Harrogate Spring Water moves ahead with revised expansion plan

April Lara
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Harrogate Spring Water moves ahead with revised expansion plan

Harrogate Spring Water has submitted its final expansion plans to North Yorkshire Council. The company, owned by Danone since 2020, aims to grow its bottling operations while addressing earlier environmental concerns. The company revised its proposal following further consultation with local groups and planning officials.

The updated scheme includes a slight increase to the building’s footprint, up 9 square metres, but remains within approved limits and avoids impact on surrounding landscaping. To meet biodiversity goals, the business has scaled back the number of trees planted on-site, shifting from a dense layout to fewer, native species better suited to long-term growth. As part of its broader commitment, it will increase tree planting elsewhere in the Harrogate area from 1,500 to 2,500. So far, 840 trees have already been planted.

The project is expected to deliver over 50 permanent roles and boost the company’s annual contribution to the local economy to £6.2 million. A formal consultation will follow before the proposal goes to committee.

Construction work begins on extra care housing scheme

Tess Egginton
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Construction work begins on extra care housing scheme
Construction work has begun on an extra care housing scheme that will open up new independent living opportunities for older people in Leeds.
Leeds City Council’s Middlecross development in Armley will provide 65 energy efficient apartments for affordable rent by people aged over 55 with care and support needs. The homes are being built for the council by Morgan Sindall Construction and will breathe new life into a two-acre brownfield site that has lain empty for several years. To mark the start of construction, the council’s executive member for housing, councillor Jess Lennox, paid a visit to the site to meet some of the project team and see the early progress that has been made. Councillor Lennox was joined by representatives from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has contributed £1.3m from its Brownfield Housing Fund towards the cost of the scheme. A further £1.3m has been drawn from Leeds’ commuted sums funding stream, which supports affordable housing delivery using pooled financial contributions paid by developers as part of planning agreements. The rest of the funding for the project – due for completion in 2027 – has come from the council’s housing service via Right to Buy receipts and borrowing. The scheme’s three-storey apartment building has been designed to encourage everyday social interaction as well as independent living, with a restaurant, a hair salon and an open-plan lounge and coffee bar among the communal spaces that will be available to residents. Sustainability and energy efficiency were also key design considerations and, as a result, the building will have high levels of ventilation and insulation while benefiting from features such as ground source heat pumps and roof-mounted solar panels. The site for the scheme – which sits between Armley Grove Place and Simpson Grove – was occupied by Middlecross Day Centre until its demolition in 2018. Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “It’s great news that construction work is now under way on this important scheme, which will help address the well-documented shortage of affordable extra care housing in Leeds.” Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall, said: “We are proud to be playing our part in creating high-quality extra care housing, enabling older people to enjoy later life. “It was a pleasure to welcome Councillor Lennox and other stakeholders to our work at Middlecross. We’re looking forward to delivering this much-needed new scheme, which was procured via the SCAPE Construction framework. “It will bring significant benefits for the Armley community, both through the completed building and our contribution to the local economy during the build programme.”

Revised plans submitted for Huddersfield’s George Hotel

Tess Egginton
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Revised plans submitted for Huddersfield’s George Hotel
Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel in Huddersfield, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character. Having worked with architects and Historic England, Kirklees Council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still preserving the building’s architecture and heritage. This is the second planning application the council has submitted for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel. The revised plans come following a large amount of the restoration now being completed in preparation for the renovation works. The revised plans would see the number of rooms planned increase from 91 to 108. Expanding the hotel’s capacity in this way would enable it to support more guests and generate more income to repay the council’s £30m investment. Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: “The Huddersfield Blueprint is really starting to take shape now, with our vision for the town becoming a reality. “The recently opened leisure complex – the Light at Kingsgate, together with the enhancements to the public realm on New Street and St Peter’s Gardens and the eagerly anticipated Our Cultural Heart will all enhance the high street. “External investments like the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus, the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, and the Transpennine Route Upgrade are helping to put Huddersfield on the map. “The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield’s past, and for people travelling by rail, it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre. Once rejuvenated, hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy.”

Phoenix Brickwork plays key role in Doncaster school upgrade

April Lara
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Phoenix Brickwork plays key role in Doncaster school upgrade

Phoenix Brickwork, a construction company specialising in brickwork, scaffolding, and steel frame systems (SFS), is providing essential support in the redevelopment of Ridgewood School in Doncaster. The project is part of the UK Government’s £1 billion schools rebuilding programme, which is set to transform 50 schools nationwide.

