Ground broken on £50m student accommodation scheme in York
GMI Construction Group has broken ground on a £50m student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and bingo hall in York.
Developer Olympian Homes is naming the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) Rialto House, after the cinema that once hosted a performance by The Beatles.
Spanning 80,000 sq ft, the four-storey building in the Fulford area will provide 275 beds alongside modern amenities, including a gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, integrated cycle parking, and landscaped courtyards. In a nod to its heritage, it will also feature a cinema.
The site of the Rialto Cinema, which opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area.
Latterly the site of the cinema became a car park for the adjacent Mecca bingo hall, which has also since been demolished and is within the scheme’s footprint.
GMI, which is utilising a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with Rialto House bringing the number of student beds it is building in the city to almost 600. This includes 303-beds at a scheme in James Street on behalf of York-based S Harrison Developments, which is currently under construction.
Andrew Hurcomb, GMI’s Regional Director for Yorkshire, said: “We are thrilled to begin construction on our on-going collaboration with Olympian Homes to deliver a cost-effective, and sustainable design that helps address a shortage of student accommodation in York.”
James Lindridge, COO & Development Director at Olympian Homes, added: “We are delighted to have now made significant progress on such a landmark site within York.
“We would like to thank York City Council for their ongoing support in delivering the scheme, and GMI for their professionalism and deft in getting to this stage. We look forward to showcasing a best-in-class student product to assist with the undersupply of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation within York.”
Land sales and affordable housing partnership agreed at Riverdale Park, Doncaster
Harworth Group’s Riverdale Park development in Doncaster is entering its final phase following a series of land parcel sales.
The transactions comprise the sale of three pieces of commercial land for a total of £5.7m, to Polypipe Building Products, a supplier of construction materials, JCT600, one of the UK’s largest motor retailers, and a private developer for the construction of a drive thru-unit, alongside the signing of a forward-funding agreement with Great Places as part of Harworth’s affordable housing portfolio that was launched in 2023.
Doncaster-based Polypipe Building Products, part of FTSE 250 constituent Genuit Group plc, has acquired a four-acre land parcel adjacent to its existing Neale Road Manufacturing site, which will be used to provide new facilities.
JCT600 has acquired a seven-acre land parcel to develop a new car showroom and forecourt, complementing its existing premises elsewhere in the area, while the private developer has acquired half an acre of land for the construction of a new drive-thru unit. Both land parcels benefit from direct frontage onto Wheatley Hall Road (A630), one of Doncaster’s main throughfares which connects directly to the A1(M) and M18 motorways.
Haworth has also entered into a forward-funding agreement with Great Places to develop 50 new affordable housing units as part of the residential element of the Riverdale Park development. The development will include a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes that meet the National Planning Policy Framework criteria for affordable housing. Under the terms of the agreement, Harworth has sold a land parcel to Great Places and will oversee the construction of the homes in return for a development management fee.
Riverdale Park is located on the site of the former McCormick Tractor factory. In 2015, the 112-acre site became one of Harworth’s first acquisitions, and the Group later secured an outline planning consent to deliver a mixed-use scheme comprising 600 new homes and 200,000 sq ft of employment space. While the employment space prioritises accessibility to Wheatley Hall Road, the residential element of the development is arranged around the River Don, creating a desirable new community for waterside living.
Prior to these transactions, Harworth sold employment space at Riverdale Park to Arnold Clark for a new 30,000 sq ft car showroom and to a private developer for the construction of two drive-thru units. The Group also directly developed a drive-thru Costa Coffee unit on the site, which has since been sold.
For the residential element of the scheme, land has so far been sold to Barratt, Taylor Wimpey and Harron Homes, which will collectively deliver over 500 new family homes. Harworth has also undertaken works to repair and restore period riverfront features to create an attractive riverside walkway for residents at the site. The development is expected to be fully built out by 2027.
Ed Catchpole, Regional Director – Yorkshire & Central, Harworth Group plc, said: “Our Riverdale Park development has transformed a brownfield site into a thriving mixed-use community, providing well-connected leisure and employment space as well as much-needed new family homes in a desirable riverside location.
