Charities to roll out the cardboard for big business sleep out challenge

Tess Egginton
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Charities to roll out the cardboard for big business sleep out challenge
People will be camping out at Hull Kingston Rovers next month, and it’s nothing to do with bagging tickets for a pop concert. Instead of Coldplay think cold concrete, and winds howling off the Humber, rattling the plastic seats and bringing chilly wintry showers. Curled up in any corners they can find will be the corporate campers. They’re not just volunteering for the ordeal – they’re paying well over any hotel rate in the region to raise money for three local charities. “Each charity is supporting local people at a time of real need in their lives,” said Deb Oxley, founding director of Oxley Works Ltd and a Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding. “They are working with homelessness, end of life care, or helping people get back into the mainstream through education and employment. So even though I am dreading a night in the cold, I am happy to make that sacrifice to help, in my own small way.” The Big Hull and East Yorkshire Sleepout 2024 will take place at Sewell Group Craven Park from 7pm on Thursday 7 November until 7am the next day to raise money for Dove House Hospice, Hull Homeless and Resettlement Project (HARP) and the Hull KR Foundation. The event is the brainchild of Sean Henderson, managing director of Sewell Facilities Management, who will be braving the elements with growing numbers of colleagues, clients and contacts including Paul Hamnett, chief executive of the Foundation, and Chris Sadler, chief executive of Dove House. The participants will be stripped of all luxuries and left to sleep out in the cold terracing and seating of the stadium equipped with only a sleeping bag and some cardboard. They are asked to raise a minimum of £500 to take part, and to sign up a companion as well. The Rooted in Hull project will provide a warming but simple meal of soup and bread, and there will be opportunities to donate more cash by bidding in a silent auction for such “luxuries” as a camp bed. Jo Barnes, managing director of Sewell Group, plans to draw on the experience of camping trips when her sons were young. She said: “I know it’s all about layers, a woolly hat, warm drinks and a few laughs along the way. The causes we are raising money for are all really important to our community, and, on the upside, it’s not like I’m running a marathon and have to have a training plan in preparation, so I think I’m getting away lightly!” Chris prepared for the sleepout challenge by scouring the stadium for suitable locations to get his head down – stretching out on the terraces, bedding down between the seats and even nestling at the bottom of a stairwell. He admitted: “I’m just not sure this is the right challenge for me to be involved in. I think I can just about contend with sleeping in a cardboard box in the middle of November but the big challenge for me as a lifelong Hull FC fan will be convincing colleagues to join me for a night under the stars – and doing it in the red and whites’ backyard! “Raising the £500 target shouldn’t be seen as a hurdle. Start by reaching out to friends and family, and then tap into your network of clients, suppliers, or customers. Office-friendly activities, like a bake-off followed by a bake sale, a lunchtime quiz, or even raffling off a holiday day, can generate a substantial portion of your target. “These events not only help raise funds but also create excitement in the workplace, energising meetings and offering opportunities to reconnect with people you may not have spoken to in a while.” Deb said: “I’m doing this because local charities depend almost entirely on local support. It’s important that everyone that can, from time to time, donate some of their time, thought, energy or even money to organisations that exist because there is a need that the public or private sector can’t fill. “I am really looking forward however to spending some quality time with other local leaders to hopefully discuss how we can do more for all of the charities in the area – and to seeing how each of us copes with the cold too! “But having never done this I am out of my depth! Three things that I will take with me – and hopefully bring back – are my sense of humour, my stamina and a big hot water bottle!” Asked if she had ever paid £500 for an overnight stay for one, Deb replied: “Absolutely not!” If you would like to take part in the Big Hull and East Yorkshire Sleep Out 2024, please contact Paul Hamnett at paul.hamnett@hullkr.co.uk or visit https://hullkr.co.uk/big-hull-and-east-yorkshire-sleepout-2024

Henry Boot Construction and partners support relocation of Sheffield wellbeing charity

