Step forward for plans doubling Bradford city centre
UK explores hydrogen blending for gas supply decarbonisation
The UK Government is actively considering introducing hydrogen blending into the national gas network as part of wider decarbonisation efforts. According to energy minister Michael Shanks, a formal decision is expected shortly following an evidence-gathering phase assessing the impact on consumers and infrastructure.
Blending up to 20% hydrogen with natural gas is technically feasible with most existing boilers and appliances in domestic and commercial settings. Gas network operators have indicated that current infrastructure could handle such a mix without significant modifications, offering a transitional path toward lower-carbon heating.
Scotland is leading several green hydrogen production projects to leverage the country’s renewable energy capacity. Recent developments include a large-scale hydrogen facility approved in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, and discussions around the Grangemouth industrial site as a potential hydrogen hub.
While hydrogen presents a cleaner alternative to natural gas, its lower energy density requires greater volumes to produce the same heat output. This raises ongoing questions about the viability of a 100% hydrogen gas grid for domestic use.
University of Sheffield reveals 100-acre Runway Park development
A University of Sheffield development designed to attract investment, create high-quality jobs and accelerate economic growth has been launched to industry.
Runway Park, the evolution of the University of Sheffield’s Innovation District, is a 100-acre development that links the University’s world-class research with the real-world challenges faced by a wide range of businesses, from growing companies to household name multinationals.
The development is located on land already owned by the University of Sheffield, on the site of the former Sheffield City Airport. This surrounding area is already home to companies including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, McLaren Automotive and others harnessing the University’s research and development facilities and collaborating with its researchers to advance technology and manufacturing.
The University of Sheffield Innovation District was initially developed in 2015 when Factory 2050, the UK’s first reconfigurable digital factory, was completed. Since then, a host of other specialist University of Sheffield research centres have been established there, including the Translational Energy Research Centre, Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre, Royce Translational Centre, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre and more.
In 2018, Boeing opened its first European manufacturing site nearby, following almost two decades of collaboration between the company and the University of Sheffield.
Now, the Runway Park development is accelerating efforts to advance the development, translate University research into real-world solutions for industry and build on Sheffield and the wider region’s reputation as a leader in innovation-led growth.
Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “The evolution of the University’s innovation district with the launch of Runway Park marks a significant milestone in our mission to help the region reach its full potential, while making an even stronger contribution to economic growth.
“We have seen the impact of innovation-led growth, with the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) transforming the Sheffield/Rotherham border into a global hub for advanced manufacturing over the last 20 years. As part of the UK’s first government-backed Investment Zone in South Yorkshire, our vision for Runway Park will build on this considerable momentum.
“We look forward to working with partners to deliver bespoke solutions to industry, catalyse growth opportunities and attract the investment the region needs to continue on a path to prosperity.”
Linda Goodacre, director of estates and facilities at the University of Sheffield, said: “Runway Park reflects our long-term commitment to creating places that are not only fit for the future, but actively help shape it. Designed with flexibility, resilience and sustainability at its core, the site brings together high-performance buildings and green infrastructure to offer exceptional working and collaboration environments for tenants of all sizes.
“From our energy-efficient facilities and on-site renewable energy to acres of biodiverse parkland and walkable green space, Runway Park gives businesses the room – and the responsibility – to grow sustainably.”
United Living boosts water business with Peter Duffy acquisition
NatWest backs Leeds Bradford Airport expansion with £160m package
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has secured £160 million in financing from NatWest to support a major terminal expansion project. The project is expected to significantly boost its capacity and infrastructure by 2030.
The financing, arranged by NatWest’s Debt Advisory team, combines refinancing of existing debt with an increased capital expenditure facility. The funding will help advance LBA’s REGEN project, which is focused on modernising the terminal and increasing passenger capacity from 4.3 million to around 6.8 million annually.
LBA, which InfraBridge owns, has shown a strong post-pandemic recovery and is currently operating at 113% of its 2019 passenger traffic. It is the first airport in Northern England to exceed pre-COVID traffic levels. The terminal upgrades are expected to enhance the airport’s commercial offering and passenger experience, positioning it for continued growth in European connectivity.
InfraBridge, a global mid-market infrastructure investor, counts LBA among its key assets in the transport and logistics sector.
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Bradford College joins major low-carbon energy network
Bradford College has officially begun connection works to the £70 million Bradford Energy Network, a low-carbon heat network designed to significantly reduce the city’s reliance on fossil fuels. The move is part of a broader decarbonisation strategy supported by a £2.6 million public sector grant administered by Salix, the Department for Energy Security, and Net Zero.
The network, developed by 1Energy, will supply renewable heat through underground pipes to Bradford College, the University of Bradford, and Bradford Courts. It is expected to deliver an 85–90% reduction in emissions for connected buildings. The College alone anticipates an annual carbon saving of over 285 tonnes through its connection to the system, which includes one of the UK’s largest air source heat pumps.
ThermaMech delivers external infrastructure works, including pipe installation across Bradford city centre. The project is also providing skills development opportunities, including student placements, industry masterclasses, and curriculum-linked tours, to support local construction and engineering talent.
The energy plant is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, with heat delivery expected to begin by September of the same year. Phase one of the network aims to cut approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions city-wide.