Allenby Commercial acquires another of Hull’s historic buildings
Family firm Allenby Commercial has bought the Corn Exchange on the corner of Hull’s North Church Side and Market Place for an undisclosed sum.
The company, which has won awards for its transformation of the 17th century Danish Buildings and Bayles House and the Victorian Paragon Arcade, said it is committed to taking the same, careful approach to its latest addition.
Development Director Charlie Allenby said: “The Corn Exchange operated as a pub for maybe 300 years but more recently successive operators have struggled to make it work and earlier this year it became vacant again.
“We haven’t made a decision about exactly what to do with it, but we will look at the sort of options it presents, and we are absolutely committed to looking after it.”
Danish Buildings, which was built in the 17th century, and the adjoining Bayles House, listed in 1952, were bought by Allenbys in 2017 and underwent a £1.2m renovation with support from the Government’s Local Growth Fund and the Humber LEP.
It is now at capacity with 17 studios which are occupied by architects, filmmakers, marketing professionals, tattooists, hair stylists and others who are a perfect fit with the original brief to create new space to generate more creativity.
The Corn Exchange enjoyed a revival after being taken over in 2018 by Hull-based Atom Brewery. But the pub changed hands when Atom moved out in 2022 and it went on the market after closing again during the summer.
Allenby Commercial’s Design and Marketing Director Georgia Allenby said: “It’s a prime site with a lot of history and it’s a great fit with our portfolio in Hull city centre which is all about taking iconic local properties, bringing them back to life with stylish and careful restorations, and creating jobs.
“Our other projects provide plenty of evidence of our commitment to work with innovation and imagination and to embrace the heritage of our city. Whatever we do with the Corn Exchange will maintain the standards we have set.”
Government payments to farmers start to come through
According to Defra, more than 14,000 people have registered their interest, with those whose agreement started on 1 October 2023 receiving the early payment this week.
This, the government said, would help with cashflow against a background of high inflation and rising input costs.
NFU Vice President David Exwood said the progress was “encouraging” and welcomed the initial payments, adding saying it was important that all farmers who signed up early got a payment before Christmas.
Looking forward, David said: “What we need to see now is expressions of interest converted into agreements. It’s also important that Defra and the Rural Payments Agency continually look to improve the online application process to make it as easy and as smooth as possible.
“It was important for government to bridge the massive financial hole in farm support caused by issues with the changeover in support schemes from the old Basic Payment Scheme to SFI,” David added.
“Looking ahead, it is vital that details for the SFI24 are presented at the earliest opportunity, in order to provide farmers, particularly those in the uplands, the confidence they need to plan for the future.”
From the end of this week, farmers will no longer need to submit registrations of interest and will be able to apply directly online.
Those farming on commons should continue to express their interest with the Rural Payments Agency which can support them to get ready to apply.
Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said: “We are engaging with farmers and taking onboard their feedback to continually improve the scheme, including delivering on our commitment to introduce early payments and taking steps to simplify the application process.”
ABP appoints Head of HSE for the Humber
ABP has named Roger Pearce as Head of Health, Safety, and Environment (Humber) and supporting health and safety for group.
Having worked for both regulatory and commercial organisations within various sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality, he said: “I’m excited to have joined ABP. From what I’ve seen so far there are some truly excellent initiatives and approaches including the Thrive training, and I am keen to use that training as it’s a critical part of getting our message across.
“ABP’s commitment to health, safety and the environment is well-established, and our focus will be on driving continuous improvement. I am looking forward to working across the Humber ports, supporting the ABP team, partners, and customers to keep people and our workplaces healthy and safe.”
Roger joins the team following 12 years in the healthcare industry where he oversaw the high-risk environments including the sterilisation of medical devices using radiation and highly hazardous chemicals.
His long-standing background in health and safety began after 12 years in the Merchant Navy which he joined after leaving school. He also qualified as an Environmental Health Officer, which gave him a grounding in the legal aspects and managing safety.
Design finalised for new £3m Brighouse market
Plans for a new, revitalised market at the heart of Brighouse have moved forward as part of a £19.1 million investment in the town centre.
Following the three-week engagement process in the summer by Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board, the design of the distinctive new market building has been finalised, a planning application is being submitted, and the tender process to find a contractor is due to start soon.
As part of the UK Government-funded Town Deal, the £3 million revitalised market on the existing canalside site will have around 20 fixed stalls, each with water, drainage and power. There will also be a flexible central space that can be used for events or additional pop-up stalls to encourage new business start-ups.
Alongside spaces to sit, rest and meet, with views over the canal, there will be new toilets for traders plus storage, to create a modern, attractive and vibrant market with the aspiration to open more days of the week.
Other features will include an improved pedestrian area at the front and level access to the market; secure, decorative gates featuring a Brighouse-themed design; new cycle parking; and new entrances and exits to provide better connections to the town.
Subject to planning approval, work on the new market is due to start in spring 2024 and be complete by spring 2025.