Tess Egginton
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Henry Boot Construction and partners support relocation of Sheffield wellbeing charity
Construction firm, Henry Boot Construction, has teamed up with several of its supply chain partners to deliver a pro bono office fit-out for wellbeing charity, Golddigger Trust. Officially registered as a charity in 2007, Golddigger Trust has supported thousands of young people over the years, building positive wellbeing and empowering individuals to make affirmative, informed choices for themselves. In an age of increasing mental health challenges for young people, the demand for and importance of their services continues to grow. The Sheffield-based charity recently relocated their office from Psalter Lane to The Refinery at 197 Ecclesall Road. Previously home to Blend Kitchen, the move has seen them inherit an impressive kitchen and restaurant space downstairs. The team has decided to transform this space into a Wellbeing Café, which will offer a range of engaging wellbeing activities for the heart, body, mind and soul. The Wellbeing Café for young people launched in September and has welcomed over 100 people in that time. Its opening times are 3 to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. Golddigger Trust’s new office space is located on the floor above, and Henry Boot Construction has project managed the creation of a modern, comfortable and collaborative new workspace. As well as the office space, Henry Boot also co-ordinated the fit-out of Golddigger Trust’s new training and session spaces, including the creation of The Refine Studio, a dedicated space where young people can explore positive physical activities to support their wellbeing – such as yoga and pilates. Henry Boot chose to support the project to create significant social value for Sheffield’s young people and to invest in the legacy of the Heart of the City project completed in 2023. Henry Boot worked closely with a host of its trusted local supply chain to deliver the social value project, with Elecomm supporting with mechanical and electrical services, Barn Oak with joinery, and Global with drywall and ceiling work. Banner Plant, part of the wider Henry Boot group, donated many of the required tools free-of-charge, and C+A Design provided its architectural services pro bono, too. Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a business deeply rooted in Sheffield, we are always eager to give back to the city and its communities. “Golddigger Trust is a remarkable organisation, supporting thousands of young people, and we are thrilled to have played a part in bringing everyone together to create an incredible new office space for them. This would not have been possible without the support of our trusted local partners and a financial donation from the Henry Boot Charity Committee – it was truly a team effort. “We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with Golddigger Trust, including welcoming them into our own office to provide some wellbeing sessions for our young employees.” Beth Stout, Chief Executive at Golddigger Trust, said: “When we set out to open The Refinery, I remember saying that we could only do it by doing it together – that it would take Sheffield stepping up to show our city’s young people that their wellbeing matters to us, and we have been overwhelmed by how Henry Boot and partners have stepped up to make this dream a reality. “We couldn’t have done it without these amazing people and their hard work will have a huge impact on the lives of thousands of young people. We are so grateful for these deeply skilled and committed people who have delivered a brilliant fit out and enabled us to open The Refinery as a beacon for young people’s wellbeing, shining out across the city to show young people that they matter. “The work that’s been achieved so far is incredible – getting us ready to help support thousands of young people across the city. But we’re not quite there yet. We’re still on the lookout for support from generous local businesses to help us finish off the kitchens and flooring. If anyone can help us with this final leg of our refurbishment journey, we’d love to hear from you.”

Organisation launches to boost tourism in North Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Organisation launches to boost tourism in North Yorkshire
Leading tourism figures have spoken of their hopes for developing the multi-billion pound sector in North Yorkshire with the launch of the first-ever countywide organisation dedicated to promoting the visitor economy. Visit North Yorkshire has been established to drive forward tourism in the county, which contributes £4 billion every year to the local economy and supports 38,000 jobs. The new destination management and marketing organisation is overseen by North Yorkshire Council and represents the first time that there has been a dedicated tourism body for the whole county. At its official launch on Monday (21 October) at Castle Howard near Malton, about 80 representatives from the tourism industry met members of the Visit North Yorkshire team and were given an insight into a 10-year vision for a more coordinated approach to promoting the county’s tourism brand. Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, said: “This is an exceptionally important moment for the tourism industry in North Yorkshire. “With the launch of Visit North Yorkshire, we now have the first countywide destination management and marketing organisation which has been made possible following the launch of North Yorkshire Council. “The tourism sector is so valuable to our local economy and supports tens of thousands of livelihoods in our communities. “Visit North Yorkshire will have a key role in developing the sector and providing an even closer working relationship with our tourism businesses to ensure that the industry can reach its full potential in the years to come.” The launch of Visit North Yorkshire has come only days after the first strategy of its kind to boost the county’s multi-billion pound visitor economy was approved. Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive approved plans for the destination management plan at a meeting on Tuesday last week (15 October). Among those who attended the official launch was SEALIFE Scarborough’s general manager, Andrew Clay. He said: “SEALIFE Scarborough are delighted to celebrate the launch of Visit North Yorkshire. “This is an exciting moment for the region’s visitor economy and demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting the vast array of attractions and hospitality businesses that make North Yorkshire such a magical place to visit. “Visit North Yorkshire will provide that all-important support and strategic focus to give everyone involved in tourism the chance to deliver the best possible experience for visitors.” The chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, added: “The Visit North Yorkshire plans offer a hugely exciting opportunity for our organisation. “It allows us to be at the forefront of cultural destination campaigns and ensures the widest possible audience is aware of our year-round festivals portfolio, and how that sits alongside the vast array of fantastic tourism businesses across the area.” David Steel, the chief executive of Dawnay Estates which owns North Yorkshire Water Park, said: “At North Yorkshire Water Park, we’re wholeheartedly embracing the launch of Visit North Yorkshire and the benefits that it will bring to the entire region. “This initiative will not only help promote the stunning natural scenery across North Yorkshire but will also help highlight the wide range of activities available here, from the water sports lake to the newly launched Adventure Wood. “By working together, we can attract more visitors to experience the thrills of adventure and the beauty of our landscapes, all while supporting local communities. We’re excited to be part of this journey and to help showcase the best of what North Yorkshire has to offer.” Visit North Yorkshire has been established following the launch of the council in April last year when the former county council and seven district and borough authorities merged. Since North Yorkshire Council was formed, there have already been major developments to support the tourism sector. It was announced in November last year that a joint bid for a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for both York and North Yorkshire had been approved, paving the way for a far more co-ordinated and strategic approach to promoting the tourism sector. Local Visitor Economy Partnerships have been introduced as part of the national response to an independent review of how the country’s visitor economy is co-ordinated and promoted and have the potential to draw in additional support and funding from Westminster. North Yorkshire Council are working alongside Make it York, York City Council and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver the Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

