Doncaster property developer secures £7m funding to accelerate growth across South Yorkshire
Fenwood Estates, the Doncaster-based land and property development company, has secured a significant new funding line as it continues to expand and develop new sites across South Yorkshire.
The company has secured £7m funding from the St Bride’s White Rose Residential Partnership to recycle into new land opportunities in South Yorkshire over the next four years. This supports both the ongoing growth of the family-owned firm and the Partnership’s desire to invest in residential schemes with a social and economic impact.
Fenwood will now use this facility to invest in 1 to 5 acre brownfield and greenfield sites, either with or without planning consent, across Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley.
Schofield Sweeney advised Fenwood Estates. Walker Morris and Clegram advised the St Bride’s White Rose Residential Partnership.
Melissa Kroger, Managing Director of Fenwood Estates, said: “This is a fantastic vote of confidence to accelerate our plans to bring thoughtfully designed quality new homes to a greater number of buyers over the next four years.
“We’re flexible in the 1 to 5 acre sites we will consider acquiring, with the technical capability to take on sites either close to major population centres or as part of urban edge extensions – including those with difficult ground conditions.
“On a personal note, the pandemic was a difficult time for ourselves like other SME land and property developers and I’m thrilled this funding package with St Bride’s allows the business to properly look forward – continuing the proud record of our family-run business over the past four decades.”
Ian Houston, partner at St Bride’s Managers, said: “This is the second funding deal the Partnership has completed in South Yorkshire in the last six months and we are delighted to be supporting Fenwood with their growth plans to deliver quality homes in the region.
“We will continue to look at opportunities to back well-run housebuilding businesses who have a track record of delivering homes across South Yorkshire.”
Neil Terrett, director of Clegram who advised St Bride’s Managers, added: “As SME housebuilders grow they are often held back by transactional project by project lending. St Bride’s offers a true relationship-backed approach which understands the needs of the housebuilder to work on a number of sites simultaneously whilst still being able to take advantage of land opportunities. Their relationship with Fenwood will see not only private sale homes delivered but also a number of homes for private rental too.”
Harrogate hotel acquired by The Inn Collection Group
The Inn Collection Group has completed the purchase of the 90-room Hotel St George in Harrogate.
The northern pub company has bought the Edwardian site in the centre of the historic spa town for an undisclosed value, as it continues to broaden its customer base across Yorkshire.
Sean Donkin, Managing Director of The Inn Collection Group, said: “The Hotel St George is an exciting acquisition for us as we continue to expand our customer base and imprint in Yorkshire while continuing to roll out our buy and build strategy as an operator.
“We have had Harrogate in our sights for a considerable time while identifying a site that is a fit with our ‘Eat, Drink, Sleep and Explore’ brand. We are delighted to have completed on this superb site which will be a tremendous asset for our customers and our portfolio of inns in the best UK locations.”
He added: “The Hotel St George has everything we look for in a The Inn Collection Group venue: A first-class destination, placing our guests into the heart of the UK’s best locations – it is a perfect site for exploring Harrogate and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales.
“We are looking forward to enhancing this stunning building so it delivers its full potential for visitors and customers living in and around the locality in Harrogate.”
The Hotel St George is on the town’s famous Parliament Hill, close to attractions including the heritage town’s Turkish Baths and Betty’s Tearooms. The site, which includes The Swaledale Restaurant and six function rooms, will continue trading under the group’s ‘Eat, Drink, Sleep and Explore’ pub with rooms brand before undergoing careful refurbishment and remodelling works in 2022.
The purchase of The Hotel St George follows the Alchemy-backed group’s acquisitions of landmark Yorkshire venues The Dower House in Knaresborough, The Dean Court in York and The Ripon Spa Hotel in Ripon as The Inn Collection Group continues to deliver new deal and organic growth strategies in Yorkshire, supported with banking from OakNorth.
Elsewhere in Yorkshire, The Inn Collection Group is redeveloping Northallerton’s former police station into a 32-bedroom pub with rooms called The Northallerton Inn.
Ward Hadaway corporate partner Imogen Holland provided legal advice on the Hotel St George acquisition with Silverstone and Bradley Hall advising on pre diligence.
Neil Hart, group managing director at Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, said: “We are proud to have supported The Inn Collection Group with another acquisition – adding to its impressive portfolio and further cementing the firm as a leader in its field and an ambitious and successful operator.
“Yorkshire is a hub of opportunity, offering a wealth of reasons to live, work and stay across a variety of attractive, vibrant and prosperous areas within the county.”
Gavin Wright, senior director (hotels and hospitality) at JLL advised on the sale on behalf of the vendors.
The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo returns
The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo is back for 2022, providing everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation.
