Demolition of six high-rise buildings in Leeds to be agreed

Tess Egginton
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Demolition of six high-rise buildings in Leeds to be agreed
Members of Leeds City Council’s executive board are set to approve plans to rehouse residents and demolish six high rise buildings, across Leeds.
The six tower blocks, initially constructed in the 1960’s, have exceeded their original design life, and would require significant investment for them to be brought up to an appropriate standard to have a future, as part of the council’s housing estate. Although the blocks remain safe at present, in light of financial pressures and the significant cost of delivering remedial work, the decision to demolish the six sites is set to be approved. The future use and development of the sites will be subject to further review, with the ambition to facilitate the delivery of good quality affordable housing on the sites. Extensive consultation has already taken place with residents in Bailey Towers, Brookland Towers and Ramshead Heights in Seacroft, Leafield Towers in Moortown, and Raynville Court and Raynville Grange in Armley, who will be fully supported through the rehousing process. To enable council tenants to find new homes, the council’s executive board is set to agree to prioritise their housing applications, so that they are successfully rehoused into suitable long-term housing. Tenants who have lived in their homes for 12 months or more will also qualify for compensation. Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said: “The demolition of the tower blocks is an important step towards future proofing the council’s housing stock, ensuring that we meet our commitment to delivering good quality and affordable homes for residents. “However, we understand the impact that this will have on our residents across the sites, and I would like to extend my thanks for their constructive engagement with the council so far. “We’ve undertaken extensive and proactive consultation with all of our impacted residents and will continue to do so as we are absolutely committed to ensuring any disruption is minimal. We will continue to ensure that all residents are supported through the rehousing process, to see that they are successfully rehoused into homes that suit them for the long term.”

South Yorkshire green energy project sold

Tess Egginton
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South Yorkshire green energy project sold
A green energy project in South Yorkshire which includes one of the largest battery storage systems in the world is under new ownership. Renewable energy, minerals and property firm The Banks Group launched plans last year to create a new flexible energy storage hub through the reclamation and restoration of part of the former Thorpe Marsh power station site near Doncaster. After gathering feedback on the project plans from local people and businesses through a range of consultation activities, Banks submitted a planning application for the project to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council at the start of this year. But as part of Banks’ evolving position in the renewable energy sector, it has sold the project to independent power producer West Burton Energy, which already operates the West Burton power station and battery energy storage system in Nottinghamshire. West Burton Energy will now take the project on through the planning process, construction and into operations. The Thorpe Marsh Green Energy battery storage project could store up to 2.9GWhrs of energy, enough to supply around 340,000 households with electricity for one day, and would be used to ensure reliable and stable electricity grid operation at times of peak demand, thus helping to improve the UK’s energy security over the long term. In particular, it will be able to store renewable power generated during periods of oversupply of renewable electricity, and then release such power into the national electrical network when there is insufficient supply of renewable generation, such as when it is less windy or sunny.
Richard Dunkley at The Banks Group says: “We are proud to have identified and proposed a project that could deliver one of the world’s largest battery storage plants providing an invaluable use for part of the derelict former power station. “Thorpe Marsh will utilise the site’s large scale grid capacity to facilitate the increased deployment of renewable energy technologies on the National Grid network, so that more of the energy that we all use in our homes, businesses, schools and hospitals can be generated via our own renewable means and less from unreliable overseas sources. “The response we’ve had from local people, businesses and community leaders over the last year to our ideas was very encouraging and we look forward to seeing West Burton Energy bringing this nationally significant scheme to fruition. “West Burton Energy’s local knowledge, significant experience in the energy generation and storage sector and access to the capital required to take this nationally-significant project forward makes them the ideal owner.” Morris Van Looy, chief growth and strategy officer at West Burton Energy, adds: “Richard and the Banks team have done an excellent job identifying and progressing the Thorpe Marsh energy storage project, which is a real world leader in its ambition. “West Burton Energy is delighted to take over ownership and looks forward to delivering this much needed project to ensure security of supply, maximise the use of renewable energy, and to re-use this former power station site.” The Banks Group was advised by Rothschild & Co (corporate finance and M&A) and Ashurst (legal) during the transaction. West Burton Energy was advised by Burness Paull (legal).

