First glimpse of Piccadilly Line trains to be built in Goole

The first of the 94-Siemens Mobility built new trains for London’s Piccadilly Line has arrived at the Test and Validation Centre in Wegberg-Wildenrath in Germany from Vienna, where it was built. Both are a long way from Goole, where half of the new fleet will be built at the new Siemens Mobility site. The site is currently in the final stages of fit-out, with recruitment well under way, ahead of production starting there early next year. Up to £200m is being invested in developing the train manufacturing facility, which will create up to 700 skilled jobs, as well as up to 1,700 in the supply chain and 250 during construction. Sambit Banerjee, MD for Rolling Stock and Customer Services for Siemens Mobility UKI, said: “The first new Piccadilly line train is now at our world class testing facility in Germany where it will undergo a period of extensive testing. This is the first stage of testing before London Underground’s newest train reaches the UK for further testing and integration in late 2024. I am incredibly proud to see this first train continue its journey towards enhancing passenger experience and transforming rail travel on the Piccadilly line.“ Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: “Seeing the first of our new Piccadilly line trains getting ready to undergo rigorous testing clearly demonstrates the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes to build a new fleet of state-of-the-art Tube trains for London. We remain on track for these new Piccadilly line trains, which will see air-conditioning brought to the Deep Tube network for the very first time, to start serving our customers from 2025. “We hope to follow the introduction of these new trains to the Piccadilly line by doing the same on the Bakerloo line, replacing the 51-year-old trains that it currently operates, and then by introducing new signalling across the Deep Tube lines to realise the full benefits of the new trains. “However, such large-scale investment will not be possible without continued capital investment from the Government from April 2024. We will continue to work with the Government to make the case for long term investment in London to make it an even better, greener, safer and more successful place for everyone.”

Doncaster housing development is largest of its kind in the UK

Housing 21 has completed at Patent House and Patent Walk in Doncaster – England’s largest net zero volumetric Retirement Living scheme.
Built offsite at M-AR’s factory in Hull, the scheme adopts ‘low carbon specification’ to meet the Future Homes Standard and 2050 net zero targets. The scheme will enable people aged 55 and over to live independently within a community setting. More than 60 volumetric modules  provide a total of 20 homes, including eight two-bedroom bungalows, as well as a three-storey building featuring six one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments – all available for social rent. Located off Cooke Street, residents will also be able to enjoy the facilities at another Housing 21 scheme, Minden Court, located adjacent to Patent House and Patent Walk. Minden Court has a spacious communal lounge, which was renovated in 2017 and is surrounded by extensive open-plan gardens featuring outdoor seating. Tony Tench, Deputy Chief Exec at Housing 21, said:“This has been an incredibly exciting project for us to deliver. We had a very clear objective for developing this scheme. Not only did we want to provide an entirely affordable Retirement Living complex, but we wanted to ensure it could achieve net zero in terms of operational carbon so that we can keep energy costs as low as possible for our future residents. “While we look forward to welcoming our new residents, we are already looking ahead and have put in place a year-long programme to accurately monitor the energy use of these new homes. This will be reviewed alongside another traditionally built scheme, so we can capture data that will further shape net zero homes of the future.”

Waystone Hargreaves gets planning permission for M18 project

Waystone Hargreaves Land has been given planning permission for a major new phase of industrial development at Unity Yorkshire, close to Junction 5 of the M18. It’s for Unit A, which will provide 375,000 sq.ft of industrial accommodation on a 20-acre plot. The unit is designed to meet modern occupier requirements. Unity Connect forms part of the Unity Yorkshire development covering 618 acres. The development has opportunities for commercial and industrial business, residential, retail and leisure developments. When completed the site will accommodate industrial and warehousing units from about 20,000 to 400,000 sq. ft.

