Final green light set for two new sports hubs in Leeds

Senior councillors in Leeds are set to give a final green light next week to a £23.9m investment in two new sports hubs in the city. At the meeting of the council’s executive board at Civic Hall on Wednesday 16 July, councillors are expected to approve work starting on new sports pitches and supporting pavilion facilities at Woodhall in Calverley and Green Park in Temple Newsam. The plans for the sites have been developed by Leeds City Council in partnership with the Football Foundation as part of their national Parklife (Sports Hubs) programme, which aims to increase the number of third generation artificial grass pitches in the country. At each site, three new full-sized pitches with floodlighting will be created for football and rugby use along with other play areas, biodiversity habitats, landscaping and parking. The Green Park site will also include a large multi-use hard court space that can be used for accessible or wheelchair sports or those sports needing a hard surface such as hockey or basketball. It will also offer walking and running routes in a park setting to encourage active lifestyles. Both sites will also feature a new sports pavilion building providing a café and meeting space together with ancillary features such as toilets and changing rooms, including Changing Places toilet facilities. The new hubs are to be funded by Leeds City Council, the Football Foundation, Section 106 developer contributions and private sector funding. Proposals are also being developed for a possible third site at the former Matthew Murray High School in Holbeck. If approved, work would begin at Woodhall in August, to be completed in a year. At Green Park initial ecological works would begin in August before construction starting in October, with the new pitches ready for play in August 2026 and the new sports pavilion opening the following month. Once opened the hubs will be managed by the National Football Trust, a not-for-profit organisation, with all surplus income generated to be reinvested in outdoor sports facilities across Leeds. Leeds City Council executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, Councillor Salma Arif said: “These new facilities look fantastic and this project represents a significant investment in helping encourage people of all ages to live active and healthy lifestyles. “Not only will they offer superb new sports facilities, these hubs will become focal points for entire communities to make use of and enjoy, so we look forward to seeing them created and open next year. We are delighted to be working with the Football Foundation, National Football Trust and all partners and stakeholders in making this wonderful project a reality.”

Yorkshire property investors face increased tax scrutiny as HMRC steps up enforcement

Property investors across Yorkshire are experiencing heightened scrutiny from HMRC as the tax authority intensifies its Let Property Campaign. A recent analysis of enforcement data reveals that landlords in the region, particularly those in Leeds, Sheffield, and rural areas, are confronting complex compliance challenges. The latest figures indicate that HMRC has recovered over £12 million in rental income taxes, with much of the focus on buy-to-let properties, student accommodation, and holiday lets.

Yorkshire’s diverse property market, ranging from the student housing sector in Leeds and Sheffield to rural holiday properties in the Dales, presents specific tax challenges for landlords. With rental income taxed across multiple types of property, investors face an evolving landscape of regulations, including stricter enforcement and the introduction of more invasive investigations.

Leeds and Sheffield, as major hubs of student accommodation and varying housing stock, present particular difficulties for landlords. Compliance concerns are compounded by slower rental inflation in the region, currently at just 1.1%, among the lowest in the UK. Landlords managing diverse portfolios, including buy-to-let properties and short-term lets, are increasingly seeking professional tax advice to navigate the growing complexity of tax regulations.

HMRC’s Let Property Campaign provides landlords with the option to voluntarily disclose undeclared rental income, offering reduced penalties compared to those who face investigation without prior disclosure. However, with the growing demands of tax regulation and the intensified enforcement efforts, professional tax advice has become crucial for Yorkshire landlords.

Work to build new station at Haxby takes major step forward

Work to build a new station at Haxby has taken a major step forward after funding was confirmed by the Department for Transport.