“We are delighted to have transacted with a number of the region’s most successful businesses to help them expand their presence in Doncaster, supporting new jobs and investment in the area, as well as partnering with Great Places to deliver much-needed new affordable homes.”
James Crow, Director of Mixed Tenure, Harworth Group plc, said: “Our affordable housing portfolio is about working with selected partners to meet affordable family housing needs, in a large and underserved sector. We are therefore so pleased to have reached our first affordable housing agreement with Great Places, a highly-respected housing provider that shares our commitment to create vibrant, sustainable communities.”
Matt Williams, Managing Director, Polypipe Building Products, said: “We are delighted to confirm our commitment to the Doncaster area via this investment, which not only allows us to improve our operational efficiency but also opens the opportunity for expansion of our Neale Road facility in the future.”
Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth, Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Riverdale Park development. Close work with Harworth Group has enabled us to unlock this important site to deliver 50 new affordable homes in the area where we know that demand is high. We’re committed to providing high-quality, sustainable, and affordable housing in the areas we operate and we look forward to working with Harworth Group and other partners to deliver this project.”
York Handmade supplies 10,000 bricks for two projects in Ireland
York Handmade Brick Company has supplied 10,000 specially manufactured bricks for two new state-of-the-art developments in Ireland.
The company, based near Easingwold, is providing bricks for a residential development by County Cork builders McCarthy Quality Homes, and for a large hi-spec new home in Cork city centre, built by Colm Desmond Construction.
The company is supplying the bricks through Finbarr McCarthy of Rubix Building Products in County Cork. He said: “Our company aims, where at all possible, to source and promote sustainable and natural products, which have a higher spec than you would normally find in a builders’ merchants.
“We are aiming to attract the discerning client, either architect or owner, who can see the value in natural products like slate, clay tile and clay brick. I have dealt with the excellent York Handmade Brick Company on and off over the past 20 years and this has given me the confidence in both the product and the people.
“York Handmade bricks have that kerb appeal, which make people go ‘Wow, that’s what I want’. We are not interested in volume-driven products – we much prefer York Handmade’s unique clay bricks. And so do our customers.
“When I started my own company in 2018, I knew that York Handmade were one of the manufacturers I wanted to work with, so I contacted them to see could we promote their products. These two splendid high-end Cork developments are the result.
“We are tremendously pleased with the results and are delighted that we have re-established a route into the Irish market for York Handmade again.”
David Armitage, the chairman of York Handmade Brick, said: “We are exceptionally pleased that our bricks have been such a success in the Republic of Ireland and thank Finbarr McCarthy and Rubix Building Products for their faith and confidence in us.
“York Handmade has been making award-winning bricks for over 35 years now and we have predominantly supplied customers in the United Kingdom. To re-establish a connection in the Republic of Ireland is magnificent news and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with Finbarr and making many more bricks for homes and developments in County Cork.
“I’d particularly like to thank Tim Bristow, a founding member of York Handmade and a superb salesman, for his work on securing these Cork contracts and ensuring they have been a success.
“In the past we have had great success across the border in Northern Ireland winning the Supreme Award in the Brick Awards, the Oscars of the brick industry, for supplying the bricks for St Brigid’s Church in Belfast.”
York Handmade has recently invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery which has transformed how the company makes bricks.
David Armitage explained: “Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this £1.5 million overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which will speed up production, facilitate two brand-new products and increase efficiency.”
NFU speaks out for UK farmers over rising salmonella cases on imported poultry
The FSA is reminding consumers to take care when handling and cooking poultry products at home, because of a rise in Salmonella enteritidis food poisoning cases linked to some products imported from Poland. The advice covers chilled and frozen chicken and turkey drumsticks, breasts, thighs and chicken pieces.
More seats and more jobs result from Hull Trains’ extra carriages
Growing passenger numbers mean Hull Trains is running extended 10 carriage trains on a number of its services from Wednesday to Sunday, with 28% more passengers being carried than before the pandemic.
Louise Mendham, the company’s Service Delivery Director said: “Since the start of last year, we have been carefully monitoring our 10 car trials and reviewing the structure of our timetable as a result of a significant increase in demand, leading to this decision to introduce the new services.