North Yorkshire asks tourism businesses to highlight their priorities for the region

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Tourism businesses are being given the chance to highlight their priorities and fine-tune the first strategy of its kind to help to attract thousands more visitors to the county and support the multi-million pound industry. The visitor economy is said to be a cornerstone of North Yorkshire’s economic vitality, bringing in more than £1.5 billion a year from domestic visits alone. A new strategy aims to boost the visitor economy and support tens of thousands of workers who are employed in the sector, while also attracting a wider and more diverse range of visitors to the county. The destination management plan is set to provide the first countywide approach to promoting the visitor economy following the launch of the council in April. A series of events will be held this month to gather information and views from key organisations and enterprises involved in the visitor economy to help to shape a draft document for the destination management plan. Council leader Carl Les said: “The visitor economy is so important to North Yorkshire, and we are proud to give everyone who comes to the county the warmest of welcomes. “It is vital that we take into account the views of all those businesses and partner organisations which are involved in the visitor economy to help to develop the destination management plan. “This is such a key moment for North Yorkshire as we develop the first countywide strategy to promote the visitor economy, and we are committed to supporting the sector while attracting more visitors to enjoy what is such a wonderful part of the country.” As part of the public engagement for the draft destination management plan, invitations are being sent out to tourism businesses for the workshops, which are free and will be staged both in person and online. Attendees will be asked about their priorities and aspirations for the tourism industry as well as the strengths, opportunities and challenges being faced by North Yorkshire’s visitor economy. Sessions will be held at:
  • The Garden Room at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn on Friday,11  August.
  • The Old Deanery in Ripon on Tuesday, 15 August.
  • Whitby Pavilion on Tuesday, 15 August.
  • Harrogate Convention Centre, Wednesday, 16 August.
  • North Yorkshire Council’s offices in Skipton on Wednesday, 16 August.
  • The Civic Centre in Selby on Wednesday, 16 August.
  • Mercury House in Richmond on Thursday, 17 August.
  • Scarborough Spa on Friday, 18 August.
  • Pickering Memorial Hall on Tuesday, 22 August.
Sessions will run from 11am to 1pm and then 3pm to 5pm at all the venues, apart from the event at the council offices in Skipton which will be staged from 2pm to 4pm and then between 5pm and 7pm. Other venues elsewhere in the county are due to be added. Online sessions will be available on Monday, 14 August, from 12.30pm until 2.30pm and then between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

Wykeland Group secures further retailer for its Flemingate development in Beverley

The Flemingate centre in Beverley has attracted another major retailer with footwear chain Shoezone arriving in the East Yorkshire market town. Flemingate is owned and operated by Hull-based property development and management business Wykeland Group, which has secured Shoezone to occupy a 4,500 sq ft unit in the heart of the centre. Wykeland Property Director David Donkin said: “We’re delighted that another national retailer has chosen Flemingate for its latest opening. “The arrival of Shoezone is another major vote of confidence in Flemingate and reflects the popularity of the centre among both local customers and visitors to the town. “We now have one of Britain’s favourite footwear stores in our line-up, which complements the great mix of fashion, food, films, fun and so much more that Flemingate has to offer”.

Yorkshire Building Society names new Non-Exec Director

Yorkshire Building Society has confirmed Debra Davies as an new Non-Executive Director. Debra has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, with the majority of her career at American Express where she gained deep and broad experience at senior levels in customer focused roles, both consumer and business-to-business. She also currently serves on the Board at AXA UK PLC and Intrum AB. John Heaps, Chair of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Debra has considerable experience, skill and knowledge in the financial services sector. Her focus on renumeration and risk and her great interest in social purpose and sustainability will, I’m sure, be of considerable value as we continue to grow and develop.” In addition to the non-executive role, Debra will also chair the Society’s remuneration committee, subject to regulatory approval. Debra said: “Yorkshire Building Society’s strong mutual heritage and clear customer-focused approach was particularly appealing. I’m looking forward to using my experience and expertise to ensure, among many other things, we’re attracting and rewarding the best talent to lead and deliver outcomes that are in the best interests of our membership as a whole.”

Architect trusted with board role

An architect from York has been appointed to York Civic Trust’s board of trustees. The organisation helps safeguard the city’s heritage buildings and historic monuments.