Working in partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT), City of York Council have been striving to fulfil a decades-long ambition to bring a railway station back to Haxby. The original Haxby Station closed in 1930 and project partners are progressing plans to bring a station back to the area, reconnecting neighbourhoods in the north of York to the rail network, increasing sustainable travel options and improving connections to towns and cities across the country. The scheme was included in Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail – submitted to the Government in May – after the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, identified it as a key priority for the region’s rail network in order to improve journeys and drive growth. A planning application was submitted in 2024, with images showing what the station could look like in the future, with a fully accessible footbridge with lifts and steps connecting the two platforms, bike shelters, a 154-space car park (including EV charging), taxi rank and a bus stop. Shared-use paths will connect the station to residential areas of Haxby for those travelling to the station as pedestrians or by cycle. Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, said: “We welcome today’s significant investment in York and our wider region. “We’ve been working hard to secure the funding for Haxby Station that will allow this important project to get started. We’ve been working with Network Rail and a range of other partners, the council itself has committed £4m to the project to help make the ambition of the new station a reality. “Haxby hasn’t had a station since the 1930’s and bringing one back has the potential to be an economic game changer for the north of our city and other places on this important line, like Scarborough. The new station will help people commute to work and school or have a day out in one of the many places on the TransPennine route and beyond. All while travelling sustainably. “With more homes being built across the city, this station is needed more than ever. It will take some pressure off the Outer Ring Road and reduce car journeys from the area into the city centre, helping to ease congestion on our roads, making it easier for everyone to get around. “The project still needs planning approval and we are following that process through, but this funding certainty is a welcome step forward for a project long in the making.” Chris Wright, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said: “This is an important milestone for the Haxby station project, which will reconnect the local community to the rail network for the first time in almost a century. “The new station will provide better connections across the region and beyond, supporting sustainable travel options for local residents and visitors alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with all stakeholders as we progress through the planning process and work towards making this long-awaited station a reality.” The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “Not only will residents benefit from a new station, faster journeys and better connections, Haxby Station will unlock opportunities for new homes and economic growth along the entire York to Scarborough corridor. “The scheme was one of our key priorities in the Yorkshire Plan for Rail we submitted to Government in May. This investment is clear recognition of the potential of the new station to drive growth and ease congestion by offering a new option for travel. “Once complete, 20,000 people will live within 3km of the station, benefiting from better access to jobs and opportunities. “I’m looking forward to working with the Government, City of York Council and Network Rail to ensure Haxby Station becomes part of an accessible, connected transport network serving York and North Yorkshire.” The planning application is in the planning process and is subject to a planning decision.

Historic garden centre branches out with £4m expansion in Sleaford

Pennells Garden Centres, a family business with roots dating back to 1780, is expanding its Sleaford site in a £4m redevelopment project, backed by funding from Lloyds. Now in its ninth generation of family ownership, the Lincolnshire-based firm has grown from a traditional nursery into a group of modern garden retail destinations. With existing centres in Lincoln and Cleethorpes, Pennells acquired the Sleaford site in 2018 and is now driving its transformation. The expansion, set for completion in late summer, will feature a new 1,750 square metre retail space, an upgraded restaurant with seating capacity increased from 100 to 250, and extended parking facilities to better serve the volume of visitors expected from the surrounding area, including Sleaford and Grantham. The project has been made possible through a £4m funding package from Lloyds, marking the start of a new relationship with the lender. The package comprised a Buildings Transition Loan, which offers discounted lending to small and medium-sized businesses investing in energy efficient properties, and a development loan to help cover the cost of land purchase and construction. With the new space, the business will expand its product range, particularly in seasonal lines such as garden furniture and Christmas decorations. No longer limited by a lack of indoor space, the development enables more stock to be showcased year-round, enhancing the overall shopping experience. The growth is also expected to bring new job opportunities. While final recruitment numbers will be confirmed closer to the opening date, Pennells anticipates adding to both its retail and hospitality teams to support the expanded site. Sustainability has also been a key consideration throughout the project. The new building incorporates energy-efficient design features, including solar panels, LED lighting, and materials that improve insulation and reduce heat loss. Looking ahead, the business has its sights set on further growth. The team is exploring future site acquisitions and plans to launch its own branded range of garden furniture. Richard Pennell, chairman at Pennells Garden Centres, said: “We’ve always taken a long-term view, and this project is about making sure Sleaford continues to meet the needs of our customers for years to come. “The new building means we’ll finally have space to showcase a fuller range, particularly during our busiest trading seasons. It’s also going to give visitors a more enjoyable experience, whether they’re shopping or stopping in for lunch.” Nick Flanagan, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Pennells is a great example of a business that’s stayed true to its heritage while adapting to changing retail expectations. This expansion will bring new services to the local area, create jobs and help the business continue its long-standing commitment to the community. “We’re pleased to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing the Sleaford site continue to thrive.”

