Detailed proposed routes for first phase of new West Yorkshire mass transit network released
Detailed proposed routes for the first phase of a new West Yorkshire mass transit network have been released by Mayor Tracy Brabin.
Phase one of the mass transit network aims to connect St James’ Hospital with south Leeds, with another line running from Bradford city centre to Leeds city centre.
Leeds and Bradford have been chosen as the hubs from which the West Yorkshire mass transit network can grow, as they are the region’s most concentrated centres of population, business, leisure and retail.
All potential phase one options for the Leeds Line run close to the White Rose Centre, with two route options also running close to Elland Road.
Some of the other places the proposed route options would aim to connect include Leeds General Infirmary, The South Bank, Holbeck and Beeston.
The Bradford Line will connect people between Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre with the proposed route options aiming to connect areas like Thornbury, Laisterdyke, Pudsey, Armley and Wortley.
Linking up these communities will enable more people to get to jobs and training and education opportunities, all while working towards tackling the climate emergency.
The Combined Authority wants to hear views from as many people as possible – a public consultation, open to everyone, will run until September 30.
Feedback from members of the public will help identify benefits and issues with the mass transit routes options for Leeds and Bradford, improve proposals and help decide which of these options will go forward to create a Leeds Line and a Bradford Line.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “West Yorkshire is a truly special place to live and work, but learning, earning a living or spending time with friends and family should not be limited by a difficult journey.
“A crucial part of our growth mission, Mass Transit will transform the transport options available to the people of West Yorkshire, as well as attracting investment into the region and boosting our economy.
“We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.”
Once preferred routes have been developed, a further statutory consultation will follow in 2025. This consultation will include proposals for tram stops, depots, potential park and ride sites and engineering works.
In parallel with phase one, the Combined Authority will continue to work with Kirklees Council on the Dewsbury Line Development Project, as well as Calderdale and Wakefield councils for future phases, so no part of West Yorkshire is left behind.
Following this options consultation and the preferred route consultation in 2025, an application to the Secretary of State for Transport would be made for legal powers and planning permission to build and operate phase one.
This would be in the form of a Transport Works Act Order in the second half of 2026.
Work is expected to begin in 2028, with first lines operational by the early 2030s.
Work to start on council-backed housing scheme in Leeds
Work is set to begin on a new scheme that will deliver 28 affordable and sustainable homes in the Armley area of Leeds.
The properties will be built by 54North Homes on a brownfield site on Wesley Road, using funding provided by Leeds City Council and Homes England.
The £5.1m development will comprise 26 houses and two flats – 22 of which will be available for social rent and six for shared ownership.
An emphasis on sustainability will see the homes being built with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water. The scheme will also accommodate existing mature trees, along with individual gardens and open landscaped areas.
The homes have been designed by Brewster Bye Architects, the building contractor is Ashfield Projects (Yorkshire) Ltd and BWA has been appointed as the employers’ agent.
Up to £700,000 of the funding for the scheme will come from Leeds City Council. This money is being drawn from Leeds’ commuted sums funding stream, which supports affordable housing delivery using pooled financial contributions paid by developers as part of planning agreements.
All initial tenancies – and 60 per cent of subsequent lets – will be offered to people on the council’s housing register.
Joanna Chambers, director of assets and growth at 54North Homes, said: “We are delighted to be beginning work on this development very shortly which forms part of our ambitious growth programme to build around 250 new homes over the next three years.
“In Leeds this includes a £12m scheme to build 58 new affordable homes on Railway Street near the city centre and 40 homes within the new Kirkstall Place development – all of which will help to address the acute need for more affordable housing in the city.
“Wesley Road will be a great looking scheme, it has been designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area and I am excited to see the plans become reality. It benefits from excellent local transport links to the city centre and will be the first development where 54North Homes is installing air source heat pumps, marking an important step on our sustainability agenda.
“As well as being committed to building energy efficient new homes, 54North Homes is also undertaking work to adapt some of the older homes we own to ensure they are as healthy, energy efficient and affordable for customers to run as possible.”
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “We’re determined to ensure Leeds is a place that people are proud to call home, and one key way we can achieve that aim is through schemes such as the one at Wesley Road.