The first countywide tourism guide has also been published this year, and an updated version for 2025 is currently being produced.

The first destination marketing campaign spanning the whole of North Yorkshire, which was called Find Your Escape and focused on the county’s gardens and countryside, was staged from the spring until October this year. The campaign saw more than 2.2 million social media impressions, and advertising in London Kings Cross, Newcastle Railway Station and Leeds city centre is estimated to have been seen by four million people. Promotional campaigns planned for next year include a bid to highlight the Visit North Yorkshire brand to coincide with the launch of its new website. The campaign will be delivered by an award-winning agency, SomeOne, which has previously worked with clients such as the Natural History Museum in London and the Eden Project in Cornwall. The founder of SomeOne, Gary Holt, who is from and lives near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, spoke at the Visit North Yorkshire launch when he outlined the campaign and how a more coordinated approach to a tourism brand across the county will benefit the industry. Another key campaign for 2025 will focus on North Yorkshire’s connections to television and film locations, which is among the key focuses of the new destination management plan. North Yorkshire is home to Herriot Country linked to Alf Wight’s novels and the television series, All Creatures Great and Small, Fountains Abbey was used as a location for the Netflix series, The Witcher, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has featured in the Harry Potter films. The new campaign, called Starring North Yorkshire, will complement Visit England’s own international marketing drive, Starring Great Britain.

Government announces plans for 45,000 seasonal worker visas

Stuart Pearcey
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Government announces plans for 45,000 seasonal worker visas
A package of measures to provide certainty and stability to farmers and growers in the UK’s horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors has been announced by the government. The Seasonal Worker visa route has been confirmed for 2025, with a total of 43,000 Seasonal Worker visas available for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry next year. This will provide certainty and will help the sector secure the labour and skills needed to bring high quality British produce, including strawberries, rhubarb, turkey and daffodils to market. Alongside this, the government is taking action to keep costs down and protect poultry farmers from the impact of avian influenza and delivering fairness in the supply chain for sheep farmers by ensuring producers receive a fair price for their livestock through legislation to mandate sheep carcase classification and price reporting. Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “Food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and farming businesses. Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labour they need to grow and thrive.

“This package of measures will also support farmers by protecting our poultry producers from the impact of avian flu outbreaks and ensuring fairness in the sheep supply chain.”

