Three large adjoining properties on Goole’s Boothferry Road shopping precinct are being fully refurbished and brought back into use with the help of a grant from Goole Town Deal’s Property Activation Fund.
The four-storey, period properties at 32, 34 and 36 Boothferry Road, best known to many local residents as the former site of the Boots store before it relocated to Wesley Square, are being brought back to life as part of a £2.4 million investment by Sunshine Vita Property Ltd, which owns all three addresses.
The Property Activation Fund has contributed £900,000 towards the cost of restoring the three properties, which together make up one of the largest and most prominent vacant buildings on Boothferry Road.
The largest of the two existing commercial units on the ground floor of the buildings is being subdivided, creating three newly-refurbished, modern commercial units in all. Meanwhile, the second, third and fourth floors of numbers 32, 34 and 36 will accommodate 14 self-contained residential flats.
Over the course of more than a century, the buildings have housed a host of different local businesses. Records show that number 32 was a chemist from as early as 1917, long before it was bought by the Boots chain, which also occupied number 34. Prior to that, number 34 was a draper’s shop and, later, a ‘house furnisher’ before becoming the Scotch Wool & Hosiery store. Records show that The Goole School of Music and Elocution was also based there in the mid-1930s.
A spokesperson for Sunshine Vita Property Ltd said: “Our conversion project will make effective re-use of the existing buildings, which sit vacant, under-utilised and partially derelict.
“This development focuses on providing sustainable residential accommodation to meet the needs of existing and future residents, as well as delivering cost-effective commercial floor space that will appeal to a much wider business market than the previous large, single expensive unit on the ground floor, which was vacant for years.”
Phil Jones, Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “Of the projects that have received financial support from the Property Activation Fund to date, this is a significant investment. It’s a large prominent building made up of three adjoining addresses, with a frontage that faces directly onto the shopping precinct and extends some way along it.
“The large commercial unit has remained empty for several years and the three properties were in an increasingly poor state of repair.
“As a Board, we’re committed to encouraging more interest in Goole town centre so we welcome the sizeable investment by Sunshine Vita Property Ltd, which will not only secure the future of these beautiful old buildings and bring them back into use, it will also make a genuine difference to the way Boothferry Road looks and feels.
“As well as three newly-refurbished commercial units, this project will also deliver high quality rental accommodation at the heart of the town centre.”
Modern construction methods and energy efficient products are being used wherever possible as part of the project. Sunshine Vita Property Ltd has been working in partnership with Doncaster-based construction firms Building Link Design Ltd. and R. Betts Property Ltd. on the project. Work began last year and is due to be completed by the summer of 2025.
Proposals approved to develop historic Estate Buildings in Huddersfield
Kirklees Council’s Cabinet has approved a proposal to spend £1.25m on Estate Buildings in order to prepare the site for future development.
This money has already been allocated for the development of the Estate Buildings, and is part of the One Public Estate Brownfield Land Release Fund – a government fund to support local authorities in transforming surplus land and buildings into new homes.
The Grade II Listed building has significant heritage value, and was identified as an important feature within the Huddersfield Blueprint during early planning stages. After careful consideration, focusing on the blueprint vision to increase the number of people living in the town centre, the historic building has been identified as an opportunity to create new housing in Huddersfield.
Estate Buildings is located right in the middle of millions of pounds’ worth of investment in Huddersfield town centre – through blueprint projects like the George Hotel, Huddersfield Market and improvements to the neighbouring Byram Arcade, and the multibillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade which will further improve rail links to the nearby Huddersfield Railway Station.
Council teams have been working together to draw up a specification and tender package for these preparatory works which will see the Estate Buildings developed in the future. The aim is to provide new housing for those looking to base themselves in the town centre, including recent graduates from the University of Huddersfield, as other investment in the town centre makes Huddersfield a more attractive place to live.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says: “Our plans to prepare Estate Buildings for future development are a great example of how regeneration projects will future-proof key parts of Huddersfield’s history and protect the heritage of the building which dates all the way back to the 1800’s.
“I want to thank One Public Estate for the investment which will go towards repairs to help bring the building back to life. This partnership working is key to developing and restoring our historic buildings for a vibrant future use.
“The investment is a vote of confidence in our Huddersfield Blueprint and supports our aim to making the town centre a great place to live, work and play.
“Developing the current site will support our blueprint plans of Huddersfield becoming a vibrant and convenient place to live for the younger generation, with plenty of facilities nearby for people to travel and shop – increasing the footfall within the town centre.”
Enlarged conservation area adopted for Morley
Protection for Morley’s unique architecture and historic character was increased on Tuesday 21 January as a newly combined and enlarged conservation area and management plan was adopted.
The new conservation area will protect historic areas of Morley from harmful change and encourage high-quality new developments while also protecting trees within its boundaries. It replaces the previously separate Town Centre and Dartmouth Park conservation areas.