York-based law firm continues expansion with appointment of senior solicitor

Tess Egginton
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York-based law firm continues expansion with appointment of senior solicitor
York-based property and life planning solicitors firm, Guest Walker, has appointed senior solicitor, Sue Hanley, to its Life Planning department. Sue, who began her legal career almost 30 years ago in Norwich, brings with her a wealth of expertise in Probate, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning and has a well-established reputation in York having previously worked at Hethertons Solicitors. Speaking of Sue’s appointment, Rowena Rogers, head of department and firm director,  said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sue to the team. Sue is extremely approachable and is able to offer our clients a wealth of experience across all life planning matters. “Guest Walker has very strong, well-established residential and commercial property departments and I am proud of the way the Life Planning department has grown in recent years to offer our clients a holistic approach to all of their property, business and personal affairs. We want our clients to know they can rely on Guest Walker at every stage of their life.” Sue Hanley, Life Planning solicitor, said: “I am delighted to have joined such a well-respected firm in the heart of York city centre. The way the team has grown in recent years is testament to the service that the team are offering their clients and their growing reputation in the city and beyond. “I am really looking forward to building my client base here at Guest Walker and helping the team to continue looking after our clients and their families with all aspects of Life Planning.”

Lincolnshire sole trader fined following workers’ exposure to hazardous substance

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire sole trader fined following workers’ exposure to hazardous substance

A Lincolnshire-based sole trader has been fined after his employees were exposed to a hazardous substance.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Chris Buckley, trading as The Furniture Chest, after the workplace regulator inspected the firm’s site on Station Road, Heckington, Lincolnshire, on 7 April 2022.

HSE inspectors found a significant build-up of wood dust and that Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, provided to capture wood dust and protect employees, had not been thoroughly examined and tested.

A subsequent HSE investigation found Chris Buckley had failed to prevent or adequately control employees’ exposure to wood dust and had failed to ensure that Local Exhaust Ventilation systems had been thoroughly examined and tested. Improvement Notices had been served in relation to the control of wood dust at previous inspections.

Wood dust is a hazardous substance and exposure can lead to workers suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma and sino-nasal cancer.

Chris Buckley of Heckington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 7(1) and 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. He was fined £1,354 and ordered to pay costs of £3,578 at Boston Magistrates’ Court on 9 October 2023.

HSE inspector Muir Finlay said: “Chris Buckley could have ensured that his Local Exhaust Ventilation systems were thoroughly examined and tested to ensure that they were working to protect the health of employees. A suitable and sufficient cleaning regime could have been implemented to further reduce the build-up of dust.

“HSE recognises wood dust can cause serious health problems and launched its Dust Kills campaign to help businesses to take action now to protect their workers’ respiratory health.”

This HSE prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Rebecca Schwartz. 

