A multi-million pound investment in Scarborough over the next decade will drive forward regeneration on the coast, boosting job opportunities and helping to improve the health and wellbeing of communities, North Yorkshire Council’s leader has said.
The Government has confirmed that funding of almost £20 million will remain for Scarborough as part of a national programme to bring major investment to towns across the country.
The programme has now been rebranded as the Plan for Neighbourhoods with an expanded remit to improve health and wellbeing along with work, productivity and skills. It is also aimed at boosting cohesion and education along with opportunities for local communities.
The original ambitions of the national programme, which was previously known as the Long-Term Plan for Towns, also remain and include reviving town centres, regeneration, promoting heritage and culture and addressing safety and security concerns.
Improving transport and connectivity are also key considerations under the initiative.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The chance to use such a significant amount of funding in Scarborough will bring wide-ranging benefits not just for communities in the town, but also far wider across the region.
“Scarborough is one of our biggest towns here in North Yorkshire, and there is real potential to bring a new era for what is among the country’s most popular seaside destinations.
“The fact that the scope of the Plan for Neighbourhoods has been broadened to the previous incarnation of the scheme gives us an even greater chance to transform Scarborough for residents, businesses and visitors.”
A total of £19.5 million in funding has been allocated for Scarborough to be spent over the next 10 years.
The new Plan for Neighbourhoods for Scarborough needs to be developed and submitted by the winter of this year, with the delivery of the projects due to start from the spring of 2026.
The chair of the council’s Scarborough and Whitby area committee, Cllr Liz Colling, who represents the Falsgrave and Stepney division, said: “Scarborough is such a wonderful place to live, work and visit, but like so many coastal areas, it does need investment.
“The funding that has been allocated to the town will bring very real benefits for so many people, and it is a welcome announcement from the Government that the money remains in place.
“I look forward to seeing the range of projects that come forward for this investment.”
The Government has said that previous work to consult and engage with local communities should be retained and adapted for the new programme.
North Yorkshire Council previously worked in partnership with the Scarborough Town Board to develop a 10-year vision document and a three-year plan for investment. In addition, there was extensive public consultation with more than 1,600 people taking part in Let’s Talk Scarborough events in the town centre and surrounding area and an online survey.
Key priorities for people who took part in the consultations included a cleaner, more attractive town centre in Scarborough and more frequent bus services, especially for teenagers and the elderly.
There is also a desire among the public to balance the needs of residents and tourists, and addressing the need for more public spaces and seating areas where people can gather and interact.
The initial vision focused on a number of measures that could be delivered within the town centre including the further redevelopment of the Scarborough Station area in Westborough, improving the appearance of the town centre and the inclusion of more public spaces.
North Yorkshire Council will be overseeing further community engagement in due course to build on the Let’s Talk Scarborough consultations and identify further priorities within the expanded themes of the Plan for Neighbourhoods.
Sheffield pest control products supplier transitions to employee ownership
Pest Control Supermarket.com (PCS) has transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), in a deal advised by accountants Hawsons.
PCS, a Sheffield-based online supplier of pest control products, undertook this transition to strengthen its future while ensuring continuity for employees and customers. As part of the process, Hawsons also advised on a group reorganisation to ensure the business was structured appropriately before the EOT transaction.
Jack Ware, Corporate Finance Director at Hawsons, said: “Helping businesses transition to employee ownership requires careful planning to ensure the structure is right for the company and its employees.
“Every transaction is different, and it was important that this transition not only met the company’s commercial needs but also provided a strong foundation for future growth. It has been a pleasure working with the PCS team to put the right framework in place.
“PCS is a great Sheffield based business that has successfully implemented a growth strategy over recent years and has plans for further growth under its new ownership model. With more businesses exploring EOTs as a succession option, having experienced guidance through the process is crucial.”
Allister Ashmore, Managing Director, PCS, added: “Transitioning to an EOT was a strategic decision to safeguard the future of the business, ensuring our employees have a real stake in its ongoing success.
“As a business with strong roots in Sheffield, ensuring local jobs and the long-term stability of PCS were key considerations in this transition. Hawsons’ guidance was invaluable in helping us navigate the process efficiently and structure the transition to support long-term stability.”
Legal aspects of the transaction were managed by Peter Turk and Michael Hall of Knights, with Clare Darwood overseeing the property elements.