Morley’s town centre is dominated by dramatic nineteenth-century buildings that were a part of the town’s transformation from an agricultural village to an industrial powerhouse. Public consultation has repeatedly shown preserving the town’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, much of which is nationally recognised, is a high priority for residents and visitors.
Recognising the importance of the town’s heritage, the Morley Town Deal, funded through a £24.3 million grant from the government’s Towns Fund, commissioned Buttress Architects to create the Morley Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.
Planning for the new conservation area and management plan looked at the historical development of the town and explored what makes up its local distinctiveness and sense of place to identify ways that this special character can be looked after and protected now and in the future.
The expanded conservation now includes five areas that were previously unprotected, including:
- The Morley Hole area, Victoria Road and Asquith Avenue to include historic back-to-back and through terraces.
- St Peter’s Church area and the station approach – Church Street, Victoria Road, Springfield Road and Lane, Rooms Lane, New Bank Street and Station Road.
- The mixed residential and industrial area of the historic town including development in the area of Ackroyd Street, Peel Street, Albert Road, the northern part of Clough Street, Lewisham Park, South Parade, South Street, Melbourne Street, Gillroyd Parade and Wide Lane.
- Fountain Street, to include historic back-to-back properties, industrial buildings and the former Grammar School.
- The historic back-to-back, through terrace and villa development on Bruntcliffe Road.
Plans to create Centre for Learning to be discussed for Hull
Plans to create a Centre for Learning in Hull will be discussed at cabinet next week.
Proposals are to refurbish the former Derek Crothall Building on Charlotte Street Mews to create a city centre training hub.
The Centre for Learning would complement Hull City Council’s wider investment in education and learning, as well as improving accessibility to more residents across Hull.
It would also enable the relocation of council corporate services, as Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) and Learning & Development (L&D) would call the site home.
The facility has stood empty since Hull Trinity House Academy relocated to the former Endeavour School site in September 2023 to address secondary school sufficiency shortages within the Hull boundary.
HTAE and L&D have since had temporary homes in the Avenues Centre and Brunswick House respectively, with HTAE’s engineering department based at Dane Park Road.
The council’s cabinet will discuss the plans and determine whether to allocate £2.4m of capital funding required for the £5.6m project to finalise designs and to enter into a contract with Hull Esteem Consortium LEP for the works.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for learning skills and safeguarding children, said: “This refurbishment proposal would provide an opportunity for the relocation of HTAE and L&D to one central hub.
“In addition, it would also bring a range of learning, development and skills provision in a more accessible way.”
2025 Business Predictions: Laura Hill, commercial litigator specialising in AI at Ward Hadaway
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Laura Hill, a commercial litigator specialising in AI at law firm Ward Hadaway.
As we move into 2025, businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber will need to grapple with a changing landscape that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI). The 2024 budget highlighted a strong commitment to fostering AI innovation, with significant funding allocated to research and development, alongside promises to establish clearer regulatory frameworks. These measures are designed to position the UK as a global leader in AI while addressing ethical and operational concerns.
For businesses, particularly in strong regional sectors such as manufacturing, logistics and professional services, the implications are profound. Anticipated regulations will likely centre on transparency, accountability and the prevention of bias in AI systems. Firms using AI for decision-making, whether in supply chain management or client interactions, will need to ensure compliance with these standards to avoid potential liability and reputational damage.
Beyond compliance, AI presents a pivotal opportunity as businesses are increasingly embracing AI not just as a tool for automation but as a strategic asset to enhance efficiencies, reduce costs and gain competitive advantages.
In Yorkshire and the Humber, adopting AI could help businesses navigate economic pressures while contributing to regional growth. However, success will depend on proactive investment in technology, workforce training and a keen eye on the regulatory horizon. As legal advisors, we encourage businesses to act now to integrate AI responsibly, ensuring compliance with legal obligations, while being primed for innovation in the years ahead.
Halifax law firm moves into Dean Clough mill conversion
Ramsdens Solicitors has completed a deal on 5,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation at Dean Clough.
Ramsdens employs 280 people across 12 offices in Yorkshire, and is relocating to Dean Clough from existing premises in Halifaxto facilitate growth.
The new office is located in Bowling Mill, one of 16 Victorian stone heritage buildings at Dean Clough. Bowling Mill is one of the latest mill buildings to be repurposed providing 75,000 sq ft of Grade A workspace over seven floors, of which 53,000 sq ft is let or under offer.
Jodie Wielgus, partner at Ramsdens Solicitors and manager of the Halifax branch, said: “We are excited to move into our new home at such an impressive location. Our move to Dean Clough Mills marks an exciting new chapter for Ramsdens Solicitors in Halifax. The modern office space is designed to enhance our services through innovation and efficiency, providing greater flexibility for our team and a more convenient location for our clients.”