As well as confirming visa numbers for 2025, Defra has also published the 2023 Seasonal Worker’s Survey report. This is an important part of Defra’s commitment to monitoring the welfare of the seasonal migrant workers who help bring home the horticulture harvest each year. Conducted in early 2024, the survey shows that the vast majority of respondents (91.0%) reported a positive experience from their time in the UK and 95% expressed a desire to return. The government is working with industry to improve these numbers further through its farm compliance checks to ensure sponsors are adhering to their duties and undertaking welfare checks on workers, and working with international partners to ensure workers know what work to expect before they arrive and can avoid unnecessary costs and fees. Measures announced on egg and poultry labelling will help farmers to deal with the impact of future avian influenza outbreaks. Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect birds from the spread of disease, eggs from free-range birds can only continue to be labelled as ‘free-range’ for 16 weeks after the housing order has come into effect – leading to significant costs to industry. The changes will mean that free-range eggs can continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures. This will be brought in through legislation due to be laid on 4 November, and is expected to take effect in January 2025, ensuring a level playing field for UK free-range egg producers against producers in the EU. A consultation on introducing similar measures for the labelling of free-range poultry is also being launched – proposing the removal of the current restrictions which mean that free range poultry can only be labelled as such for 12 weeks after the introduction of housing measures, and the removal of the need for optional indicator certificates to accompany imported poultry meat. The government is also taking action to ensure fairness across the food supply chain to ensure producers receive a fair price for their livestock by bringing forward legislation to mandate sheep carcase classification and price reporting, bringing the sheep sector in line with the beef and pork sectors.

Doncaster developer works on £15m project in West Bridgford

Stuart Pearcey
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Doncaster developer works on £15m project in West Bridgford
Doncaster-based developer Keepmoat is working on 90 luxury new homes as part of a £15m investment set to transform abandoned brownfield land in West Bridgford. The housebuilder acquired the site off Wilford Lane, which formerly housed a disused restaurant and rifle range, in 2020 and subsequently secured planning to regenerate the land in September last year. The site, which saw a show home launch this summer, will deliver an enhanced specification of energy efficient homes – a new type of offering for the housebuilder, which typically creates homes perfect for first-time-buyers. Robin McGinn, Land & Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, East Midlands said: “We’re pleased to be regenerating a disused piece of land at the heart of West Bridgford that has so much culture and diversity within the existing area. “Considering the already established community we’re committed to creating new homes that will fit seamlessly within the existing landscape. We are also investing in the local road infrastructure to provide valuable, convenient access to local amenities including schools, restaurants, cafes, gyms and the tram network.” The development will be called Chateau Mews in a nod to the name of the restaurant which used to occupy the site.

Humber Energy Board calls for policies to create climate for £15bn private investment

Stuart Pearcey
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Humber Energy Board calls for policies to create climate for £15bn private investment
The Humber Energy Board says with the right policies in place more ta £15bn of private money could be invested on both banks of the estuary. In a new report called Delivering the Vision the organisation, made up of energy businesses supported by key public sector organisations and academic institutions, provides a new roadmap for the decarbonisation of the Humber and outlines the Government support required to deliver it. Richard Gwilliam, Chair of the Humber Energy Board, said: “Businesses across the Humber are ready to invest over £15bn in decarbonisation projects that will drive growth, protect energy security, create tens of thousands of jobs and slash our carbon emissions. “In Delivering the Vision we set out the policy support needed to unlock this investment, including the creation of a regional CCS network, new hydrogen markets and power grid upgrades. “Following recent support for CCUS in Teesside and the North West, we urge the Chancellor to listen to our recommendations and fulfil the promise of her party conference speech to make CCS jobs in the Humber a reality. This will ensure the region can continue to power Britain and help deliver the country’s carbon reduction targets. “We believe the transformation and decarbonisation of the Humber is essential to delivering the economy of the future and the UK’s ambitious climate targets, but time is ticking. Unless there is urgent action from the UK Government, we could see businesses take their money elsewhere, prioritising investments overseas rather than in this key geography for UK energy security.” ‘Delivering the Vision’ demonstrates that with the right policies in place over £15bn of private money could be invested on both banks of the Estuary, supporting the Government’s missions of growing the economy and developing a clean power 2030 energy system. The support the HEB wants to see from the Government includes:
  • Creating a largescale carbon transport and storage network for the region: The Humber has access to two thirds of the UK’s licenced storage capacity, making it an ideal site for a network that could store tens of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the region’s industrial sites and power stations. Without this network the Government’s carbon reduction targets will be impossible to meet.
  • Accelerating the development of new hydrogen markets: Hydrogen fuel switching alone could abate up to 21% of the region’s emissions each year by 2040, around 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and support the ongoing viability of the Humber’s chemicals, refining and combined heat and power industries.
  • Prioritising new grid connectivity: With a pipeline of 11GW of additional offshore wind capacity, the region should be prioritised for additional power grid capacity to ensure this renewable power can be transmitted to homes and businesses.
Paul Fursey, Lead Executive UK & General Manager Humber Refinery at Phillips 66 and HEB member, said: “This report sets out a clear roadmap for a thriving, lower-carbon industrial cluster which can be effectively delivered if we have the necessary support from Government. Our investment in lower-carbon technologies will not only act as an anchor for future carbon capture pipelines but attract significant investment to the region. “This will also foster the development and innovation of new technologies for hard-to-decarbonise sectors, such as sustainable aviation fuel. Through the Humber Energy Board, we look forward to working with the UK Government to ensure we can deliver our plans in time for binding climate targets.”

