Main construction works are due to begin at Heckmondwike Bus Hub next week, transforming the current space into a fully accessible bus station, providing better transport links from the town centre. Funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), and part of Kirklees Council’s wider Heckmondwike Blueprint plans, the Council will begin the main phase of the development, with work expected to take around 12 months. The £10.5 million investment will see work start next week on replacing the current bus hub with an accessible bus station which will include more bus stops, additional indoor seating, better footways, cycle parking, solar panels, a “green roof” with plants, and communal outdoor spaces. New toilet facilities will be created, including a “Changing Places” room – an all-in-one facility that caters for the needs of people who are not able to use the toilet independently. Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing, said: “The new bus station promises to be a welcoming, safe, and bright space with more comfortable surroundings. I hope these new facilities will result in more people opting for alternative sustainable transport options, leading to fewer car journeys and less congestion around the town centre. “This development is at the heart of Heckmondwike. It marks the beginning of a more accessible, and modern town centre that local residents, and businesses deserve and can be proud of.” Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “I am so pleased to see the next phase of work begin, to improve this important transport hub. This new station will encourage people to switch to public transport and help West Yorkshire reach its goal of net-zero carbon by 2038. “I’m looking forward to seeing it open to passengers as we continue to build a better-connected region that works for all.”

Shipley’s new Sustainable Community Hub has officially opened following an extensive £3m renovation. The year-long refurbishment of the Old School Building on Kirkgate, has transformed the space into a contemporary base for charitable organisations Hive and the Kirkgate Community Centre, which will work together in providing complementary services and facilities for the local community. They will offer services to tackle social isolation, promote well-being, provide activities for families and make cultural and artistic activities accessible for local residents. There will also be opportunities for training, work experience and volunteering to support local people looking for employment. The £3m project was funded with £2.51m from the Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund, as well as funding from the Community Ownership Fund, BD25, Mayor’s Climate Change Grant and the Architectural Heritage Fund. The works have revealed features which had previously been hidden, such as the extraordinary original windows and fireplaces, which have been exposed, restored and upgraded sympathetically. Chair of Hive Susan Bale explained: “The two small extensions for Hive provide a welcoming lobby and a much-needed activity room. The new road-side entrance is also crucial in terms of accessibility. “We now have facilities which reflect the quality of the support on offer. There has been so much excitement and anticipation among the local community and we are delighted we can throw open the doors and welcome them. We are so proud that we now have facilities which reflect the quality of the support on offer.” Nathan Tanswell, Chair of the Kirkgate Community Centre, added: “We now have a new lift which is also important for accessibility and creates a flow around the building. The building itself means a lot to local people. “It needed significant repairs to make it safe, comfortable and sustainable, and we have done this while respecting the heritage and integrity of the building. The place now feels light and welcoming, as well as being as impressive as it was originally built to be.” Adam Clerkin, Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The Shipley Towns Fund is proud to support this public funded, on time, on budget, transformative project, which will benefit the community for generations to come. “The towns fund initiative has empowered communities across the country to determine who, and how, public funds are spent to improve the quality of life in their towns. The Shipley Sustainable Community Hub is a shining example of this and demonstrates what can be achieved when government empowers talent inherent in all our communities.” Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport added: “This has been an incredible project and it has been a privilege to see this incredible space take shape. It is a great opportunity for Hive and the Kirkgate Community Centre to work together to offer increased services and enable them to support even more local people.”