With the build getting closer, work has been ongoing to identify a site for a temporary market to ensure stallholders can continue to trade, shoppers can continue to buy, and the rest of the town centre can operate as usual.
A location has now been provisionally secured and the current market will temporarily move to Daisy Street car park for around 12 months while construction is underway.
Cllr Howard Blagbrough, chair of the Brighouse Town Board, said: “The open market is an important part of Brighouse, and we have been determined to ensure it has an even brighter future, which is why I am delighted we are now in a position to submit the planning application and move forward with the project.
“Ensuring we have a temporary market site that allows our current traders to continue to trade while construction takes place is another vital part of the scheme, and we will be working with the stallholders and the Council’s markets team to ensure this is suitable for them, that shoppers know where the temporary market is, and they are encouraged to visit, shop and spend.
“After years of discussion and debate, starting work on these projects will be an important moment and I am looking forward to that happening, all being well, in just a few months’ time.”
GMI to build £50m York student accommodation scheme
GMI Construction Group Ltd has secured a contract with Olympian Homes for the construction of a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York.
Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq ft site will feature a four storey building comprising of 275 beds and facilities including a gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history the scheme will feature a cinema.
Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards.
This is the latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development to be delivered by Olympian Homes, which is also active in hotel, Build to Rent, co-living and affordable housing sectors. This project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International.
GMI has worked closely with Olympian Homes and its professional team throughout the Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to develop a buildable, cost-effective and sustainable design.
Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, following the completion of archaeological works.
The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete.
Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963.
Latterly the site of the cinema became a car park for the adjacent bingo hall, which has also since closed and is included in the footprint of this PBSA scheme.
GMI, which will utilise a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with this new development bringing the number of student beds it is building in York 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 Construction’s regional director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York.
“Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.”
James Lindridge, COO & development director at Olympian Homes, said: “This marks the delivery phase of another scheme for Olympian Homes and aims to address the undersupply of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation within York. It has been a pleasure to work with the Council, local stakeholders and GMI to deliver this scheme.”
William Sharpey, senior construction manager at Olympian Homes, said: “From identifying GMI as our Contracting Partner on Rialto House to getting on site it has been a positive journey, not without its challenges in a difficult economic environment for construction.
“I look forward to working with GMI on the delivery of the scheme and exploring synergy between our businesses on upcoming opportunities.”
Odsal Stadium hits the market
The Leeds office of property consultancy Knight Frank has been appointed to sell the lease of the iconic Odsal Stadium, the home of the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team.
Opened in 1934, Odsal is a multi-purpose sports stadium which extends to approximately 12.85 acres and is currently the home of Odsal Motorsport, as well as the Bradford Bulls.
The Rugby Football League Ltd (RFL) currently leases Odsal on a 150-year term from Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a peppercorn rent.
Jonathan Hyland, partner with Knight Frank in Leeds, who is advising the Rugby League, said: “This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the most famous sporting stadia in Yorkshire. Odsal has a wonderful history and is one of the jewels in the crown of the city of Bradford.
“We expect a good deal of interest in this sale, given Odsal’s reputation, high-profile and location. Once a preferred buyer has been chosen, they will be granted a period of exclusivity during which they will be required to agree terms for a formal lease with the Bradford Bulls.”
Robert Graham, the RFL’s Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services, said: “The RFL purchased Odsal in January 2012 because of a specific set of circumstances, which at the time involved a real danger that an historic venue for Rugby League could be lost to the sport.
“This was never envisaged as a permanent position for a national governing body, and after acting as custodians for more than a decade, and with two tenants in Bradford Bulls and Odsal Motorsports Ltd, the circumstances have now developed sufficiently to explore options for sale.”
Odsal Motorsport Ltd has a licence running until 2041, allowing them to host up to 20 events per annum. The current combined income from the two occupiers is approximately £125,000 per annum.
Council reminds firms of green growth grant availability
West Lindsey District Council is reminding firms in its area that Business Sustainability or ‘Green Growth Grants’ are available, offering up to £15,000 to support both capital and revenue projects.
This includes investments in energy-efficient machinery, improvements to the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and can include environmental audits, and carbon surveys to identify savings opportunities prior to a full application. Businesses are required to provide match funding at 30% of project costs.
Chairman of the Council’s Environment and Sustainability Group, Cllr Stephen Bunney is keen to impress the merits of the scheme upon local businesses. He said: “This is not just a grant; it’s an invitation to a greener, more profitable future. As consumer focus shifts towards eco-friendly enterprises, now is the time to reduce emissions, cut waste, and save on energy costs.
“The ‘Green Growth Grant’ is your business’ gateway to meaningful climate action. By focusing on reducing emissions and waste, you can not only save money but also stand out in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.”
After submitting an Expression of Interest, businesses can receive bespoke support from the Lincolnshire Growth Hub. This includes guidance on calculating carbon emissions and crafting an actionable sustainability plan tailored to your business’s unique challenges and opportunities.