Leeds City Council considering range of new measures to meet budget challenge

Tess Egginton
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Leeds City Council considering range of new measures to meet budget challenge
Leeds City Council chiefs are having to consider a range of additional measures including significant staffing reductions, building closures and asset sales as the latest steps in the ongoing major budget challenge. At the meeting of the council’s executive board at the Civic Hall on Wednesday 18 October, a series of reports will be discussed on the financial position the council is facing now and for the years to come, together with options on how to meet the challenge. Despite setting a balanced budget in February, the council is facing extra in-year pressures leading to an overspend of £29.6million for the current financial year. This reflects issues being felt nationally as a result of rising costs and demand for services, especially for looked after children, those with special care and education needs as well as for adult social care, together with an unfunded nationally-agreed pay increase for council staff. All services have put forward proposals to deliver those savings, but the need for further savings continues on for the next three years with an estimated funding gap of £162.8m up to the end of March 2027, with £59.2m of that relating to the next financial year for 2024/25. In order to meet this challenge, and fulfil the legal obligation to deliver balanced budgets each year, the council will continue to carry out continuous service and asset reviews along with freezes on recruitment, as well as on non-essential spending except where necessary for health and safety or statutory reasons. Further significant measures will be necessary however, so the council has issued a formal Section 188 notice to consult with trade unions to avoid, reduce and mitigate the potential risk and consequences of compulsory redundancies with the council needing to reduce its workforce by up to 750 full-time equivalent posts by the end of the 2024/25 financial year. This will be managed using a range of methods, including natural turnover of staff together with flexible retirement and voluntary leavers schemes, with compulsory redundancies being a last resort. In terms of its overall size, the council currently has around 3,500 fewer staff than it did in 2011. As part of the ongoing service and asset reviews, the council continuously assesses the estate it owns and manages across the city. On average, around 10 buildings per year are released and as part of this process a further four are now being earmarked for potential closure by the end of the year due to having low occupancy levels and increasing maintenance costs. These are at Adams Court, 15 Lavender Walk, Broomhill Family Centre and Foxcroft Close. As a result of these proposed closures, staff impacted and the services they provide would be relocated. Additional rationalisation being considered is the sale of four more assets owned by the council and currently leased out to operators. These are Swinegate Car Park, Harper Street Car Park, St George House and 2180 Century Way at Thorpe Park. If sold, these would generate substantial funds for the council to be used to mitigate the financial challenge. Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said: “The proposals announced today are us being up front and clear with everyone about the scale of the challenge we and councils all over the country are facing. “After responding to austerity for the last 13 years we have now reached the stage where we need to look at every option no matter how unpalatable, which sadly includes the possibility of compulsory redundancies as well as building closures, asset sales and stopping or reducing some council services which will no doubt have an impact. “Given the scale of the funding shortfall we will be looking at every building in the council estate from the Civic Hall to local community facilities, to identify what can be disposed of while still providing services to the public. “All areas of the council are doing everything possible to mitigate that impact with a focus on continuing to provide frontline and essential services that people rely on in every community and support our most vulnerable residents, but it’s clear as with councils all over the country we cannot meet these financial challenges alone. “The government needs to address this crisis in local government finance as a matter of urgency now.”

Dudleys appointed to advise on £6m arts centre at Saltaire

Stuart Pearcey
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Dudleys appointed to advise on £6m arts centre at Saltaire
Dudleys Consulting Engineers has been appointed by Shipley College to advise on full civil and structural engineering for the proposed new £6 million community and arts centre at the World Heritage site of Saltaire in Bradford. A planning application was submitted recently by the College to deliver the 10,441 sq ft Community, Art, Heritage, and Future Technology Centre on a former car park at the corner of Victoria Road and Caroline Street. As well as providing new teaching spaces for Shipley College, it will become a new home for the Saltaire Collection – an archive of important documents and artefacts recording the history of the village.  The plans also include a roof top civic garden, exhibition spaces and new public toilet facilities and it is intended that the centre will become an initial welcoming point for visitors to Saltaire. This new building has been carefully designed to sit contextually within the World Heritage Site, enhancing the public’s enjoyment and appreciation of it. The design and development ran alongside public engagement and consultation, as well as guidance from Bradford Council’s planning authority and Historic England, to ensure the plans protect the outstanding universal value of Saltaire. Dudleys Consulting Engineers is working alongside designers, 3xa Architects and project management company, Spring & Co. to deliver the project. Leeds established Dudleys has already advised around the feasibility of the site to support the planning application and will continue to assist with the delivery, subject to planning consent.  It is hoped that building works could start by June 2024. Peter Dixon, Director of Dudleys and Fellow of the Institute of Structural Engineers, said: “The scheme has been brought forward with a rare opportunity to redevelop under-used land in the heart of this World Heritage Site, and will become a fantastic new heritage hub. “Of course, the World Heritage status brings with it heavy restrictions on development potential, specifically for the overall height so as not to impede views of Salts Mill and beyond.  To work with the topography of the site and maximise usable space, the proposed building sits within the existing ground profile featuring an upper and lower floor.  The upper ground floor space breaks out into an open roof top garden space and the surrounding areas will be landscaped. “Interestingly, the site was once home to a Sunday School in the 1800’s and we were able to draw on the benefit of original drawings held on file to facilitate the geotechnical investigations and identify any risk associated with the former basement. “Due to strict limitations on overall building height associated with views of the adjacent Salts Mill, we are co-ordinating with adjacent landowners to ensure viability of a gravity led drainage system to avoid unnecessary pumping equipment.”