“These new properties will be high quality and energy efficient – and it’s particularly pleasing that so many of them will be available for social rents.
“The scheme will also bring a derelict piece of land within an existing residential area back into use to create a vibrant neighbourhood, and provides a great example of the benefits of collaborative working between the council and partners.
“We have seen an annual average of 550 affordable homes delivered in the city in recent years, with the figure for each of the next three years expected to rise to around 750.
“This isn’t just about numbers, however – every home, including the ones that will shortly be taking shape at Wesley Road, represents happiness and a welcome feeling of security for the people living in them.”
The site for the scheme was formerly owned by the Diocese of Leeds and is located at the southern end of Wesley Road, near St Bartholomew’s Church.
Lloyds Banking Group to convert former office and data centre in Pudsey into new social housing
To increase the supply of new social housing in the UK, Lloyds Banking Group has revealed intentions for the redevelopment of decommissioned Group data centres and former office sites into new social housing projects.
The construction of the first site in Pudsey, formerly an office and data centre, is set to commence in 2026.
Subject to planning permission, the redevelopment will create up to 80 new homes that could be available for social rent and help to increase the supply of good, affordable homes in the UK.
A full review of the Group’s legacy commercial real-estate portfolio is currently underway, with plans progressing to finalise additional sites that could also be developed by housing partners as social housing in the coming years.
Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive Officer, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Everyone has the right to build a future from the foundation of a secure home. Social housing is part of this country’s critical infrastructure, and we need to direct and increase investment into the right homes, in the places they’re needed most.
“Lloyds Banking Group has provided £17 billion of support to the sector since 2018 and today we also have announced our plans to redevelop decommissioned Group data centres and former office sites for new housing projects – and I would encourage others to also consider this.”
BPI Asset Advisory acquires Plant & Machinery Division of Michael Steel & Co
Normanton-based RICS asset valuation & disposal firm, BPI Asset Advisory (BPI AA), has acquired the Plant & Machinery (P&M) Division of Leeds’ Michael Steel & Co to support growth plans.
As part of the deal, Mark Hodgson joins fellow BPI AA directors and valuers, Andy Cromack and Luke Hartshorn, further boosting the businesses valuation capacity.
Mark brings a wealth of P&M valuation experience, spanning corporate and personal insolvency instructions, accrued over 35 years. Michelle Goulden also joins the BPI team increasing case management resource.
The acquisition enables BPI AA’s continued growth amongst regional & national advisory, lending and insolvency firms, without compromising its offering for independent firms. Combined with BPI’s ability to provide a three to five week turnaround asset sale period, regardless of instruction size, the deal ensures the continued swift delivery of results in line with client expectations.
Director, Andy Cromack (MRICS) says: “The P&M division of Michael Steel & Co is well known in the industry and we’re delighted to have Mark on board. His depth of knowledge across asset values will contribute to the delivery of accurate and expedient RICS valuations the market knows BPI AA for.”
Mark Hodgson says: “We built the P&M practice by putting client requirements first. The synergies with BPI AA’s approach to client relationships and prioritising delivery made the move a natural fit. Both Michelle and I are delighted to be part of BPI team.”
BPI Group MD David Boulton says: “Valuation and sale turn-around times are pivotal to BPI’s offering. The acquisition delivers growth for the Asset Advisory division and allows us to continue to respond rapidly to the needs of our clients.”
Michael Steel & Co property division is not part of the deal. It remains a separate trading entity and is open for business as usual.
Environment Agency urges farmers to prepare for winter slurry storage
The Environment Agency (EA) is urging farmers to start their preparations now for winter slurry storage, and to contact the EA if they have any concerns.
Wet weather throughout the year has already put pressures on farms’ storage and if this continues, it is important to have enough storage and a robust back up plan in place.
Environment Agency Deputy Director for Agriculture Nicola Riley said: “We know the profound impact that wet weather can have on farmers and their slurry storage. It is important that we help farmers to get ready ahead of time by supplying guidance and practical solutions.
“That’s why we’re urging farmers to start their preparations now, with the Environment Agency on hand to help farmers find the right solutions that work for them.”