“Introducing this extra capacity, especially on a Sunday, is something we’ve not been able to achieve before, and the additions will now bring an extra 4,000 seats per week for our customers. These changes will account for one of our biggest timetable transformations for capacity in our 23-year history.”
Introducing this extra capacity, especially on a Sunday, has been an aspiration of the operator for some time. The decision has also meant new jobs for extra On Board Managers and On Board hosts.
Sleaford pharmacist wins national award
Lincolnshire Co-op relief pharmacist Alex Scarbro from Ruskington near Sleaford has been name as Buttercups Outstanding Trainee Pharmacist 2023.
The award is a tribute to stand-out trainee pharmacists who have been nominated by their tutors for their exceptional behaviour and participation over the duration of their training programme.
Alex was commended for his empathetic and understanding character, his consistent professionalism, and demonstrating exceptional dedication to patient care.
Jo Higham, Professional Development Programme Tutor at Buttercups Training, presented Alex with the award at his workplace Ruskington Pharmacy in Sleaford.
Founded in 1988, Buttercups Training is the largest independent pharmacy training provider in the UK with over 35 years of experience in the industry. (See notes to editors)
Jo Higham, Professional Development Programme Tutor at Buttercups Training, said: “Alex has participated excellently with our programme, and others have found him a pleasure to work with.
“He’s displayed a real passion for pharmacy and patient-centred care. He should be very proud of his work so far. We look forward to seeing his future pharmacy achievements.”
Alex said: “I’ve worked so hard to get where I am today. As pharmacists, we commit to making a positive difference to people in the communities we serve, so it means the world to have received this award.”
Wilmott Dixon prepare to start work on Goole Hub project
Contractors and design partners Wilmott Dixon are preparing to start work on the site of the East Riding Leisure in Goole into readiness to transform it into the £17m Goole Hub after Council planners signed off on the scheme.
Plans include retention of the Sports Hall and a Health Suite will be added, as well as added, as well as Goole Library and Customer Service Centre moving in. It is hoped that work will be finished by summer 2025.
Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “This scheme is very exciting for Goole and will provide a wonderful new facility for the town, and for our East Riding Leisure members. I am absolutely delighted that work can now get under way on the site.
“We recognise the inconvenience that will be caused by the lengthy closure of East Riding Leisure Goole, but we promise that the wait will be worth it.
“A whole range of alternative arrangements are in place during the closure period, and we continue to work hard to ensure the best possible alternatives are made available. We will also communicate with residents and customers throughout the process.”
Redevelopment plans submitted for key building at York Minster Precinct
Plans have been submitted to renovate a key building at York Minster Precinct as part of its Neighbourhood Plan.
If planning permission and listed building consent are approved by City of York Council, much needed improvement and repair work will be made to the Grade II* listed Red House building at 6 Minster Yard.
As part of the latest low carbon retrofit project by the Chapter of York, the governing body of York Minster, a ‘warm roof’ with solar slates will be incorporated on the building’s south side.
The same system has been successfully introduced on the Precinct’s Refectory building with permission also granted at 2 Deangate, where work is set to commence in 2025.
In addition to the solar slates at Red House, a platform will be created in the roof space for an air source heat pump to be installed in the future when funding allows.
Other planned improvements include a new balustrade to the side external staircase, repairs to roof timbers and the removal of an unstable chimney stack.
Alex McCallion, Director of Works and Precinct at York Minster, said: “These proposals will not only improve the existing roof at Red House but also prepare the building to remain in sustainable use for the lifespan of the new slate roof, in the face of growing climate change challenges.
“The redevelopment of Red House continues York Minster’s trailblazing approach to planning matters and creating a sustainable future for both the cathedral building and its surrounding Precinct through our pioneering Neighbourhood Plan.
“York Minster has already won two major awards for its Neighbourhood Plan which has created a planning policy framework to deliver significant changes within a heritage estate and is a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates and how to secure their long-term environmental, financial and heritage sustainability for future generations to enjoy.”