A well targeted, free to attend event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets, for which Business Link is a proud partner, the expo will take place on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln.
Take this opportunity to meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
Opening at 9am, as the exhibition closes (circa 2pm), it will roll directly into an informal network lunch – tickets are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online.
To attend the event, register for free here.
To generate opportunities by exhibiting at the event, click here.
Purchase tickets to the networking lunch here.
Anglian Water to upgrade their Caistor water recycling centre
Anglian Water is starting work on 14th February to upgrade equipment and storage at their Caistor water recycling centre. The scheme marks a £7 million investment, as part of a larger programme of work totalling over £100 million across the region, which includes installing new storm water storage and Phosphorus removal treatment at 110 water recycling sites.
The work is targeted specifically at increasing resilience across the region, which is likely to see the impacts of a changing climate – like drought and flooding – more keenly than anywhere else in the UK. It forms part of the company’s Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) between 2020-2025.
The drains and sewers in Caistor transport used water to the water recycling centre off Navigation Lane, where it is cleaned before being returned safely to the local environment. In extreme weathers the local system can become overwhelmed and that is when flooding happens.
Nicola Harvey from Anglian Water explained “We are investing £7 million to install new equipment to tackle the growing issue of extreme weather, as well as to strengthen the current water treatment process and upgrade the site to handle larger flows. The plan is to install new filters, dosing equipment and storage tanks to increase capacity by almost 300m³ litres.”
As a result of climate change, the region can expect more bouts of extreme weather, sudden downpours, and rising sea levels. The East of England is also the lowest and flattest part of the UK which means gravity helps far less than elsewhere to assist flow through catchments. Water stays where it falls and flows. Not only this, but there is a rapidly growing population meaning the region is expected to grow by 175,000 homes in the next five years. More homes mean more hard, impermeable surfaces and therefore an additional risk of flooding.
Nicola added, “All of these factors mean that we need resilient infrastructure that can rise to the challenge and help us protect the environment at the same time. Being able to store excess water on our sites means that less ends up in our rivers, seas and some of the unique habitats in our region.”
Work will be completed by August 2022 and will take place on the existing site so there will be minimal disruption to residents.
Council leaders call for Government action over Liberty Steel
Sheffield City Council leader Cllr Terry Fox and deputy leader Cllr Julie Grocutt have called for Government action over the growing concerns about the future of Liberty Steel.
Liberty Steel has a key site in Stocksbridge which is an important part of the local economy – during a ward visit the leader and deputy added their calls for the Government to step in and ensure the steelworks can continue to operate.
It was reported last week that HMRC is issuing winding up orders on Liberty Steel, causing uncertainty for the future of hundreds of jobs in Stocksbridge and Rotherham. Around 700 people are employed at the Stocksbridge plant.
The steelworks has been part of the town’s history since the 1840s and is the home of the paragon umbrella frame. Its highly specialised products supply the aerospace industry as well as oil and gas.
Cllr Julie Grocutt, who represents the Stocksbridge and Upper Don Ward, said: “This is a devastating time for all the people who work at the steelworks, for their families and indeed for the whole town.
“The steelworks is a such an important part of our town we really need to secure its future. We have called for the Government to protect this site before, and we really need that support more than ever to protect this hugely important local asset.”
Cllr Fox was visiting Stocksbridge as part of a fact-finding visit in the town to discuss local issues as well as the £24.1 million Town’s Fund Investment which Stocksbridge is to benefit from.
Work begins on £11.7m Queens Gardens redevelopment
Work begins today (Monday 14 February) on the £11.7m redevelopment of Queens Gardens in Hull.
The first stage of the redevelopment will include the refurbishment of the Rose Bowl Fountain and the removal of the bandstand which is being relocated to Pickering Park.
The first stage of works are due to be completed in June 2022. The works are being carried out in two phases, with completion expected late 2023.
Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “Today marks the start of this fantastic project that will transform our city centre and play an important role in our future prosperity.
“I am pleased we are starting near the Rose Bowl, much improving accessibility for all residents and visitors to this much-loved space near the fountain.
“Queens Gardens is a fantastic urban green space but it is in desperate need of redevelopment and investment. I am particularly excited about the planting of already established mature rare trees as part of this development, which will futureproof it to react to challenges posed by climate change.
“The Queens Gardens redevelopment, alongside the new urban park we are creating as part of the Albion Square development, demonstrates our commitment to, and value of green spaces.”
The first stage of works will see the planting of the first Metasequoia tree – a species of conifer known as redwoods. Metasequoia trees are fast-growing and can grow to 50 metres in height.
The tree is one of the dozens of trees, of various size and majority, that will be planted during the project.