Longstanding Bradford company expands into major new HQ

A longstanding Bradford-based supplier of photocopiers, printers, IT services, data security systems, telecommunications equipment and office supplies has expanded its headquarters into new premises at Thornbury Industrial Park. Commerce Business Systems (CBS) has let more than 14,000 sq ft of warehouse and office space in a modern and self-contained building that was built in 2023. The unit was marketed by Leeds-based property consultancy, GV&Co, on behalf of Yorkshire-based Chequers Transport Services, which owns the building. CBS was established in 2002 as a provider of managed print services, through its high-performance photocopiers and printers, before expanding its range of products and services in recent years. The company, which currently employs a 34-strong team, now works with a vast client base including Yorkshire businesses across all industries and most local schools. CBS was previously based across two buildings at Crossley Hall Centre, on Thornton Road, where it had spent the last decade. The new building offers an 8,737 sq ft warehouse and more than 4,700 sq ft of high-quality office space, as well as a large loading area and parking area. John Green, managing director at CBS, said: “The positive feedback we receive from our customers and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the market forms the foundations of our success, but we are not a company to rest on our laurels. “The new building brings our expanding products, IT services and logistics teams together under one roof and gives us the space to develop a staff training area and customer showroom, in a modern open plan environment, which is vital for team spirit and effective communication. “This puts us in a strong position to fulfil a long-term goal to expand and take on new challenges from a highly accessible location where we can put down firm roots, which will all further enhance the level of service our customers enjoy.” Will Woodhall, from GV&Co, added: “This building offers a perfect balance of modern warehouse space and versatile office accommodation in a sought-after location, within a mile of both Bradford’s ring road and the Leeds outer ring road. “There’s also a lot of demand locally for buildings between 10,000 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft, which is a sweet spot for a lot of growing businesses because it’s the next step up, so we were able to generate plenty of interest in it. “However, it was immediately apparent that CBS, which is both a well-established and expanding business, was an ideal tenant. There’s no doubt this building will be the perfect base as the company embarks on its next phase of growth.”

EDGE expands Leeds health and social care offer with appointment of new director

EDGE, a multi-disciplinary construction and property consultancy, has expanded its health and social care offer following the appointment of Mike Bacon as health & social care director, at its Leeds office. Representing 20% of the company’s income, health and social care is the largest sector EDGE supports. Its dedicated health team provides project management, cost management, building surveying, quality monitoring and advisory services to over 60 individual NHS customers across the country, supporting the development of their estates to fit operational needs. The company’s national healthcare profile covers backlog maintenance, RAAC (precast concrete), decarbonisation, refurbishment, conversion, and new build schemes, and includes the delivery of the New Hospital Programme’s (NHS) National Rehabilitation Centre for Nottingham University Hospitals, the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital for Cambridge University Hospitals, and the largest dormitory eradication programme for Derbyshire Healthcare. Mike’s appointment will add valuable specialised sector insights to EDGE’s NHS clients, along with strategic leadership to support the continued growth and diversification of the team’s services within the sector. Joining from Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Mike brings close to six years of experience as programme director for their multi-award winning £1.5bn New Hospital Programme scheme and the construction of the Centre for Laboratory Medicine – a new regional Pathology Laboratory serving West Yorkshire. Over his career, Mike has worked with many other NHS Trusts to deliver complex capital and transformational projects including delivery of the Alder Hey Children’s Health Park Public-Private Partnership (PPP) / Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Project. He has a proven ability to establish, develop and lead complex teams and not only brings a wealth of specialist health experience to EDGE, but draws his delivery experience from across other sectors including education, environment, local government, services infrastructure and PPP/PFI. Mike said: “My ambition for this new role is to support the highly experienced and dedicated staff within EDGE, drive forwards our expertise, and continue to support and add value to our clients in the delivery of their estate and transformation objectives. “I’m delighted to be part of such an experienced, enthusiastic and versatile team and I am already enjoying building on the success of EDGE that prides itself on delivering the highest standards of service to healthcare organisations.” Matt Hill, board director at EDGE, added: “We’re proud to announce the appointment of Mike who will bring extensive expertise to EDGE, and I’m looking forward to watching him build upon and sustain the continued growth of the business. “The appointment is symptomatic of our growing expertise in healthcare delivery which is a key sector for our business. Above all, it demonstrates our commitment to providing healthcare clients with a service offering that is industry leading, innovative and people focused.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals boosts research funding with £140m investment

0

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has secured £140 million in external research funding over the past five years, supporting groundbreaking medical treatments. The Trust has recruited over 117,000 participants into 1,460 research projects, with contributions from healthtech and life sciences companies. These projects cover a wide range of innovations, including AI, advanced therapies, digital pathology, and experimental medicine.

The funding has come through a mix of industry partnerships, research grants, and commercial studies. This collaboration has allowed the Trust to surpass its recruitment targets, enrolling 17,000 more participants than its goal of 100,000, and it became the UK’s largest recruiter for cancer research last year.

The annual Research and Innovation Conference, taking place on 10 July, will showcase this progress, highlighting the Trust’s role in advancing healthcare through partnerships with both small enterprises and global corporations. The event will also feature over 70 speakers and workshops, focusing on how collaborations are driving future healthcare advancements.

Recent innovations being presented include a breakthrough in leukaemia treatment and AI-powered software that accelerates chest X-ray diagnostics. The Trust’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the Innovation Pop-Up and plans for the Old Medical School transformation, reflect its commitment to shaping the future of healthtech and life sciences.

Leeds’ expanding research network includes collaborations across Europe and the Middle East, with significant contributions from local partners such as NIHR.