Alongside plans for Red House, construction work is accelerating at the Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills and Estate Management, a world class campus facility for research, education and training in ancient craft skills.
The Centre of Excellence will bring benefits including continuing the craft of stonemasonry and encouraging global learning and knowledge sharing, as well as being a shining example of best practice in managing complex heritage estates.
The Neighbourhood Plan sets out a policy-led approach to creating a sustainable future for the Minster and its seven hectare estate.
Tech ‘welcome’ funding brings 100 jobs into South Yorkshire
A grant to bring in the brightest tech businesses into South Yorkshire has hit the milestone of 100 jobs brought into the region.
The Tech Welcome Grant, funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, offers businesses up to £10,000 to move their tech business into the region, and supports local tech start ups to gain their very first office in South Yorkshire.
Tech Welcome Project Officer Makauley Barron said: “The scheme has seen all four areas of South Yorkshire benefit from the grant, establishing our region as hub for tech and digital.
“We’ve seen a strong variety of companies move in, including robotics, 3D CAD design, data visualisation, and cyber security. The variation makes our region stronger, and having hit the milestone of 100 job roles filled demonstrates the success.”
The scheme, still in its trial form, has funding to bring in 141 jobs in total, based on a sliding scale of financial support for the number of jobs a business will relocate into the area.
Specialist business analysis and product management consultancy Herd Consulting hasrelocated to Wizu Workspace in Sheffield, bringing five new permanent jobs to the region. Jamie Toyne, Founder & CEO, said: “We’re grateful of the support from the Tech Welcome Grant. Not only has it supported us financially to get office space and a place to collaborate, but as we look to expand our team by at least another ten hires over the year, we will see that support payment increase each month.
“South Yorkshire is a great place to establish our highly specialist digital consultancy business, there’s a community feel for tech and digital here, and being welcomed into the region this way allows us to be part of that as we continue with our growth across the UK and further afield.”
FSB calls for VAT system revamp to help small business strivers
Revamping the VAT system could be the key to unlocking billions in trapped economic firepower, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
In a new paper, the UK’s largest business group pushes for a rise in the turnover threshold from £85,000, where VAT currently starts biting, to £100,000.
This would give firms stepping into the VAT-paying ring crucial breathing space, and an incentive to grow their turnover without fear of having to charge customers an extra 20% overnight.
FSB is also suggesting bringing in a smoothing mechanism, to ease the transition for small firms, owner-managed companies and some of the self-employed who go just over the threshold.
At the moment, many small firms – estimated to hit 44,000 by 2025 – keep their turnover just below the £85,000 threshold, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, which also thinks that hundreds of millions of pounds of potential economic activity could be lost due to this ‘bunching’ just below the threshold.
Increasing the threshold and smoothing mechanisms
The £85,000 threshold was fixed in 2017 – but had it kept pace with inflation, that figure would top £100,000 today. Rocketing inflation pushed small firms to hike prices and inadvertently increase turnover without fattening profits, unwittingly ensnaring many into the VAT net, piling on extra burdens in time, money, and complexity.
FSB’s recommendations come after firms with a turnover of between £75,001 and £100,000 said the £85,000 threshold:
- Is a barrier to growth (38%)
- Would encourage them to invest in their business if it was raised (29%)
- A fifth of small firms (19%) say a discount to the amount of VAT payable after reaching the threshold would incentivise them to invest and expand in their businesses
- This rises to 41% in the hospitality sector and 23% in the wholesale and retail industry.
- VAT allowance option: HMRC could allow eligible small businesses to reduce their annual VAT liability by a set amount (i.e., £5,000), similar to the existing Employment Allowance, which can be offset against small firms’ National Insurance bill.
- Rebate option: HMRC could administer a rebate proposal where small businesses with a turnover up to £20,000 higher than the threshold level can apply for a rebate on their net VAT paid. The rebate would reduce the overall VAT liability a small business pays, and would decrease as turnover increases.
- 18% would be incentivised to invest and expand.
- 30% of hospitality firms would be incentivised to invest and expand.
- 27% of small manufacturers would be incentivised to invest and expand.
