Work completes on Leeds high school extension
The main phase of work on a contemporary two-storey extension at an outstanding Leeds high school completed this week, helping to increase student capacity by over 400.
The lead contractor on the project, Henry Boot Construction, started construction on the new 2,500m2 extension at Allerton High School on King Lane in June 2022.
In addition to the extension, which sees the school’s capacity grow from 1,400 to 1,840, the project added attractive new outdoor landscaping, modernisations to the car park – including new EV charging facilities, and minor refurbishment to an existing block.
In total, the development has added multiple new classrooms and offices, a bespoke suite of rooms to house provision for students with SEND, PE changing rooms, a staff room, a meeting room, a new cafeteria and a kitchen. Now that this primary stage of the development is complete, installation of a Sport England football pitch will begin, with completion set for late 2023.
In September 2022, Allerton welcomed an additional 60 Y7 pupils, aged 11, as part of a phased plan to add more than 400 pupils over the next few years. The new building extension enables the school to add to the overall capacity without greatly increasing individual class sizes – providing the best possible learning environment for their students.
Yorkshire-based Henry Boot has worked closely with Leeds Local Education Partnership, Leeds City Council and design partner NPS Group on this project.
Henry Boot Construction Managing Director, Tony Shaw, said: “We’re delighted to have successfully completed the extension work on Allerton High School. We’ve undertaken a truly collaborative approach alongside the design team, the Council, our local supply chain and, of course, the school itself.
“Consequently, the project ran smoothly and Allerton staff will now have the rest of the summer to get used to their new surroundings and plan for the next academic year.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said: “We want to ensure that all children in Leeds continue to have access to the best possible education.
“The completed development at Allerton High School will ensure there are more school places available for local children which is a strong focus for the council. It also means that current and new pupils will enjoy and benefit from an enhanced learning environment.”
Andy Haigh, Deputy Headteacher at Allerton High School, added: “Allerton High School is delighted to move into this well-designed and well-constructed building.
“The new classrooms will provide an excellent learning environment for our growing school community and the new cafeteria will allow all our students to enjoy their breaks in comfort.”
Leeds United’s Elland Road ground named as an Asset of Community Value
Leeds United’s Elland Road ground has been named as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Leeds City Council.
The council placed Elland Road on its list of ACVs after considering a nomination from the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust (LUST) that was backed by the football club.
The award of ACV status to a building or piece of land means that, should an owner decide to sell, then the local community will normally be given an opportunity to bid for it on the open market.
Elland Road was originally named by the council as one of the city’s ACVs in late 2017, following a previous nomination from LUST.
Under the terms of the Localism Act 2011, sites remain on a local authority’s ACV list for five years at a time.
LUST’s newly-approved nomination was submitted after the recent expiry of Elland Road’s original listing period.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “The council can confirm that Elland Road has been included in its list of Assets of Community Value following a nomination by the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust.
“As is standard procedure, the nomination was carefully assessed by the council according to criteria set out in the Localism Act 2011.
“When those criteria are met, as they were in this case, then the building or piece of land in question becomes an Asset of Community Value.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Elland Road is part of the fabric of life in our city, so I’m delighted that it has once again been confirmed as an Asset of Community Value.
“As a season ticket holder, I know how much the ground means to all Leeds fans. It’s seen plenty of ups and downs over the years, but it is our home and long may it remain so.
“As a council, we are hugely proud of Leeds’s reputation as a top-class sporting city and the role that famous venues like Elland Road play in raising our national and international profile.”
49ers Enterprises takes ownership of Leeds United
The EFL has approved the sale of Leeds United Football Club to 49ers Enterprises – the strategic arm of the San Francisco 49ers focused on investments in teams, leagues and other sports properties – paving the way for the immediate transition of ownership.
Paraag Marathe, previously vice chairman and board member of the club, will take over as Leeds United chairman. In this role, Marathe will oversee all aspects of the club, including football and business operations, and drive the strategy to fight for promotion back to the Premier League in the 2023-2024 season.
Marathe takes over from Andrea Radrizzani, who has been majority owner of Leeds United since 2017.
Angus Kinnear, CEO of Leeds United and board member, will remain in his current position, and continue to direct the club’s day-to-day operations.
Rudy Cline-Thomas, founder and managing partner of MASTRY, will join the board as co-owner and vice chairman of the club.
“This is an important moment for Leeds United and we are already hard at work,” said Marathe. “This transition is a necessary reset to chart a new course for the club.
“We have already appointed a highly-respected first team manager with a track record of success, and we are confident Leeds will field a competitive squad to contend for promotion next season. It’s a privilege to carry this torch as I know we have a responsibility to ensure this club makes our staff, players, supporters, and the Leeds and Yorkshire communities proud.”