West Yorkshire housing provider rebrands with plans for 1,500 new homes
Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) will rebrand as Vico Homes from 1 April as part of a new business strategy aiming to deliver 1,500 homes over the next three years.
The organisation says the rebrand follows a consultation with customers, partners, and staff to strengthen its position. It emphasised that the change is not linked to a merger.
Beyond new housing, Vico Homes plans to upgrade over 2,000 kitchens and bathrooms, improve energy efficiency, and invest in regeneration projects. The organisation manages more than 32,000 homes across the Wakefield and North of England.
In February, WDH secured £30 million in funding from NatWest to support retrofit and green energy initiatives. It has also expanded training and employment programmes for tenants and local communities.
Yorkshire Mayors join forces to drive regional growth and connectivity
Yorkshire’s three Metro Mayors have signed the White Rose Agreement, a new partnership to strengthen economic growth, transport infrastructure, investment, and regional public safety. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith formalised the agreement at Selby Abbey, which sits at the border of their three combined authority areas.
The Mayors will collaborate on investment plans, create jobs, and position Yorkshire as a leader in the green industrial sector to drive local economic growth. They also plan to promote the region as a business and tourism hub, seeking to attract international investment and major cultural and sporting events.
Transport is a key focus, and the agreement reinforces their push for Northern Powerhouse Rail, upgrades to the East Coast Mainline, and increased capacity at Leeds, Sheffield, and York stations. They will also work to improve bus services across the region, aiming to better connect towns and cities.
Public safety is another shared priority, with the Mayors planning to coordinate efforts on tackling organised crime, cross-border offences, and violence prevention, particularly in their roles as Police and Crime Commissioners.
The agreement follows the May 2024 mayoral elections, with the three leaders now representing a combined population of 4.5 million. Council leaders from their respective combined authorities have backed the initiative, which they say will harness the power of devolution to deliver tangible benefits.
As part of the agreement, Lord David Blunkett is leading a review of Yorkshire’s transport connectivity, with findings set to be submitted to the government. The Mayors emphasised that by working together, they can take greater control of the region’s future and unlock opportunities for long-term growth.
Yorkshire-based care home company acquires Bradford property on journey to double in size
A Yorkshire-based care home company has acquired a property in Bradford from Priory Group as it looks to double in size.
Strong Life Care, which has its headquarters in Wakefield, has acquired Cooper House for a seven-figure sum, funded by NatWest.
Specialist business property adviser Montane Care brokered the deal on behalf of Priory Group.
Cooper House is a purpose-built property with 80 en-suite bedrooms with wet rooms offering nursing, residential, dementia and respite care since its launch in 2009. It employs 140 staff.
It is Strong Life’s eighth care home in a growing portfolio. Last year, the company acquired sites in Armthorpe in South Yorkshire, Ferryhill in Co Durham and Hessle in East Yorkshire.
Strong Life was founded by Harpreet Banwait, who left a corporate finance career to look after his elderly grandfather in 2010. He bought a care home in Barnsley to place his grandfather and has grown Strong Life into a group employing 560 people.
Harpreet said he is in negotiations for further acquisitions in the north east as well as in the north west, where he is looking to establish a presence for Strong Life.
The group currently has 500 beds across its portfolio and Harpreet said he is looking to double its size over the next 12 to 18 months.
Montane Care director Anthony Rae said: “We generated strong interest from multiple acquirers and it was a pleasure to achieve a quick sale by selecting an existing operator with proven funding.
“The demand for care homes remains strong and we continue to receive interest from companies and individuals seeking to acquire in the sector.”
Charity chooses Joseph’s Well for first national office in Leeds
Day One Trauma Support, a rapidly expanding national charity that supports people and families affected by major physical trauma, has secured its first dedicated office space at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre.
The 1,159 sq ft letting represents a significant milestone for the charity since achieving national status in 2021 and reflects its ongoing growth and commitment to providing vital support services to people with life-changing injuries.
Joseph’s Well, managed by J Pullan & Sons Ltd (Pullans), is a refurbished former mill that has been transformed into a flexible multi-let office building.
The charity chose Joseph’s Well for its close proximity to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), one of the UK’s leading Major Trauma Centres. This strategic location allows Day One Trauma Support to remain at the forefront of trauma care to continue in its mission of ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of catastrophic injury alone.