This includes the planting of new, feature trees that can cope with changes in climate and native trees to replace those that are in a poor condition or require removal due to the design of the park or the undertaking of essential structural repairs.
For every tree removed, three trees will be planted in the gardens and in other locations across the city centre.
Trees will be replaced and planted providing appropriate replacement species, improving foliage and providing a good source of nectar and pollen for birds, bees and insects to enhance biodiversity. The trees will also add seasonal colour along the perimeter of the gardens, complimenting the surrounding colours and architecture of buildings.
Some of the trees within the planting scheme are on the endangered species list.
The project’s contractor, C R Reynolds, is commencing the first stage of works on Monday 14 February.
The first stage of works include conservation and consolidation works to the Rose Bowl Fountain to improve the overall visual appearance of the fountain within the garden setting. This will include upgrading the water systems, water fountains and decorative lighting.
Demolition of the café building will also take place during the first stage of the works, with the removal of the Robinson Crusoe plaque which will be relocated elsewhere within the city centre.
The Queens Gardens bandstand will also be relocated to Pickering Park.
The Queens Gardens project includes the improvement of accessibility and visitor flows, delivery of structural repairs through rebuilding the perimeter walls, introduction of bespoke pieces of public art, improvement of biodiversity and the regeneration of a much-loved open space.
The project will make the gardens fit for purpose, futureproofing the space and its ability to host large-scale events. The history of the gardens will be incorporated in its design, reconnecting it with the origins of the space as a former dock.
The project includes the introduction of various art installations and the creation of a large and flexible event space.
The redevelopment will incorporate modern, eco-friendly features including electric charging points for taxis and the introduction of plants and trees to increase the gardens’ biodiversity.
The plans for the gardens are sympathetic to those of Sir Fredrick Gibberd, one of England’s most distinguished 20th-century architects who redesigned the gardens in the 1950s.
The Queens Gardens refurbishment is an integral part of the Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project as it will link the Hull Maritime Museum to the North End Shipyard – which will be the new home of the historic Arctic Corsair. The shipyard is being transformed into a new visitor attraction, which will tell its rich story for the first time.
York awarded Purple Flag for evening economy excellence
York has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag, for achieving excellence in the evening and night-time economy, joining cities, such as Bournemouth, Bristol, Halifax, Oxford and Winchester.
Awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flag is an international accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches, that strives to help create safe and thriving locations at night for visitors and residents. It allows members of the public to identify town and city centres that offer an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out.
Work on securing the accreditation began in September 2019, when proposals were approved to coordinate work with residents, businesses and visitors in the city centre through the development of Purple Flag model, leading to an application for Purple Flag accreditation, and the coordination of the city’s safety advisory group (SAG).
Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of the council said: “Partnership work is key to supporting York city centre’s night-time economy to be vibrant, accessible and safe.
“It is the challenges and varying needs of visitors and residents that we have sought to address through bringing together those involved in the day time, evening and night time economies, to develop joint plans and make York even safer. This award is a great vote of confidence in that work as well as well as a further boost to our recovery and our credentials as a great and vibrant city.”
Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID commented: “Statistically York is a very safe city, but there is always more we can do. Covid-19 has seen York become a top staycation destination in the UK and in 2021 a third of all visits to the city centre were from local people.
“Its vitally important to city businesses that we continue to make people feel safe and welcome and Purple Flag status shows a great commitment to this”.
Martin Bradnam, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, York, added: “This is an amazing achievement for the city, and reflects what York is all about – putting our visitors and residents first.
“Having been an active partner, working with the council to achieve this accreditation, I was astounded and very proud to witness the services the city provides to underline the safety of night time economy, from the street wardens, to the River patrol, to the local police, ambulance services and guards at the railway, promoting a dry zone. All are actively helping to support and promote York as a great, safe and family friendly place to visit and enjoy.”
A spokesperson for the ATCM said: “The last few years have not been what anyone expected and we have had to tread new territory in the fight against COVID-19. Purple Flag has been instrumental in reopening policies and strategies with key stakeholders as our towns and cities adjust to the new way of life with the pandemic.
“Highlights in York include active licensing and public health enforcement, a clear commitment and passion for Purple Flag through the partnership, and examples of fantastic initiatives like the ‘My City Centre’ project”
Senior councillors approve £7.2 million district heating extension
Senior councillors have approved plans to invest £7.2 million extending the city’s flagship district heating network by 2500 metres so that more buildings can enjoy the benefits of reliable, affordable, and low carbon heating.
The £47 million Leeds PIPES network supplied 13,900 MWh of low carbon heat in 2021 and continues to grow. It is set to become one of the UK’s largest heat networks.
Five new extensions will see the Leeds PIPES district heating network expand into new areas of the city.