GMI Construction Group is partnering with spatial computing and AI provider SimplyVideo, Leeds Beckett University, and software developer Anglestack as part of a £1m Innovate UK initiative to create an interactive digital platform to access key elements of the complex legislation contained within the new Building Safety Act. The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the platform ensures relevant safety regulations can be matched directly to specific types and stages of construction projects – ensuring consistent and efficient compliance by all parties involved while at the same time reducing the risk of oversight. Central to the initiative is the support of the “Golden Thread” concept, which provides a clear and complete record-keeping system which meticulously tracks all aspects of a building’s design, construction, and maintenance throughout its entire lifecycle, ensuring transparency and accountability. GMI Construction Group is investing in this project, highlighting its commitment to innovation and safety in the construction sector. Once fully assessed, this solution has the potential to be rolled out industry-wide, revolutionising the way safety compliance is accessed and managed. The project is also funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK’s innovation agency, which drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. The platform will be accessible through a web app, mobile app, and smart glasses for site workers, as well as virtual reality (VR) Meta headsets via Microsoft’s immersive Mesh environment, enabling users to immerse themselves within a digital representation of the construction project. This VR Microsoft Mesh experience will include access to AI providing regulation information, Golden Thread information, and critical safety information, further enhancing understanding and engagement. Covering a wide spectrum of development and construction, including residential, office spaces, major manufacturing and logistics hubs, care homes, and hospitals, the resource could have a profound impact across the construction industry. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to the building control process, focusing on higher-risk structures and enhancing the competence of those overseeing, managing, and executing construction projects. Thomas West, Group Services Director at GMI Construction Group, said: “This collaboration is a game-changer for the business and builds upon the wider digital transformation that has taken place in GMI over recent years. “By integrating AI with cutting-edge software solutions, we can provide our employees with immediate access to crucial regulatory information. This will not only streamline the compliance processes but also bring clarity, enhancing understanding and engagement for all those involved.” Alex Deighton, CEO of Leeds-based SimplyVideo, which is involved in the development of  AI, smart glasses and VR using Microsoft Mesh, said: “We are combining both AI and spatial computing cutting edge technologies in a truly exciting way, to aid the construction industry in being compliant with the new BSA Regulation. “Using AI to search both BSA regulation and Golden Thread information will save hours for construction professionals. Being able to access the AI and information in Smart Glasses and VR will be a gamechanger.” Dr Jamiu A Dauda, a Chartered Building Engineer and Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, said: “The proposed i-GBSM platform will be groundbreaking, representing a pivotal advancement in supporting building safety compliance. “By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, we’re empowering stakeholders to navigate complex regulations more effectively, facilitating the comprehensive realisation of the Golden Thread’s advantages across various infrastructure and building.” Omolola Arawomo, Director of Anglestack, said: “At Anglestack, our focus has always been on leveraging advanced software solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the construction industry and beyond. “This project represents a significant leap towards ensuring that compliance with the Building Safety Act is not just a regulatory obligation but a streamlined, and intuitive process. “By integrating this software with AI-driven insights, we are helping to create a platform that will transform how safety information is accessed, understood, and applied across the entire lifecycle of a building project.”

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has completed the sale of The Lamb & Flag, located in the market town of Ripon, North Yorkshire. Centrally located in Ripon, within close walking distance to the market square, The Lamb & Flag is an early 19^th Century Grade II listed building which formerly operated as a pub/inn. The three-story, white-washed building is full of historic charm and is well known within the local area. Marslie McGregor, Business Agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, said: “It was a pleasure to sell this property on behalf of a well-renowned pub company. Given the property’s excellent location, size and character, it is full of potential for the new owners, and I look forward to seeing what’s in store. “The level of interest was extremely high, resulting in multiple offers received. Although the market has some challenges at the moment, we are still seeing positive buyer demand for well-priced sites in good locations.”

Zentra Group, the residential developer which has recently rebranded from the One Heritage Group, has completed its One Meadow Victoria Road development in Eccleshill, West Yorkshire. The development consists of 24 high-specification two, three and four-bedroom homes, strategically located between the cities of Bradford and Leeds. The site was previously occupied by the Airedale Group, which has relocated elsewhere within the Bradford district. Construction work was undertaken by principal contractor Jack Lunn, with important contributions from Acanthus WSM Architects, ABA Consulting (Structural Engineers), Crookes Walker (M&E consultants), and property agents Cushman & Wakefield. A sales and marketing campaign has now begun, driven by WW Estates and William H Brown. Two homes have already been reserved. Jason Upton, CEO of Zentra Group PLC, said: “We are delighted to complete our One Meadow development at Victoria Road, Eccleshill. This is our first new-build housing project and the first to be delivered under our newly launched Zentra Homes brand. “This represents an important milestone in our ongoing expansion and our commitment to delivering high-quality residential developments. “This exclusive development of traditional two-storey family homes is located on a small cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Eccleshill, tucked peacefully away between the vibrant city of Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. “The scheme goes beyond a typical housing specification, resulting in luxury, ready-to-move in homes. All kitchens come fully equipped with high-quality appliances such as an integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine, alongside an oven and a hob.”