Cline-Thomas added: “With my family hailing from Leeds, it’s an honour to be able to uplift this incredible community. This is more than just an opportunity, it’s a personal mission. The chance to reinvigorate the cherished Leeds culture, to create a platform that attracts the world’s finest players, and build a truly global brand that celebrates diversity, is a prospect that thrills me.”
49ers Enterprises, led by Marathe and 49ers CEO Jed York, has steadily supported and increased its investment in Leeds United over the past five years. Moving forward, the group will look to enhance all aspects of the club both on and off the pitch.
Marathe, Kinnear, and the club recently announced the appointment of Daniel Farke as first team manager. The club’s leadership has also been laying the groundwork to build a successful squad by retaining key players from last season’s team as well as bringing in new talent.
“49ers Enterprises is bringing fresh leadership, management, and a commitment to investment, which I’m confident will meet our ambition to compete for promotion and remain in the top flight as an established Premier League Club,” said Kinnear. “I know Paraag, Rudy and 49ers Enterprises will keep supporters central to their plans during their custodianship and I am excited to work in realising the true potential of this great club.”
Radrizzani said: “It has been an honour to guide Leeds United over the last six years and to spend so much time with the best fanbase in the world. 49ers Enterprises have been fantastic partners for years and I’m confident they will take Leeds to the next level.”
Yorkshire technology consultancy partner appoints new head of implementation
Technology consultancy partner true9 has appointed Jenna Bennett as the business’s new head of implementation.
Based in Halifax, West Yorkshire, true9 is an established technology consultancy partner that works with businesses seeking cutting-edge digital products and services.
The business has collaborated with organisations such as Channel 4, Lloyds Private Banking and the NHS across a diverse range of projects.
New head of implementation Jenna Bennett will be tasked with helping to lead further business growth as true9 approaches a milestone ninth birthday.
Jenna’s new role will see her engage with clients and colleagues to ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of projects, utilising her significant experience of delivering small, medium and large business solutions across a career in software in technology.
true9 managing partner Chris Richardson said: “Jenna’s appointment is a great milestone for our business and helps to level up our service to clients and overall efficiency.
“Jenna has proven herself to be a highly motivated, hardworking individual with significant experience and a passion for empowering organisations by providing client-focused service and support.
“These qualities make her the perfect fit for true9 as our new head of implementation.”
About her new role, Jenna said: “It’s a proud moment for me to join such a passionate and innovative group of people in such an important role. true9’s values and philosophies are very much in keeping with my own and I’m excited to drive efficiency and add value for our clients as part of this hardworking team.”
Drax commits £1.5m to help schools become more energy efficient
The Drax Foundation has committed £1.5 million this year to help schools install energy-efficient LED lights and solar panels, and deliver energy saving monitoring and education.
The firm, which owns Drax Power Station near Selby, established the Drax Foundation earlier this year to provide grant funding to non-profit organisations in the regions where it operates. The installation of energy-efficient LED lighting initiative is currently being piloted at the following five schools local to Drax’s operations in England:- Barwic Parade Community Primary School in Selby
- Kirk Sandall Junior School in Doncaster
- Selby Abbey Primary School
- Triangle Primary School in Sowerby Bridge
- Great Clacton Junior School in Clacton-on-Sea
Apex Group chosen to provide asset management services for Sheffield Forgemasters
Global asset management specialists Apex Group has been selected by Sheffield Forgemasters to provide long-term support for its major recapitalisation programme.
Sheffield Forgemasters is set to replace significant amounts of plant and equipment to deliver on its re-capitalisation plan, which will see whole new machining facilities created for defence-critical manufacture.
Apex will provide used equipment management services to generate the maximum business benefits for the heavy engineering specialist through the strategic and sympathetic disposal of its surplus industrial assets.
Steve Marshall, manufacturing transformation director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “As we progress with our recapitalisation programme, we have a requirement to dispose of numerous assets which will be replaced with state-of-the-art machining facilities.
“The appointment of a dedicated asset management group ensures that these machines are disposed of efficiently, securing maximum return on those assets and ensuring compliance with environmental best-practice.”
Five large machines are scheduled for disposal by the end of 2023, including large horizontal boring machines and lathes, with a further three ultra-large machines scheduled to go by the end of 2026. 2027 – 2028 will see seven more ultra-large machines decommissioned.
Steve added: “These assets are some of the largest machines of their kind in Europe, so decommissioning them is a key logistical project. Consideration of the circular economy through this disposal process will be a priority, ensuring that precious resources are re-utilised where possible.”
Apex Group aims to bridge the gap between buyer and seller, using a trading platform, a global buyer database, and targeted marketing and sales strategies in the disposal of Sheffield Forgemasters’ mature assets.
