Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development, near Sheffield. The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site from Hellaby to Woodhouse Link. An online retail giant has also agreed a deal for unit 4, where work is set to complete in February on the 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office. As a result, only one unit now remains at Woodhouse Link following last year’s letting of unit 3 to BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd. It is expected that all of the units will be let pre-completion as the remaining unit 2, which offers 13,200 sq ft of warehouse space, is already under offer. Local construction company, Harris CM, is currently on-site delivering 116,505 sq ft of prime industrial space across the four high specification units. All of the units will be ready for occupation in spring 2022 when Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs. Simon Peters, development director at Network Space, said: “Securing a further two significant deals at Woodhouse Link prior to its completion is testament to the quality of space and the great location close to the M1, Sheffield and Rotherham. This, combined with the 24/7 access and wide range of permitted uses has led to strong enquiry levels and the final unit is already under offer.” Woodhouse Link lies close to junctions 31 and 33 of the M1, to the east of Sheffield and on the south side of Rotherham, within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District and close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley. The development has planning permission for 24/7 operation and is suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses. The detached and self-contained units all provide secure storage yards and parking, 8 to 10 metre high eaves, integral offices and are designed to a high sustainability standard, including EV charging points, and to a BREEAM Very Good rating. Avison Young and CPP are responsible for marketing the site. Colliers advised nVent on the acquisition of the property. Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young, said: “We were delighted to agree and complete lettings on Units 1 and 4 prior to practical completion, and to attract to the scheme both a leading online retailer, and the relocation of a well-known local occupier. “We had received strong interest in both units from other occupiers, as we did for Unit 2, prior to agreeing terms on it with the chosen party. We look forward to seeing construction complete shortly, and the estate fully occupied and functioning in the next few months.” Ed Norris, director at CPP, said: “The latest deals announced at Woodhouse confirm the quality of the location and building on offer. It is fantastic to conclude these deals prior to practical completion of the units and gives confidence to the region.” The Woodhouse Link project team includes DLA Architecture, Spawforths planners, Tetra Tech and CJR Midlands M&E engineers, Walker Sime QS and project management and Gateley legal.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold one of the UK’s most prestigious and well-known snooker venues, the Northern Snooker Centre (NSC) in Leeds. Brought to the market for the first time in 48 years last September following the decision by the major shareholder of the business to retire, the disposal generated considerable interest from within the professional ranks of the snooker and cue sports industry, from national and regional experiential leisure operators, as well as from individual investors. The Williamson family, which has owned “The Northern” since 1974, was keen to see the heritage of the business preserved and invested in and, following receipt of a number of offers for the business considerably in excess of the £750,000 guide price, the successful bidder and new owner of the business is Yorkshire-based business, Concept Taverns. Chris and June Williamson said: “We are delighted to be leaving The Northern in good hands after so many years. Chris’ brother Ian and sister Vanessa will be continuing their coaching and front of house roles with the business and assisting with continuity.” Managing Director of Concept Taverns, Ben Warren, added: “Whilst Concept Taverns operates a portfolio of independent pubs in the West Yorkshire area, the management team has significant experience in the cue sports sector. When the Northern Snooker Centre became available, we saw this as a one-off opportunity to acquire a great asset on our doorstep and one that would fit exceptionally well with our knowledge base.” Jon Patrick, head of leisure & development at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, concluded: “The sale of the Northern Snooker Centre is further evidence that the depth of interest in high-quality licensed leisure businesses has remained strong throughout the pandemic. With over 375 hospitality and leisure sale transactions completed by Christie & Co during 2021 alone, and with investor demand remaining high, 2022 has already got off to a good start with the sale of The Northern in excess of the guide price.” Blacks Solicitors LLP represented the Northern Snooker Centre and ALT Legal acted on behalf of Concept Taverns.

Work to transform Hull’s Maritime Museum has got underway. Thanks to investment from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a multi-million-pound refurbishment of Maritime Museum got underway at the beginning of January 2022 by Yorkshire based company, Simpson. The transformation will see major changes to the building and exhibitions, offering residents and visitors a much-improved experience and secure the museum’s future well into the 21st century. More of the Victorian architecture revealed for the first time, the second floor will open to the public as well as access to one of the building’s domes, offering views across the city skyline. A new three-storey foyer will draw people into the heart of the building, providing a visually stunning and thematic introduction to the galleries beyond. This will be created by re-opening up the original light well that helped to illuminate the Victorian dock offices. New galleries and control systems will allow the museum to host the very best national and international exhibitions. Physical accessibility to the building will undergo major improvements whilst remaining sensitive to the original architecture, including a new entrance ramp and stairs, lift and changing place. Expected to re-open in early 2025, 50 per cent more objects will be on display, along with new exhibitions and stories, an extended gift shop and a brand-new café area will also be created. Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The refurbishment of the Hull Maritime Museum is a significant milestone for the Hull Maritime project. It will be great to see the transformation as it progresses, creating a museum that will attract new and more diverse visitors. “This major investment will ensure the stories of Hull’s maritime past will continue to be told, and importantly in new and engaging ways to showcase our significant collections to the world. “Whilst we will all miss visiting the museum and its collection, this work is vital to its future and the result will be well worth the wait.” The specialist works will be undertaken by award-winning heritage contractor Simpson based in York, who have a proven track record in delivering prestigious restoration and refurbishments projects like the Hull Maritime Museum. These include the Grade I listed World Heritage Site Durham Cathedral, Grade I listed Ledston Hall, York Art Gallery, Bowes Museum, Cliffords Tower and Castle Howard. David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is fantastic news that, thanks to the National Lottery players, the Hull Maritime Museum is now entered its renovation phase, a significant milestone for the Hull Maritime City project which we are proud to support. “As work also progresses at the former Dock Office Chambers and on the two iconic historic ships, the Arctic Corsair and the Spurn Lightship, we are looking forward to witnessing the transformation that Hull Maritime is bringing to Hull. We know that heritage in the North can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in people’s hometowns and cities, and in turn boosting the local economy, and this project is a fantastic example of that.” Managing Director, Andrew Gatenby at Simpson, said: “We are proud to be the main contractor on the works to the historic Hull Maritime Museum. We are looking forward to working with Hull City Council in creating a wonderful attraction for all to enjoy.” The £12m refurbishment of the Maritime Museum is part of the Hull Maritime project, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other significant improvements involve the restoration of the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair and regenerating the North End Shipyard.