Matt Seddon is an associate director at Brewster Bye Architects in Leeds, where he has worked for almost 20 years. His architecture work includes the acclaimed restoration of the historically important crescent at St Leonard’s Place in York city centre, which has been transformed back into grand houses and apartments.

Matt said: “The York Civic Trust is a membership organisation that is run by volunteers for the benefit of everyone who lives, works and visits the city.

“As well as owning and running Fairfax House, which is an impressive Georgian town house dating back to the 1760s in the centre of York that is open to the public, the trust is involved with several restoration projects throughout the city. It also provides the City of York Council with crucial planning reports and recommendations.

“My role will be to provide a contemporary viewpoint and insight into the most recent planning rules and regulations when reviewing policy documents and creating planning reports for the Local Authorities and Council on behalf of the trust.

“I will also help the board of trustees to review and consider new uses for the historic buildings it is responsible for. It’s a fascinating role that will allow me to play a part in the protection of some of the city’s most interesting and historic buildings.”

York Civic Trust also works with local primary and secondary schools across the city as well as the University of York to educate pupils and students about the importance of York’s history and architecture. It is responsible for awarding and erecting the famous blue plaques seen on many buildings across the city.

Plans submitted for phase one of Attercliffe Waterside scheme

Sustainable developer Citu has submitted plans for the first phase of the landmark Attercliffe Waterside scheme in Sheffield. The 23-acre urban regeneration scheme, which will transform brownfield land either side of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, will be one of the largest zero carbon communities in the UK, featuring more than 1,000 homes alongside climate conscious creative workspaces, an arts venue and retail opportunities to bring the neighbourhood to life. The first phase, located on the north side of the Sheffield and Tinsley canal, will develop the heart of the district, transforming six existing buildings into the new neighbourhood’s cultural centre including bars, an independent bakery, music venue and art studios. A public and commercial square will be created, alongside a series of walkable, south facing courtyard areas and new routes down to the canal. A new pedestrian and cycling footbridge will connect phase one to the south side of the river. Phase one will also include 447 new homes including a mix of apartments and houses, built using Citu’s timber-framed housing system which combines bold architecture with flexible designs, and sustainable, low carbon materials to ensure the highest standards of energy efficiency. The houses will be constructed on a podium which sits above an under-croft carpark and there are plans to remove cars from the particular stretch of Effingham Road, to replace with pedestrianisation, public realm and incorporation of a cycle lane, as part of the developer’s ambition to create a car-free landscape. If planning is approved, work will begin on the leisure and commercial elements of the scheme in the autumn and due to complete in 2024, ahead of construction starting on the homes in 2025. Chris Thompson from Citu said: “Our vision is for this area to become a new destination in Sheffield, filled with independent, creative, and spirited businesses to kickstart the regeneration of Sheffield’s East end. “For so long, this part of the city has remained derelict and underused, and we were keen once the development deal was signed in May to swiftly move forward with our planning submission. “We’ve prioritised the leisure and commercial elements of the scheme first to put this area on the map as a place to visit and enjoy, and then when the homes are built, a place to live. “We’re not just building homes, we’re creating a new neighbourhood complete with its own identity, one that incorporates the heritage and beautiful waterside location of this place. And underpinning this, is our ambition to establish a low carbon community that will enable future generations to live more sustainable lifestyles.” Citu has major ambitions for the scheme to set new standards of sustainability for Yorkshire, building on its multi-award-winning treatment of previously vacant or derelict brownfield land which include low-carbon residential neighbourhoods in Kelham Island, and the Climate Innovation District to the south of Leeds city centre. The land at Attercliffe Waterside, which is owned by Sheffield Council, was brought to market in 2019 and billed as ‘one of the most exciting development opportunities in the north of England’. In May of this year, it was announced that Sheffield City Council and Citu had exchanged contracts on a development agreement for the site. Cllr Ben Miskell, chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “It is fantastic to see the next stage in this development coming forward to create 1000 new zero carbon homes in Attercliffe. If approved, the scheme will provide much needed homes for the city, and will complement ongoing Levelling Up and Transforming Cities projects set to rejuvenate the once thriving area.”