The EA is encouraging farmers to start their preparations now, and to contact them for advice if necessary.Gateley continues revenue growth streak
Gateley has hailed a “good financial performance” in its audited results for the year ended 30 April 2024 (FY24), as the professional services group extends its unbroken record of revenue growth since IPO in 2015.
The business increased revenue by 6% to £172.5m, while delivering an underlying profit before tax of £23m (slipping from £25.1m in the previous year) after reinstating the payment of employee bonuses of £4.5m.
Gateley said this was “in recognition of our people’s contribution to a resilient outturn and our more positive outlook as we move into FY25.”
During the year, the company continued execution of its M&A strategy with the July 2023 acquisition of Richard Julian and Associates Limited (RJA).
Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “I am pleased with our FY24 outturn given our cautious view of market conditions during the Period, particularly around the turn of the calendar year in H2. Our people have worked hard to deliver another year of growth via our increasingly diverse and resilient business model, combining complementary legal and consultancy services.
“During the Period we continued to make organic and acquisitive investments in both our legal and consultancy services and in related systems. RJA Consultants was acquired onto our Property Platform in July 2023, adding further expertise and capacity to our quantity surveying and project management offering. It is already performing ahead of the board’s expectation.
“Our legal services class actions team, established in May 2023, launched its first case in late February 2024. Our investment in this team is a high-profile example of the type of investment that we are looking to make to enhance our returns over the medium to longer-term.
“Our M&A and lateral hire pipeline remains encouraging and we are committed to further enhancing each of our Platforms as suitable opportunities arise, aided by our net cash position and ample headroom in our banking facilities.
“Looking forward, we are encouraged by strengthening transactional activity levels, which began in Q4 FY24. Our immediate outlook is best characterised as cautiously optimistic. Our resilient and financially robust foundation, allied to our unbroken track-record of growth, underpins our confidence to continue our long-term strategy of investment in people and systems.
“This strategy has worked well for us since IPO in 2015 and through disciplined application of it, we ensure that the Group remains well-positioned for further growth and enhanced returns for all stakeholders.”
Duo of solar projects get go-ahead in Lincolnshire
Plans for two new solar projects are set to go ahead in Lincolnshire, despite local opposition.
The Gate Burton Energy Park application and Mallard Pass Solar Project application have been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Ship named after Yorkshire is launched in Japan
Fifty years after Drax Power Station stared generating power in North Yorkshire the Drax Group has named and launched a new transport ship the ‘Ultra Yorkshire’, in a ceremony at the Shin Kurushima Shipyard in Japan.
The ship is owned by Ultrabulk, which invited Drax to name the vessel in honour of the anniversary, and Drax selected the name in tribute to the county that is home to the power station.
Drax and Ultrabulk, the Danish-based global dry bulk operator, have a longstanding partnership. Ultrabulk is Drax’s largest freight provider and plays a key role in the company’s biomass supply chain, shipping sustainable wood pellets to Drax Power Station in the UK and to Japanese customers.
The ‘Ultra Yorkshire’ is a 40,000dwt bulk carrier and the launch ceremony was attended by representatives from Drax, Ultrabulk, the Shin Kirushima shipyard and a number of Japanese corporations.
Mark Gibbens, Drax Group’s Head of Logistics, said: “We are honoured that Ultrabulk allowed us to name the Ultra Yorkshire as part of Drax Power Station’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations. It was a privilege to participate in the launch ceremony of the new ship.
“Drax Power Station has kept the lights on for millions of homes and businesses across the UK over the years and, following its conversion to biomass generation, companies in our supply chain like Ultrabulk have become critical to its continued operation. We are proud of our strong and longstanding relationship with Ultrabulk.”
Ultrabulk CEO Hans-Christian Olesen said: “We are proud to celebrate the Drax Group and its fiftieth anniversary through the launch of the Ultra Yorkshire. This vessel is a great symbol of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainability and efficient logistics. We have always appreciated our close collaboration with Drax, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership for many years to come.”
Hull-based Sewell Construction wins recognition for transformation of former fire station
The transformation of Hull’s former central fire station into a new creative studio for Ron Dearing University Technical College has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The project by Sewell Construction to refurbish the disused fire station into a state-of-the-art sustainable learning space was the winner of the Regeneration and Retrofit category at the Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber Awards.