Based in Derbyshire, the company is supplying multiple services for the project, including brickwork, SFS, internal partitions, ceilings, and scaffolding. The goal is to replace outdated infrastructure with a modern, three-storey learning environment for 500 students, incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable designs.

The project, led by BAM Construction, is already making progress. The steel framework is now in place, and the building’s foundations are complete. Ridgewood School will operate as a net-zero building, contributing to a green, biodiverse educational campus.

Phoenix Brickwork’s involvement in providing multi-trade solutions simplifies the project management process, offering efficiency and coordination to ensure the work progresses on schedule. The project reduces potential delays and streamlines delivery by consolidating services under a single contractor.

As part of the development, Ridgewood students will also engage in activities to personalise the new building, including selecting a name and contributing to a time capsule. This project marks an important milestone in the Government’s schools upgrade programme and showcases Phoenix Brickwork’s capacity to deliver integrated construction solutions.

Major step forward for £36m Rotherham Markets transformation

Tess Egginton
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Major step forward for £36m Rotherham Markets transformation
The £36 million refurbishment of Rotherham Markets has taken a major step forward with the demolition of the Guardian Centre buildings now completed and the markets’ iconic tent roof removed. Appointed by lead contractor Henry Boot Construction, Rotherham-based demolition experts, Demex, were responsible for the dismantling of the tensile fabric tent and its supporting metal structure, which has been a recognisable part of Rotherham’s town centre for almost three decades. Demex were also in charge of managing the pulling down of the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings – to the Henry Street corner of the site. This process has seen the first visual changes at the historic site and showcases the change Henry Boot Construction is delivering in the town centre. Construction began in May last year on the project, which is a key part of Rotherham Council’s wider town centre masterplan set to become a new cultural and social focal point for the town. Modernisations to the existing Rotherham Markets structure will build upon the existing shops and services on the ground floor, with the addition of a new food hall and dining area on the first level. The adjoining outdoor market will be refurbished to become a multi-functional space used to host exhibitions and community events. Alongside the markets, a new library has been designed with the town’s community needs in mind. This modern venue will feature a dedicated children’s area, café, community meeting spaces, working spaces, a business development facility and IT centre. Interlinking the markets and library will be a series of public spaces, helping to enhance the appearance, accessibility and inclusivity of the area, as well as connecting it to the rest of the town centre and Rotherham College. With the demolition stage now complete, work will continue with the installation of the steel frame for the new outdoor covered market (OCM) and library. The project is expected to complete in 2027.

527,000 sq ft logistics site hits the market

Tess Egginton
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527,000 sq ft logistics site hits the market
A prime distribution and logistics site by Junction 36 of the M62 has been put on the market. The 29-acre Axis 36, unveiled by developers Sterling Capitol, has planning permission for a single distribution facility. Paul Beckett, CEO of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, said: “We are delighted to launch Axis 36 to the market. This prime site is located immediately adjacent to the M62 at Goole and benefits from reserved matters planning consent for 527,000 square feet of hi-spec industrial and logistics accommodation. “With the benefit of planning consent in place, we can deliver a unit to prospective occupiers swiftly.” Iain McPhail, partner in Knight Frank’s Yorkshire Industrial & Logistics team, who are marketing Axis 36 alongside the Leeds office of Colliers, said: “As the regeneration of Goole continues at pace, Axis 36 is an exciting prospect for industrial and logistics occupiers to invest and grow their business.” Rob Whatmuff of Colliers added: “Axis 36 offers a truly oven-ready development platform upon which a large scale, institutional grade logistics facility of over 500,000 sq ft can be delivered immediately.”