Dean Clough to host British Urban Film Festival

Stuart Pearcey
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Dean Clough to host British Urban Film Festival
On Friday next week the ultimate awards finale for The British Urban Film Festival will take place at Dean Clough in Halifax, when Leeds-born actress Angela Griffin is due to receive this year’s British Urban Film Festival Honorary Award. BUFF is the UK‘s longest running showcase for urban independent film. Over the past 18 years the platform has galvanised filmmakers and audiences with its annual award-winning film and industry programme which has been recognised domestically and internationally by BAFTA, the Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival, the British Independent Film Awards and the African Movie Academy Awards. BUFF recently announced plans to move the event outside of London for the first time, bringing it to the North, after collaborating with Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire.  An official launch event took place last month with theopening weekend planned in Leeds on Saturday, 14th October and Sunday, 15th October at Everyman Cinema, Leeds. The festival continues at VUE cinema in Halifax on Monday, 16th October through until the awards climax at The Crossley Gallery, Dean Clough on Friday, 20th October. Jeremy Hall, Chairman and MD at Dean Clough, said: “I am thrilled that Dean Clough has been selected to host the awards finale for BUFF and we are excited to offer a very warm welcome to all guests in our wonderfully unique environment. For more than 40 years, we have worked hard to regenerate this historically important site and cultivate a truly vibrant and diverse destination for both business and pleasure.”

Bus manufacturer secures 104,000 sq ft Scarborough unit

Tess Egginton
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Bus manufacturer secures 104,000 sq ft Scarborough unit
Alexander Dennis, the manufacturer of double-decker buses and Britain’s biggest bus builder, has secured a 104,000 sq ft unit and become the latest tenant in Yorkshire-headquartered Eshton Group’s commercial property portfolio. Grice House, located in Eastfield, sits south of the seaside town of Scarborough. The unit, which has been taken on a 10-year lease, is just a few minutes’ drive from Alexander Dennis’ current location on Eastfield Industrial Estate and will play a key role in the growth ambitions of the bus and coach manufacturer. With prime industrial space in short supply, Eshton successfully acquired the property with a tenant already lined up, reinforcing the developer’s strategy of investing in commercial properties in markets where occupier confidence and demand are greatest. Jonathan Chapman, director at Eshton Group, said: “Given the ongoing undersupply of quality commercial space across the region, it comes as no surprise that Grice House received such strong interest, and we’re thrilled to have secured Alexander Dennis as the latest tenant in our roster and in such short timescales following the site’s acquisition. “The location will prove an invaluable asset to Alexander Dennis and allow effortless transportation of parts and goods from its nearby location at Plaxton Park. As a pioneer in innovation and renewable technology, Alexander Dennis is adding a range of low- and zero-emission buses to its portfolio, with its latest location at Grice House supporting the world leader’s growth aspirations.” Michael Stewart, group finance director at Alexander Dennis, said: “Grice House adds substantial warehouse capacity to our operation as part of our growth strategy for the business and commitment to the Scarborough area. Working with Eshton Group has allowed us to make this improvement quickly, which further benefits our operations.” Eshton was advised by Owen Holder of Holder & Co.