Apex Group’s Managing Director, Stephen Dugard, said: “Apex is proud to be involved with this iconic UK company at this time of major strategic investment and growth. It is great to add an organisation with the stature of Sheffield Forgemasters to our expanding list of corporate accounts working under long-term master services agreements.”
Scarborough firm gets £10,000 grant from ‘Made Smarter’ programme
A grant of almost £10,000 is helping Scarborough tech company Castle Group boost services and production buy investing in new equipment as it looks to expend its client base.
Castle Group Ltd, which offers a range of services to monitor levels of noise and vibration in the environment, will now be able to speed up its production processes and provide extra support to clients.
MD Simon Bull said: “The grant means we can purchase a system allowing us to test the functionality of vibration accelerometers – which are devices that measure vibration levels, whether that’s in a workplace or out in the environment.
“This in-turn means we can provide test certificates to customers detailing the specific performance profile of their own measurement devices.
“Part of our five-year business growth plan is to expand our calibration offer and increase the number of customers who use this service. The capability provided by the grant will allow us to achieve this.”
Mr Bull said that as well as being able to offer a new service, the equipment would also speed up production testing of new products, allowing the firm to increase automation and free-up staff for other area of the Scarborough tech company.
The grant came following a successful bid to the Government’s Made Smarter programme, which is run in conjunction with York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
The Growth Hub’s Mike Pennington said: “This is a great win for one of the companies which make up North Yorkshire’s coastal economy. I’m looking forward to seeing the Castle Group go from strength to strength.”
Small firms urged to offer opinions in FSB’s high street survey
Northern Lincolnshire’s SMEs are being invited to have their say on the future of the high street by taking part in a UK-wide survey by the Federation of Small Businesses on issues such as business rate relief, public transport and parking, access to cash and street cleaning.
The findings will be analysed, and recommendations then submitted to the UK National government, local authorities, and politicians to help the regions high streets to flourish into the future.
Paula Gouldthorpe, FSB Development Manager for South Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “I encourage all small businesses across Northern Lincolnshire, from its city centre, towns, villages and coastal communities to spare just a few minutes to take part in the FSB Future of the High Street survey.
“High streets are essential for small businesses, providing a platform for commerce and a sense of community pride, as well as opportunities for social interaction, events, and cultural activities. Sustainable high streets are key to flourishing urban and rural areas and for the success of our seaside towns. The more responses we get from businesses in communities across Northern Lincolnshire, the better their specific views can underpin recommendations.”
The public highly values small businesses on the high street, according to recent research by FSB and Public First; A majority of respondents said that small businesses were more important than large businesses for the following categories: Keeping traditional craft and skills alive (78%), pride in local communities (76%), providing unique services and products (72%), and growing the local economy (57%).
The survey will run from 13 July to the 27 July and can be found at https://www.fsbbigvoice.co.uk/FSBHighStreetsSurvey– external site
Study explores running HS2 trains into Leeds and improving Bradford rail connections
The government is considering options for running HS2 trains to Leeds and reassessing evidence to improve rail connections in Bradford.
The Leeds Study, which will take until 2025, is said to deliver on a commitment made in the government’s £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan, and will consider a number of potential options to run HS2 trains into the city centre.
It will consider capacity at Leeds Station and take into account local views, as well as factors such as disruption, economic development, value for money, affordability, deliverability and timescales.
The government says it remains committed to upgrading and electrifying the existing line between Bradford Interchange and Leeds, which could deliver a 12-minute journey time and help decarbonise the railway within the next decade. Government will also reassess evidence to improve connectivity in Bradford, including examining the case for a new station.
Meanwhile, £40 million is being provided to West Yorkshire Combined Authority to support its development of the mass transit system, which will deliver integrated public transport options and offer a greener, quicker and more reliable option of travel.
Thorpe Park to subsidise sustainable travel initiative
Thorpe Park Developments is to help fund an Arriva bus service through Thorpe Park Leeds and The Springs from this Sunday, capping the flat fare at £2.
Adam Varley, Development Director at Scarborough Group International, 50:50 joint venture partner of Thorpe Park Developments Ltd, said: “With more than 6,500 people working on the site, and thousands of visitors each week to The Springs, there is a strong demand for sustainable public transport connections which, as the Park reaches its next phase of maturity and as we add further workspace and amenities, the demand will further intensify.”
Arriva’s 165 and 164 bus services will run through Thorpe Park and The Springs at 15-minute intervals throughout the day, Monday to Saturday, with a slightly reduced frequency in the evenings, as well as on Sundays.
The bus services will provide convenient connections to nearby destinations including Cross Gates, Garforth, Sherburn, Selby, Kippax and Leeds City Centre. Arriva is offering a special family ticket price and £2 flat fares for all passengers.