Top serious injury lawyer Matthew Clayton joins Middleton Law

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Top serious injury lawyer Matthew Clayton joins Middleton Law
Middleton Law has appointed Matthew Clayton as Senior Personal Injury Solicitor and Head of Catastrophic Injury, further strengthening the firm’s expertise in high-value and complex medical negligence and personal injury claims. Matthew brings with him more than 30 years of legal experience, having built a distinguished career supporting clients with life-changing injuries, including brain and head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. Formerly a Principal Lawyer with Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK, he most recently led the Serious Injury department at Simpson Millar. Recognised as a leading name in the sector, Matthew has earned praise from Chambers and Partners, and in the Legal 500. Clients and peers alike noted his extensive expertise in highly complex cases, his commitment and the ability to deliver incredible results. Matthew said of his appointment: “I’m delighted to join Middleton Law Ltd and to work with a team that shares my commitment to achieving life-improving results for seriously injured clients. Helping people rebuild their lives after major trauma has always been at the heart of my work, and I look forward to continuing that here.” Matthew recently successfully concluded a catastrophic brain injury case involving a 28 year old woman who was struck by a speeding taxi while crossing at a zebra crossing. Following a 10-day trial at the High Court in Manchester, the claimant was awarded 100% of the damages after overcoming extensive arguments on contributory negligence. She received a £3.75 million lump sum, along with substantial lifelong annual payments to cover her ongoing care and support needs (PHJ v HML before HHJ David Allen KC, 7/12/23). Other multi-million-pound cases successfully led by Matthew include a recent case involving a teenage cyclist who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a car. Initially, the injury was underestimated by medical staff, and the long-term effects were only discovered years later. Eventually the family was awarded £1.5m thanks to Matthew’s skilful representation, making a huge difference to victim and his family. Neil Fearn, Medical Negligence solicitor and MD of Middleton Law Ltd, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Matthew to the firm. His track record in serious injury litigation speaks for itself, and his expertise will significantly strengthen our ability to support clients facing the most complex and life-changing injuries across the UK. “Matthew’s arrival reflects our ongoing commitment to growing a first-class team and ensuring every client receives not only exceptional legal advice, but real support when they need it most.” Matthew’s tactical insight, tireless client advocacy, and experience with complex medical-legal evidence make him a powerful addition to the team which, though based in Leeds, works with clients across England and Wales.

Royal Mail tests British-built electric trucks in fleet decarbonisation push

April Lara
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Royal Mail tests British-built electric trucks in fleet decarbonisation push

Royal Mail has launched a new trial of electric trucks as part of its efforts to decarbonise its national distribution fleet. It is working in partnership with Rotherham-based EV specialist Magtec.

Two 19-tonne electric trucks, developed by Magtec, will undergo testing against Royal Mail’s existing diesel fleet under real-world operating conditions. The initiative is backed by an £800,000 grant from Innovate UK.

The first vehicle, assembled in the UK and finished in Royal Mail’s signature red, is based at the Greenford Mail Centre in North West London. It will be used for mail collections and deliveries to nearby depots. The vehicle features modular battery options capable of delivering a range of up to 125 miles per charge.

This trial builds on Magtec’s prior involvement in UK government-backed innovation programmes, including those led by the Advanced Propulsion Centre and the Small Business Research Initiative. The company’s new Gen2 EV drive system, which powers the trucks, is designed to improve efficiency and operational reliability for commercial fleets.

Royal Mail operates one of the UK’s largest delivery fleets and is exploring ways to extend electrification beyond its last-mile van operations into its 4,000-strong heavy goods vehicle fleet. The trial will provide operational data to inform the potential scale-up of EV trucks across its network.

National Wealth Fund backs £1.35bn grid upgrade to boost UK renewable energy supply

April Lara
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National Wealth Fund backs £1.35bn grid upgrade to boost UK renewable energy supply

A major upgrade to the UK’s energy grid has secured £1.35 billion in financing, positioning the North East as a key player in the country’s clean energy transition.

The funding, led by the National Wealth Fund alongside Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Lloyds, and NatWest, will support ScottishPower’s Eastern Green Link (EGL) project. The project involves building offshore electricity cables to transfer renewable energy from Scottish wind farms to England via the North Sea.

The initial phase will connect Scotland to County Durham, with a second phase planned to reach Lincolnshire. The upgrades aim to relieve bottlenecks in the grid that currently force wind farms to shut down and increase reliance on more expensive gas-fired power stations.

Around £600 million of the funding comes from the publicly owned National Wealth Fund, which was established to drive economic growth through decarbonisation and infrastructure modernisation.

This initiative is particularly relevant for high-energy-demand sectors such as data centres, housing development, and advanced manufacturing. By improving transmission capacity, the project is expected to reduce energy waste, lower electricity costs, and support business expansion across the UK.

ZOO Digital expects revenue growth with cost reductions

April Lara
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ZOO Digital expects revenue growth with cost reductions

ZOO Digital Group PLC, a provider of localisation and digital media services to the entertainment sector, forecasts a 22% increase in revenue to $49.4 million for the year ending March 31, 2025. This follows a turnaround from last year’s loss, with an adjusted EBITDA of at least $0.1 million.

The company has achieved $6.8 million in cost savings through reductions in personnel, property, and legal expenses, and plans to implement an additional $1.7 million in savings next year. ZOO’s strong cash position of $2.6 million, alongside unused invoice discounting facilities, positions it well for future needs.

ZOO is adopting AI and offshore investments to streamline operations, aiming for profitability on a lower revenue base. The company also anticipates larger, unpredictable project revenues as clients continue licensing content, while keeping an eye on potential US tariffs on foreign films.

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