In addition to Turner & Townsend and HYGGE, three other companies will be moving into the area in the coming months including Barclays Bank, Two Thirds, and AllStore. AllStore is a Sheffield-based company that will create a multi-use space including three film editing studios and a small flexible workspace for production companies and freelancers to use, with the front of the unit transformed into a café and independent retail outlet. Two Thirds are a craft beer and German street food bar who are expanding and opening a new European inspired beer hall on the ground floor of Elshaw House to add to their Abbeydale Road bar. Barclays Bank will be moving into a new unit on Pinstone Street, opposite the Peace Gardens and next door to the Radisson Blu Hotel. Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “The latest round of announcements goes to prove that we’re not slowing down when it comes to offering residents and visitors to the city the best selection of retail, food and beverage and office space. “Sheffield is changing, it’s transforming into a fantastic place for people to work, live and enjoy with our flagship project right at the heart of that. But we’re not stopping there, interest remains high in the scheme, and we will have more exciting announcements to come in the next few weeks and months.”

Work is well underway at an affordable housing development in Doncaster which is set to see over 50 homes built in the area. Together Housing, a social housing provider based in the North of England, is working with house builder, Wordsworth Properties, to provide energy efficient, affordable homes in Balby. Marking the progression made on site, both organisations, as well as representatives from Identity Consult, were joined by Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business from City of Doncaster Council, and Ben McLaughlin, Senior Manager of Affordable Housing Delivery for Homes England, to see the work commencing and speak to the teams involved in the process. The scheme off Cross Bank has been designed to support a range of housing needs in Doncaster and comprises one, two, three, and four-bed homes built in a considered mix of terraced and semi-detached homes. Funded through the government’s Homes England funding scheme, the development aligns with Together Housing’s Net Zero commitments; each home will be fitted with energy upgrades including solar panels, EV charging points and Air Source Heat Pumps. Two-bed adapted bungalows are being built, fitted with an accessible kitchen layout including adjustable worktops and a level access shower. Ceilings have been designed to support the need of a hoist and each bungalow will also be fitted with an electric wheelchair charging point, located inside the property. In addition to the 39 affordable rent homes, the project is also set to deliver 18 homes for shared ownership to be managed and sold via Together Homes, part of the Together Housing Group. Councillor Glyn Jones, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business, said: “As part of our five-year Housing Delivery Plan, we are committed to enhancing housing options for older residents, families and individuals with physical disabilities. These new homes align with our goals, ensuring that local communities benefit significantly. “Designed with affordability and energy efficiency in mind, these homes will provide comfortable living while also prioritising sustainability. Through thoughtful development, we are not only meeting housing needs but also protecting and enhancing the natural environment for future generations. “We are incredibly excited to see this project come to fruition and witness the positive impact it will have on the lives of local residents.” Dai Howells, Assistant Director of Development at Together Housing, said: “Cross Bank is shaping up to be a dynamic development and we were thrilled to show Councillor Jones and Ben McLaughlin how we’re contributing to the affordable homes offering in Doncaster. “We’re passionate about developing communities for future generations and to have three housing types available and homes for shared ownership widens the market for more people. “It’s been great working with Wordsworth Properties to deliver energy efficient homes that meet high quality standards and we’re eager to share the completed development with the local community in the coming year.”

Independent property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi has doubled the size of its head office with a move at The Calls in Leeds. The move comes in the wake of growth in staff numbers and rising demand for its services from an increasing number of clients. The consultancy has moved from its 975 sq ft location at Studio 7 46 The Calls to occupy the 1,630 sq ft entire top floor at number 31, accommodating 24 staff and providing space for further expansion. The firm’s new HQ reflects its sustained and ongoing growth, strong financial performance and its commitment to reinforcing its regional and national presence for an expanding workload across the public and private sectors. AspinallVerdi now employs more than 30 staff in total at Leeds and offices in London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham. Executive chairman Atam Verdi, who co-founded the consultancy with managing director Ben Aspinall in 2009, said: “We’ve almost doubled the space of our previous home, enjoy a 270-degree view of The Calls and provide a contemporary, professional and inspiring workspace for our growing team in Leeds. “We recently recruited four new members of staff and plan to add to our numbers in 2025 as we continue to attract and retain top talent. We are a client focused consultancy that is increasing its range of services and through recruiting and retaining excellent staff we can continue to provide high quality service to our clients. “Our financial performance at Leeds and our other offices remains strong and demand for our expert and tailored services from our public and private sector clients continues to grow.”

Plans for a new mainline railway station at Parkgate in Rotherham are moving forward. To secure funding, supporters are emphasising the project’s economic regeneration potential.

A masterplan has been completed, but local officials acknowledge that current government evaluation criteria show “weak transport benefits” for the integrated mainline station and tram train stop. The project remains under the Department for Transport’s oversight, requiring a business case aligned with Treasury guidelines.

In 2022, the government blocked £8 million in regional transport funding for the station, citing the need for integration with national networks.