West Lindsey District Council’s Economic Growth Specialist Marina Di Salvatore said: “The Green Growth Grant is more than just short-term funding; it’s about setting your business up to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s an investment in long-term sustainability that aligns with both local and global goals, whilst saving you money. Act now and be a part of this transformative journey.”
Yorkshire communications agency backs women’s crew taking on the World’s Toughest Row
Yorkshire-based communications and PR agency, Counter Context, is backing team Ace of Blades – a crew of four women who, on 12 December 2023, will embark on an epic journey to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic in a 25-ft boat.
Competing in the ‘The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2023’ (formerly known as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge), the all-female crew comprises Lizz Watson, Kit Windsor, Laura Langton, and Counter Context director, Beth Motley.
Together with a fleet of 39 other crews from around the world, the team will cross the start in San Sebastian La Gomera, Tenerife rowing two hours on two hours off for anything up to 50 days to cross the finish line in English Harbour, Antigua.
The foursome has set its sights on completing the challenge to fundraise for three charities close to their hearts: Macmillan Cancer Support, The Outward Bound Trust, and Prostate Cymru. Counter Context’s support for the team has put them well on their way to hitting their target of raising £60,000 for their chosen charities.
“All of us at Counter Context are in awe of Beth and her crewmates as they embark on this epic adventure,” explains Alexis Krachai, Managing Director at Counter Context.
“As a company, we like to push ourselves, think about things differently and to consider the world around us. We cannot think of anything more on brand than supporting a colleague who goes ‘I’m going to row the Atlantic’.
“It is also a reminder that beyond our work in communications, there is a huge world out there that needs respecting, exploring, and protecting. What this crew is setting out to achieve embodies the core values which sit at the heart of our business.”
“While there will be four of us actually on the boat during the crossing, rowing an ocean takes an army,” explains Beth. “A huge part of this journey is about getting to the start – and that involves more than just training. Developing partnerships and securing funding for our campaign is a big part of the challenge.
“Having the backing of my colleagues at Counter Context makes a massive difference to us being able to undertake this challenge and support the charities we’re championing. It’s going to be a really proud moment representing the business as we set off from La Gomera in December.”
Yorkshire bedmaker receives two King’s Awards during Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire visit
Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, to its Leeds headquarters to formally receive its two prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade.
The King’s representative visited the 183-year-old bed manufacturer’s Innovation Centre in Leeds to present its two King’s Awards to the company, which is headed by Group Chairman, Simon Spinks.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, is the highest official UK award for British businesses – Harrison Spinks’ latest two awards add to the five it has previously received.
The King’s Award for Innovation was granted in recognition of the company’s significant work as an industry leader in innovation and design, including its design and manufacture of revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs.
Harrison Spinks also secured the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade thanks to its continued focus on manufacturing premium, responsibly sourced, handmade beds and spring components in international markets.
Simon Spinks, Group Chairman for Harrison Spinks, said: “We’re all feeling extremely proud and humbled to have welcomed Mr Ed Anderson to our headquarters to receive our two King’s Awards. He met with colleagues across various areas of the business, acknowledging the group effort that has made these award wins possible.
“These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials and supports other manufacturing businesses both in the UK and overseas – they are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality design while keeping the planet in mind.”
Unity appoints interim chair
Abdul Hamied has been appointed interim chair of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
He succeeds Shruti Bhargava, who has stepped down as chair after nine years, and will be in post for up to 12 months before handing over to a new chair for a six-year term.
Mr Hamied, deputy director of the Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, has served on the Unity board since 2018.
He previously spent six years on the board of Manningham Housing Association in Bradford.
A graduate of Sheffield Hallam University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Sheffield, Mr Hamied has held a series of senior positions in the NHS and local government supporting, facilitating and stimulating transformational change and service improvement.
Established in 1987, Unity Home and Enterprise manages 1,386 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds in Leeds, Huddersfield and Cleckheaton.
Abdul Hamied said: “It is a great privilege to become Interim Chair of such a highly respected and valued organisation with its roots firmly in the local communities it serves.
“I recently attended an away day with Unity’s senior management and fellow board members. As one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, there was a real sense of shared purpose to continue being ambitious, resilient, adaptive and willing to embrace new initiatives whilst ensuring we remain in touch with our customers and committed to tackling inequalities in housing. That is the mantra with which I will approach the year ahead.
“One of my priorities will be to help attract the best possible candidates to lead Unity through the following six years of our development. That process will begin shortly, and I encourage anyone who believes they have what it takes to succeed in the role to get in touch.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Abdul as Interim Chair.
“He brings a wealth of experience and, having worked closely with him since I joined Unity almost three years ago, I am a huge admirer of his talents.
“Abdul’s familiarity with what we do is also incredibly helpful and will enable him to have a swift and positive impact on the many exciting ventures with which we are involved.”