Leeds United moves forward with Elland Road expansion plans

Leeds United has proposed a major redevelopment of Elland Road, aiming to increase its seating capacity to 53,000. The expansion, which includes updates to the West and North Stands, will see the stadium grow by over 15,000 seats, positioning it as one of England’s largest football venues.

The club is working with Leeds City Council to finalise the planning application, expecting a decision within 13 weeks. The project is designed to meet rising demand for tickets, particularly from the 26,000 fans currently on the season ticket waiting list.

Plans for the West Stand include an expansion from 8,000 to 17,750 seats, and the North Stand will rise from 10,400 to 15,300. In addition to the football upgrade, the stadium will also see enhanced hospitality facilities and will host up to eight non-football events annually.

The redevelopment is seen as essential for Leeds United to maintain its competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions. The club also anticipates significant economic benefits for the local area, with regeneration plans extending to surrounding land, where new housing, a sports arena, and commercial spaces are being considered. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 if the plans are approved.

Yorkshire women’s employability charity appeals for support

Smart Works Leeds, a women’s employability charity based in Yorkshire, is appealing for new supporters as they look to expand their offering.
The charity offers free coaching and interview dressing services, and has supported more than 3,000 women across Yorkshire, with more than two thirds of the people supported by Smart Works in employment within one month of their appointment. To meet increased demand, and with their current centre lacking sufficient space, the charity is looking to move to larger premises, which would allow them to support up to 100 women a week, with four dressing and coaching rooms. Yorkshire company High Speed Training, a long term corporate partner of Smart Works Leeds, have become the first cornerstone supporters of the new centre, donating £10,000 to help cement the move. Their donation was matched by Big Give’s Small Charity Week to provide £20,000 to the charity. High Speed Training, who are based in Ilkley, are a provider of e-learning and online training courses, and since 2023 have supported Smart Works Leeds with delivering Jobs Fairs and fundraising events. Tracy Fletcher, chair of the board at Smart Works Leeds, said: “For many years, High Speed Training has been one of our core supporters. Previously they have sponsored our jobs fairs, donated volunteering hours and technology and gifted training courses to our clients. We are thrilled that High Speed Training has continued to invest in Smart Works, our mission and the women we support. “By becoming our first cornerstone supporter, High Speed Training is playing a pivotal role in opening the doors to our new centre. With their support, we will be able to offer our vital service to the thousands of women across Yorkshire that need us.” Amy Mortimer, head of social impact at High Speed Training, said: “Having supported Smart Works Leeds for a while, we know how they are exceptionally driven to achieve the best outcomes for women who are struggling to find work across Yorkshire. “When they approached us about helping to fund the new centre, we were delighted to be able to play a part in making their ambition possible. Smart Works Leeds bring energy, compassion, and a service that gets results. High Speed Training are proud to be a part of that and take this wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact on individual’s lives and our local economy.” Smart Works Leeds are appealing for other local businesses to support the new centre, with varying levels of sponsorship packages starting from £500.

Centrica completes transformation of Brigg Energy Park

Centrica has transformed the site of an ageing power station in Lincolnshire into an ultra-modern 150 megawatt (MW) energy park. The former turbine hall at the Brigg Power Station, which was decommissioned in 2020 after nearly 30 years of operations, is now home to a new 50MW peaking plant. Peaking plants only operate when there’s high or peak demand for electricity, or when generation from renewables is too low to meet demand. The new peaking plant is the second to be constructed at Brigg, doubling the capacity of power generation at the site to 100MW. The new engines, designed and manufactured by sustainable technology business Wärtsilä, are highly efficient, and will be used in a trial to blend hydrogen into the plant which is due to start later this year. In addition, Centrica has completed construction of a 50MW two hour battery system on the site, representing the largest investment in battery storage capacity the company has made to date. Storing renewable energy in this way makes it possible to better control the peaks and troughs associated with renewable energy generation – charging the batteries when electricity demand is low and discharging when demand peaks. With a combined capacity of 150MW, Brigg Energy Park now provides the electricity network with resilience, facilitating the continued expansion of clean, green renewable energy the UK needs, and is capable of powering around 100,000 homes during periods of peak demand, such as mornings and early evenings. Chris O’Shea, group chief executive of Centrica, said: “The energy transition will only be successful if it’s secure, affordable and sustainable. The Brigg Energy Park plays a vital role in all three of these providing a level of resilience that underpins our energy future – a future that’s increasingly electrified and renewable. “Battery storage and fast response gas fired peaking plants are essential in ensuring every home and business has access to a reliable electricity supply, even when the wind doesn’t blow and the sun doesn’t shine.” Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin welcomed the development: “The Centrica team at Brigg have been consistently creative in getting the best out of ageing assets. The plant makes a significant contribution to energy production at peak times, and I am delighted to welcome the biggest investment by Centrica here in the local site. Congratulations to all involved.”