BRM welcomes new senior associate

BRM, a commercial and private client law firm providing advice and services to businesses and individuals in Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire, continues to grow with a new senior associate solicitor, Travis Wood, joining the Sheffield Real Estate division. Travis joins BRM from a large Midlands firm and has significant experience in property development and investment work across a number of sectors. His appointment will enable the Sheffield property team to continue to support and grow its client base in the city and beyond. James Alger, head of the Sheffield Real Estate department at BRM, said: “We are pleased to have added an experienced and commercially focused senior associate in Travis to our team in Sheffield. He possesses the technical quality and affability we always look for in what is a very challenging recruitment market presently. He will be a great asset to the team.” Travis, who has recently relocated to Sheffield to join the firm, says: “I am enthusiastic about my move to the firm, known for its high quality of work and strong commercial focus and I am delighted to have moved to Sheffield at an exciting time in the city’s continued growth and redevelopment. “I particularly enjoy climbing in my spare time and with the close proximity of the Peak District there could not be a better place to combine work and recreation.” Travis’ appointment is another in a long line of appointments made by BRM recently. Together with other recent hires, the Real Estate team now numbers 25 lawyers across the firm’s offices. Adrian Sheehan, executive director and head of Real Estate, says: “The Commercial Property legal market in South Yorkshire is dynamic with existing firms active and new ones coming to the region. “Our expansion supports our desire to manage our clients’ requirements in an efficient and flexible manner tailored to their business. We believe this appointment will help us maintain our strong service levels and the growth of the team will add to the breadth of expertise we offer. We are happy to welcome Travis to the firm.”

More than half residential landlords prefer selling up to energy efficiency upgrade work

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Residential landlords in the UK are more likely to sell their properties rather than make the energy-efficient upgrades needed to meet the government’s new EPC ratings by 2025, according to a survey by York-based Green Building Renewables. Its survey revealed that 63% of landlords in the UK are considering selling rather than making the energy-efficient upgrades necessary to meet the government’s new Energy Performance Certificate ratings in the next two years. From April 1, 2025, the minimum EPC rating will be raised from E to C for new tenancies and for existing ones from April 1, 2028. MD Chris Delaney said: “The results from this survey are startling. The fact that such a high percentage of landlords would rather sell their energy-inefficient properties than improve them with technologies like solar panels and heat pumps raises some significant questions for the government and policymakers. “Eighty per cent of the buildings that exist today will exist in 2050; as a nation, we have a serious responsibility to transform our buildings and make them more energy efficient, and residential landlords have a critical role to play in this transition. “The fact that so many were concerned about the costs suggests that something has fundamentally gone wrong in the messages and their understanding of energy-efficient upgrades. Improving the fabric of their properties and installing technologies like heat pumps should be seen as an investment and not a financial burden in the properties they own.” Despite a range of incentives to upgrade properties, 41% of landlords anticipate spending between £5,000 and £10,000 per property, and more than a quarter expect costs to exceed £10,000. The perceived financial burden seems to be deterring landlords from seeing these upgrades as an investment in their properties’ long-term value. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were 3.4 million UK residential lettings in 2023. The data shows the average rent in the UK has been rising in recent years. In 2023, the average rent for a two-bedroom property in England was £1,098 per month, and the average rent for a three-bedroom property was £1,327 per month. Philip Fellowes-Prynne, CEO of Green Building Renewables’ parent company Efficient Building Solutions, added: “We call upon policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the wider community to collaborate and explore innovative solutions to make upgrading properties as attractive a possibility as it is beneficial to the buildings and the UK economy. “By developing robust financial incentives, streamlining bureaucratic processes, and implementing comprehensive educational campaigns, landlords should be empowered to embrace energy efficiency as a smart business strategy and a crucial step towards a greener future.”