The project then went on to take home the overall ‘Best of the Best’ prize as the top winner out of all projects showcased on the night, being commended for its sympathetic yet sustainable conversion of the building into a modern education facility.
The STEAM Studios are a dedicated centre for creativity, opened by Ron Dearing UTC in September 2023. The facility contains a gallery and exhibition space, 2D and 3D art studios, a photography studio and a sixth form independent study centre, as well as being used to educate engineering students about opportunities in green skills.
The judges were impressed by the long-term view the refurbishment took towards the carbon footprint of the studio, ensuring the fabric of the building was upgraded so the site will use less energy to heat in future, helping the UTC on its journey to net zero.
Chris Soper, MD of Sewell Construction said: “The STEAM Studios project was fantastic to work on, as the team at the UTC were really receptive to our ideas about how to make the building as sustainable as possible. Instead of trying to chase quick wins, they were happy to work with us to look a bit differently at the refurbishment, enabling us to support their long term journey to net zero. It’s vital for the sustainability of our cities that we learn to work with existing buildings to breathe new life into them and make them more efficient, instead of simply knocking them down and building anew.
“The STEAM Studios are now a fantastic new facility for the UTC, not only giving students a space to express their creativity, but also enabling students to learn from a real life case study about how careers in green skills can combine design, creativity and technical knowledge.”
Sarah Pashley, Principal at Ron Dearing UTC said: “The STEAM Studios project has enabled Ron Dearing UTC to offer an additional 200 student places, which is fantastic. STEAM Studios provides a beautiful, purpose-designed facility for students studying our creative subjects and those studying Renewables modules on our Engineering qualifications. The design and build process was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about sustainable construction practices and we are very grateful to Sewell Construction for involving them in this process. We are also extremely grateful to Orsted for their sponsorship which provided the additional funding we needed to upgrade the fabric of the building to ensure its energy efficiency.“
The Sewell Construction team will now go on to the UK finals of the awards in November, where they’ll be hoping to repeat their success at a national level.
Sewell Construction, who have their headquarters in Hull, deliver a range of construction projects across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Part of the larger Sewell Group, the company works on design, build, refurbishment and retrofit schemes, and recent projects have included the refurbishment of the Endeavour building for Hull Trinity House Academy, the creation of new T-Level facilities at Bradford College, the construction of West Hull health Hub and the refurbishment of The Edge fitness centre at the University of Leeds.
Matt’s furniture firm gets £2k grant to help buy CNC machine
Saltaire-based furniture design and production business Plaey, which works with galleries and museums including the TATE, The Hepworth Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, has received a grant from the Shipley Towns Fund.
Matt Kelly designs and hand-makes modular furniture from his workshop at Salts Mill where he’s been based for the past four years.
Plaey received a grant of £2,055.60, which contributed to buying a CNC machine. The machine automates some of the production process, allowing the business to produce furniture at a faster rate, while maintaining standards.
Matt said: “It has been a privilege to work with world class galleries and museums and growing ‘a go to’ reputation in this field. I am a team of one – but the new CNC machine is like having a very accurate and fast second member of the team. It will enable us to take on more work and be even more competitive with pricing.
“The £2,000 has allowed us to purchase the new equipment and is ultimately an investment in our future growth and the local economy, because it means I can look to take on an apprentice.
“We are currently working on our biggest project yet – designing and making a new gallery space in the Lake District. The CNC machine is allowing us to design and produce an innovative modular design that we are very excited about.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Alex Ross Shaw said: “The furniture Plaey creates here in our district, which goes on to be enjoyed in incredible places far and wide, is something for us all to take pride in.
“Alongside the valuable funding from the towns fund, Bradford Council has also provided support and advice on the recruitment of new staff to facilitate future business growth. Businesses like Plaey are an important part of the thriving business community here and others are welcome to apply for both funding and to access support.”
Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Adan Clerkin explained: “It’s so positive to see how the funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.
“Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to the Shipley Towns Fund area, and other businesses are invited to apply.”