The council has identified at least nine sites that will be able to connect because of the approved extensions—potentially using another 11,600 MWh of sustainable heat every year.
By using heat and energy recovered from non-recyclable waste at the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) to provide hot water to buildings in the city, the network offers a reliable and significantly lower carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuel powered heating systems.
The scheme currently supplies heat recovered from the waste of approximately 10,700 Leeds households saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon from being emitted in 2021.
Buildings and new developments located near the network can choose to connect at any time. Almost 2,000 homes, commercial and public buildings have already connected to the scheme.
The project has also helped employ more than 430 people in the local low carbon sector including 36 apprentices.
Energy used to heating and power buildings is responsible for around a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions. In its ‘Heat and buildings strategy’ published last year, the UK Government set out how low carbon heat networks will play an increasingly significant role as the country tackles climate change.
New regulations are expected to be introduced by 2025 which will give councils the power to require certain existing buildings and new developments to connect to networks in pre-defined zones. Leeds City Council is now working with government to test the methodology used to establish these zones before a wider rollout.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “Our city’s waste-powered district heating network is a great example of an innovative scheme that supports our long-term net zero carbon ambitions whilst enabling residents and businesses to enjoy reliable and affordable heating now.
“Economically, the planned expansion is also a fantastic investment for the council as well as those privately connecting. As the wholesale price of gas rises and as more and more building managers and developers seek to reduce their carbon footprint, our district heating offer has become even more competitive.”
Mike Cooke, Managing Director (North & Scotland) of Vital Energi, said: “As a result of visionary investment and working collaboratively with partners, Leeds PIPES has very quickly established itself as one of the UK’s major heat networks.
“As the network continues to grow it becomes more efficient and accessible to potential connections, enabling the transition from fossil fuels to deliver more carbon savings and contribute to a cleaner, greener Leeds.”
A report to executive board with the recommendations approved by councillors on Wednesday can be read online.
Commercial property company swoops for Bingley shopping centre
LCP, the national commercial property and investment company, has added a shopping centre in Bingley, West Yorkshire, to its growing portfolio.
The 5 Rise Shopping Centre, acquired for an undisclosed sum, is an open-air convenience centre with 18 retail units over 62,094 sq ft. It is anchored by a 17,000 sq ft Co-op supermarket with other retailers including Poundland, Home Bargains, Costa, Greggs, Timpsons and Card Factory.
Other occupiers include Boots, BetFred and a Harvester pub, while Bingley Library is located beneath the Home Bargains unit. Only one unit of 1,995 sq ft remains available.
The acquisition comes hot on the heels of its £138 million purchase of The Cwmbran Centre in Wales and the Galleries shopping centre in Washington, Sunderland, and takes the group’s retail acquisitions over the past 12 months to a record £300 million.
George Kearney, asset manager at LCP, said the 5Rise Shopping Centre is at the heart of the community in Bingley, is close to the primary town centre bus stops and forms the main pedestrian link between Aldi and Lidl.
“Bingley is a thriving market town and the centre is well used, with a healthy footfall, so we recognise it as a great investment,” he said. “We understand just how important these smaller, local centres are to the communities they are located in and have focused our acquisitions over the past few years on this sector.
“As we are renowned for our proactive asset management approach, we’re looking forward to working with the tenants and local community, as well as attracting a new occupier for that final unit that’s available.”
Downes Consulting acted as agent for LCP on the acquisition.
79% of business leaders expect to use remote working in the long-term
An Institute of Directors survey of almost 700 business leaders in January 2022 has shown that around 8 out of 10 organisations plan to adopt remote working in the long-term.
The research found that over a quarter (27%) of directors expect their organisations to be fully flexible, with the use of remote working being down to the individual staff member, and a further 39% intend to shift towards one to four days of remote working per week.
An additional 13% reported their organisation moving entirely to remote working, while just 16% are not planning to introduce any form of remote working.
The IoD also found that business leaders were split on whether working from home was more or less productive. 43% said remote working was more productive, while 31% felt it was less productive for their work.
However, women have found remote working more productive than men. The net positive (percentage finding remote working more productive, minus the percentage less productive) for women is +42, compared to just +7 for men.
Commenting on the findings, Alex (Alexandra) Hall-Chen, senior policy adviser at the Institute of Directors, said: “It is clear that businesses are embracing remote and hybrid working beyond the pandemic.
“Remote working can be a powerful tool in improving employees’ work/life balance and job satisfaction, which contributes to a more engaged and productive workforce. It can also give employers access to a wider and more diverse talent pool, something particularly valuable in today’s competitive labour market.
“However, remote working is not suitable for all organisations. Different businesses have different needs, and companies will work closely with their employees to find the best solutions.”