Dean Clough is already home to around 150 businesses employing over 3,000 people on site. Major office occupiers include Covea Insurance, Activate Group, Chadwick Lawrence, and Prestige Gifting with many having their headquarters on the site.
Expansion of airport capacity is vital, says BCC Director General
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce says expansion of the UK’s airport capacity is vital to driving economic growth and it remains a top priority for business.
Responding to reports that the Chancellor is preparing to support expansion plans at three UK airports, she said: “We wholeheartedly support a third runway at Heathrow, Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project and Luton’s expansion of terminal capacity. All three projects will help boost trade, attract international investment and bring huge benefits to SMEs in supply chains across the UK.
“Any developments must be aligned to the government’s commitments on the environment. That will require the airports, the aviation sector and ministers to work together.
“At a time of increased costs for many businesses, speeding up infrastructure investment is crucial to boosting economic activity and unlocking growth. These airport proposals must form a key part of the UK’s long-term infrastructure strategy to help businesses grow, trade and thrive.”
Humber region set for clean energy job creation bonanza
The Humber is one of four areas to benefit from Government support to create jobs in the clean energy sector, with as many as 32,000 new places being available by 2040.
Government-backed training programmes will be offered for those in key growth regions for clean energy, with flourishing offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries. Local partners will receive funding to identify the skills support that is needed in their area to deliver clean power by 2030 – which will protect households and businesses from unstable fossil fuel markets for good.
Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers – supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.
The announcement has been welcomed by North East Council Leader Philip Jackson, who said: “Empowering our residents to unlock their potential and achieve their goals is critical to the future of our borough – if we are to improve health and prosperity within our communities, we must work together to ensure our people are able to take the opportunities that exist here,” he said.
Recent evidence from Humber bank industry suggests that green energy creation, decarbonisation and hydrogen opportunities are likely to create more than 32,000 jobs across the Humber by 2040.
Cllr Jackson said the new Council Plan, to be released in April, talks of the authority’s commitment to supporting a ‘Stronger Economy’ and ‘Stronger Communities’ – and a crucial part of achieving this is to improve skills.
“As our plan outlines, our ambition is for our people to be equipped with the skills they need. We know the demand is here and we do have a skills gap that must be closed. I am pleased that this has been recognised and we have been presented with this opportunity.
“We now look forward to working closely with Midlands Net Zero Hub and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to look at things that will support our residents and the sector.”
British Steel invests £26m in support for forklift truck mast industry
British Steel has opened a £26m service centre that is says makes it one of the world’s leading suppliers to the forklift truck mast industry.
The investment has been made at the company’s Special Profiles business in Skinningrove, in the North East, which specialises in manufacturing steel profiles for the earth moving, forklift, construction, shipbuilding, and mining markets.
Richard Napier, British Steel’s Sales Director, Special Profiles, says it will enable the company to explore growth opportunities across the globe for forklift mast profiles, with the new warehousing and processing facility forecast to significantly increase throughput within the next two years.
He said: “This is the largest single investment in our Special Profiles business for more than 30 years, demonstrating our owner’s commitment to strengthening British Steel’s position at the heart of UK manufacturing.
“The new facility also firmly establishes us as one of the world’s leading manufacturers and processors of value-added profiles for the forklift industry. Our extended range of products are designed and manufactured to exact customer requirements, with the new milling capability offering profiles with tolerances of just 0.1mm – precision few global competitors can match.
“We have already had extremely positive feedback about this investment from current customers, and potential new ones, and although our primary product offering will be for forklift mast profiles, we expect to expand this to include other product applications too.”
British Steel’s milling capability will primarily service the demanding high-reach forklift truck market. These vehicles are typically used to move loads in warehouses and because they operate at heights of up to eight metres, exceptionally tight tolerances are needed for the mast sections – the moving parts which enable the truck’s forks to reach, collect and move items.
Hallam University appoints Dean of Research
Sheffield Hallam University has appointed Professor Sarah Pearson as Dean of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange.
She has been at Hallam since 1997 and brings over 25 years’ experience of research leadership to the role, having overseen more than 30 projects in social policy research and evaluation and has led major evaluations of public policy across a range of agendas including anti-poverty, community regeneration and support for vulnerable groups.
Prof Pearson is currently Co-Director of the Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness, a £10m UK Research and Innovation-funded project led by Sheffield Hallam University which brings together partners from research, community, policy and civil society to develop and scale up successful community leadership approaches.
She said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Dean of RIKE and looking forward to leading us through the next phase of our RIKE strategy implementation, which will continue to reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainable and high-quality research with impact. My priority is to ensure that our operationalisation of the RIKE strategy supports our research communities to respond to both the opportunities and challenges that the current context presents.”