Emily Smith, Director of Finance and Resources at Day One Trauma Support, said:
“The new space will enable us to work more effectively, improve collaboration and create a dynamic environment for our employees, trustees, beneficiaries, volunteers, and supporters.
“Joseph’s Well is perfectly located near LGI, where our journey began, and the city centre, which makes it convenient for our team across the North of England. We also love the vibrant and inspiring atmosphere of the building, which will energise our team and foster creativity.”
Bruce Strachan, Property Director at Pullans, added: “We’re delighted that Day One Trauma Support has chosen Joseph’s Well for this important next step in their journey. Our modern, flexible workspaces and proximity to the LGI and city centre continue to attract organisations looking for value, convenience, and a supportive environment in which to grow.
“We’re confident that this space will support Day One’s incredible work and help them continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they support.”
Carter Towler and WSB are joint marketing agents for Joseph’s Well.
Henry Boot Construction begins £3m mental health facility refurbishment
Henry Boot Construction has begun major refurbishment works on mental health facility, Maple Ward, at the Longley Centre in Sheffield, to provide a safer and more supportive space for staff and patients.
The £3m project includes a full refurbishment of the two-storey mental health unit and involves redesigning the layout to create 17 en-suite bedrooms, an accessible bedroom, calming de-escalation facilities, and a newly landscaped garden courtyard.
As part of the improvements, the team will be installing new drainage, manholes, and window and door openings, alongside refurbishing mechanical and electrical systems. Patient safety will also be a key focus, with the removal of fixed ligature anchor points throughout the site.
The renovation will also create or upgrade several essential spaces, including a quiet space, dining room, staff rest area, lounge, clinic room and dispensary.
Maple Ward provides important assessment and treatment for individuals experiencing a diverse range of emergency mental health needs.
Commenting on the project, Lee Powell, MD of Henry Boot Construction, said:
“We’re very proud to be delivering the refurbishment of this important mental health facility in Sheffield.
“This project is obviously much more than just bricks and mortar – it’s about creating a safe, calming, and supportive space for those experiencing urgent mental health needs. The refurbished ward will also be complemented by a new garden courtyard, creating another open-air retreat for self-reflection and relaxation.
“Well-designed healthcare environments are extremely important for our community, and we’re committed to ensuring the space meets the highest standards for both patients and staff.
“It’s a privilege to contribute to such an impactful project that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Northern Trains offers vacant station units to local businesses
Northern Trains is encouraging local businesses to lease vacant commercial spaces at railway stations across its network.
29 units are available through the train operator’s property partner, Lambert Smith Hampton. These include retail space at Knaresborough Station and the Station House at Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, open for complete redevelopment into a leisure venue, licensed restaurant, office, or retail space.
Northern Trains’ head of property, Robert Ellams, highlighted the potential benefits for businesses, citing high footfall, strong transport links, and the heritage value of many station buildings.
Lincoln footbridge to be demolished for hotel development
A pedestrian bridge over Melville Street in Lincoln is set to be demolished in May as part of a multi-million-pound hotel project by Lincolnshire Co-op. The bridge, previously part of the former City Square shopping centre, has been deemed an obstacle to development both logistically and visually.
Lincolnshire Co-op, which has outline planning permission for the hotel, is working with the Department for Transport and other stakeholders to finalise the demolition timeline and road closures. Notices have been issued under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, confirming the planned removal.
The demolition is expected to take place over a weekend to reduce disruption. The bridge, a popular location for city and cathedral views, will be permanently removed as part of the site’s redevelopment.
Lincolnshire estate planning firm secures funding to expand outreach
Westwood Estate Planning, a Lincolnshire-based estate planning business, has received £8,000 in funding from First Enterprise through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funds will support marketing efforts aimed at raising awareness of estate planning and financial wellbeing.
The business provides legal services including will writing, lasting power of attorney, probate, and estate administration. Founder Gary Tonsley established the company after experiencing firsthand the challenges of inadequate financial planning when his mother passed away without arrangements in place.
The funding will enable Westwood Estate Planning to expand its client education initiatives, including seminars, newsletters, and partnerships with financial advisers. First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans, a not-for-profit lender, provides loans between £500 and £150,000 to start-ups and SMEs unable to access traditional bank financing.
Representatives from First Enterprise and the British Business Bank praised the company’s efforts to improve financial literacy and support local families in securing their futures.