Duo of deals bring new businesses to Kirkstall Forge in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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Duo of deals bring new businesses to Kirkstall Forge in Leeds
Two deals have been secured for space at the Kirkstall Forge development in Leeds. American firm, Buildings IOT, is opening its first UK base as part of its cross Atlantic expansion plans and local firm, CPA Consulting Engineers, is moving to accommodate its continued long term growth plans. Buildings IOT delivers software and services to improve the operational performance and reduce the environmental impact of buildings and will be CEG’s partner of choice for its new build developments. They are taking a Let Ready studio which provides fully furnished workspace, with modern kitchens, break-out and meeting areas. Mark Davenport, Director UK & Europe for Buildings IOT, explains: “The all-inclusive lease, and the fact we could move in, plug in, and start work immediately, was a huge bonus. “As well as being instantly part of a fantastic business community, the studios offer a great opportunity to grow and expand on site as we roll out our adaptive building solutions across the UK, Europe and South Africa. “We also benefit from all of the facilities at the Forge, from the railway station, Butlers café bar and business lounge, to the suite of meeting and conference facilities and the great concierge team.” CPA Consulting Engineers is a home-grown Leeds business which was keen to expand in an environment designed to support collaboration, creativity and prioritise health and wellbeing. They are taking a 14-desk Let Ready studio on an all-inclusive five-year lease. Simon Crabtree, Director of CPA Consulting Engineers, said: “Our new office and the wider building setting promotes modern and flexible working, as well as our investment in the well-being of our team. It will continue to accommodate our long-term growth and has a fantastic woodland, riverside setting. “Number One Kirkstall Forge is a modern, inspiring environment with a dedicated railway station offering easy access to Leeds in minutes, as well as connectivity to Bradford and onto locations across the UK, which is fantastic for our growing client base and colleagues alike.” Antonia Martin Wright, Head of Commercial Development at CEG, said: “We are delighted to welcome two new like-minded businesses to the thriving community here at Kirkstall Forge. It is a modern, inspiring environment designed to nurture smaller businesses as well as large corporates, with contemporary space, great onsite facilities and events, all of which can help to attract and retain staff.” Ultimately, the £400 million Kirkstall Forge scheme is set to become home to a mixed-use community comprising up to 1,500 new homes, 300,000 sq ft of offices and 100,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and community space.

New MoU heralds strategic partnership between South Yorkshire Authority and Aviva Capital

Stuart Pearcey
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New MoU heralds strategic partnership between South Yorkshire Authority and Aviva Capital
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Aviva Capital Partners Limited have signed an MoU to forge a strategic partnership aimed at fostering innovation, economic growth and housing development in the county. This landmark collaboration signifies a pivotal step towards realising SYMCA’s vision of a stronger, fairer, and greener economy for the region. It’s said that the agreement reflects the commitment of both parties to capitalise on the vast potential of South Yorkshire, building on Aviva’s expertise and experience to support SYMCA’s pursuit of private investment for sustainable economic development. This partnership, supported by the four Local Authorities in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield, seeks to drive positive outcomes for the local economy and communities. As a leading institution in the region, with 1,800 people based in Sheffield, Aviva will work closely with SYMCA to unlock private investment in South Yorkshire that aligns with the Authority’s objectives. This is the latest commitment from Aviva Capital Partners, Aviva’s in-house investment unit which originates regeneration, housing and infrastructure assets using Aviva group capital to make places and communities more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable. John Cummins, CEO of Aviva Capital Partners, said: “Aviva has a strong presence in South Yorkshire and is committed to boost the economy of the region through this new partnership with SYMCA. We’re looking forward to fostering sustainable economic growth, infrastructure and housing through private investment.” Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The ongoing transformation and regeneration of cities and towns in South Yorkshire, along with the region’s rich cultural and industrial heritage, present numerous opportunities for increased private investment in our region. “Working closely with Aviva, I am looking forward to the opportunities that this relationship will bring about for South Yorkshire as we accelerate the growth of new businesses, foster innovation, and promote modern construction methods for residential development.” “Our housing vision for South Yorkshire emphasises the availability of quality, affordable, and sustainable housing that contributes to a net-zero economy.” “With a need for about 5,000 new homes annually, including 2,000 affordable ones, this is the start of a collaborative approach that will address the needs for the residents of South Yorkshire who deserve access to safe, affordable housing for themselves and their families.”
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