior to that, as senior development surveyor at Caddick Developments for 15 years, my background of development and asset management in the last 23 years will only strengthen, support and grow the development and investment pipeline here.
“Glentrool’s in-house expertise and solid financial position enables us to respond quickly and positively to new opportunities. With my varied background it also gives us the opportunity to venture into new sectors, including retail and residential, in strong strategic locations.
“In ever-challenging markets and with volatile construction costs, I will be seeking new opportunities and overseeing the internal and external development teams to ensure developments are progressed in a timely and efficient manner in line with key targets,” said Sarah.
Meanwhile Chris Skipp, who has 17 years’ experience in commercial property, joins from UPP, the UK’s leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation. He previously worked for DTZ and JLL.
He explained: “I am delighted to be joining the talented and expanding team of Glentrool as a property and construction manager. I have been made to feel very welcome already and I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to the company to help continue its growth.
“Glentrool has several exciting developments in the region which I look forward to help deliver and I will also be helping to manage an existing portfolio through dilapidations, project management and professional building surveying advice.”
Jeremy Nolan, director of Glentrool, said: “These are very important appointments for Glentrool and we are delighted to welcome two such talented, hard-working and enthusiastic people to our team.
“Both Sarah and Chris have arrived at Glentrool at a significant time in our development, as we look to build on our success at Sherburn2 and enhance and expand our commercial property portfolio.
“Our developments and income producing portfolio across Yorkshire are long-term projects, which demand the fullest commitment from us all and Sarah and Chris’ roles are critical to successful delivery.”
Yorkshire-based HECK scoops two major industry awards
North Yorkshire food firm HECK is celebrating after winning two national business awards in the same week. The family owned and run company based in Bedale, where it makes its sausages, burgers and vegan ranges, scooped gold at both the National Egg & Poultry Awards and UK Business Awards.
First came HECK’s Charlene Sedgwick who won Young Processor of the Year at the National Egg & Poultry Awards 2022. Now in their fifth year, the awards celebrate outstanding individuals, business excellence and investment in the future of the British poultry industry.
Twenty-nine-year-old Charlene was presented her award by comedian and broadcaster, Lucy Porter, who hosted the evening on Wednesday 6 July. Charlene joined HECK on the packing line when she was just 19, working her way up through the ranks to her current role in the production office.
A day later at an online awards ceremony held on Thursday 7 July, HECK’s marketing team scooped Team of the Year at the UK Business Awards. Now in their seventh year, the awards recognise the organisations, teams and individuals shaping the future of British business & enterprise and developing outstanding business initiatives.
On winning her award, HECK’s Charlene Sedgwick said: “To win any award is a great achievement, but this one means so much to me because it is one of three specifically designed to recognise young talent in the poultry sector. I started working on the production line at HECK when I was just 19 and I’m still here 10 years later because it’s such a fun and flexible place to work. I get to work with family and friends, and in an industry I love, so it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Of their Team of the Year award win, Becky Keeble in the HECK marketing team said: “We are a young team and love to think outside the box and make things happen. We’re all friends and family, some have even known each other since primary school, so we have a real bond and winning this award is special because it’s recognition of all the hard work and effort from everyone on the team.”