Second letting for newly constructed Leeds Valley Park

Tess Egginton
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Second letting for newly constructed Leeds Valley Park
The second industrial letting has completed at the recently developed Leeds Valley Park. Located on Savannah Way, Stourton, Leeds Valley Park is owned by GMPF (Greater Manchester Pension Fund) who is advised by Catella APAM. Yorkshire-based Caddick has acted as both developer and contractor on the scheme, with Carter Towler, CBRE and Avison Young acting as joint agents. Commenting on the letting, Carter Towler’s industrial agency associate director Hazel Cooper said: “We are absolutely delighted that Leeds Valley Park is now 40% let. It is an excellent and much needed addition to the region’s mid-box warehouse and distribution property market. “It has been constructed to a very high quality by Caddick and we are already having advanced conversations with interested parties on the remaining units and will hopefully be able to announce the third letting soon.” Carter Towler has negotiated a 15-year lease deal with hardware distributor Decco for 47,000 sq ft of Unit 6. Decco are looking forward to expanding their operations in Leeds in their new premises. Decco were represented by Tom Goode of Knight Frank. This deal follows hot on the heels of the recently completed letting of 70,000 sq ft at unit 2. Rob Oliver of joint agents Avison Young added: “These six new units are in a fantastic position located just minutes from the M1’s junction 44 and junction 7 of the M621. The remaining units range in size from 25,746 to 60,950 sq ft and have been rated as BREEAM Very Good reflecting the energy and environmental considerations that have been taken into account.” Cllr Gerald Cooney Chair of Greater Manchester Pension Fund said: “This is part of GMPF’s long standing successful programme of investing in assets in Greater Manchester and the wider Northern LGPS region with the twin aims of delivering commercial returns to meet our pension liabilities whilst having a positive impact on the local regional economy. “We are confident that several more businesses will be joining Decco here shortly and taking full advantage of these high specification warehouse and manufacturing units.”

John Good Group acquires padlocks and security solutions retailer

Tess Egginton
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John Good Group acquires padlocks and security solutions retailer
Hessle-based John Good Group has acquired Nothing But Ltd, trading as Padlocks.co.uk, an online retailer of padlocks and security solutions based in Liverpool. This acquisition represents a strategic move for the John Good Group, marking its entry into the e-commerce product marketplace, and whilst niche – one with significant potential for growth and expansion.  Padlocks.co.uk, a well-established business with strong partnerships with world-renowned lock manufacturers including ABUS and Squire, offers a diverse range of padlocks and security products. In addition to distributing products, the company has developed its own brand, Shield, which complements its extensive product range.   Padlocks.co.uk has built a trusted reputation, serving clients such as the NHS, Harrods, The Royal Mint, and Network Rail, while also providing specialised solutions, such as salt-resistant locks for the marine industry. The current Padlocks.co.uk team will continue to play a significant role in the business during an extended handover period.   CEO of John Good Group, Adam Walsh, said: “It is an exciting acquisition for John Good Group as we bring this e-commerce business into the group. We’ve got great digital marketing, creative skills in the business, as well as a heritage in importing and exporting products, storage and logistics. “I feel we’ve got the perfect blend of experience to help Padlocks.co.uk go on the next wave of growth. We also have a strategic objective to diversify the range of the businesses the Group invests in, and this is a step in the right direction to achieving that.”  
Rich Quelch, the Group’s current Chief Marketing Officer, will take on an additional role as Managing Director at Padlocks.co.uk. Adam continued: “It is a great opportunity for Rich to take this step up and the responsibility that comes with being a Managing Director. “Rich has done a great job since he joined us in 2022, and has proven he has all the right skills to help stimulate new growth and make a positive financial contribution from his efforts. “I’m looking forward to seeing what he can achieve on the next stage of his career, and the benefit he can bring the John Good Group. I’d also like to welcome all the team from Padlocks.co.uk to the John Good Group. We’re going to go on an exciting journey together.”

University of Leeds food tech spinout secures £3.5m investment

Tess Egginton
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University of Leeds food tech spinout secures £3.5m investment
Northern Gritstone has led MicroLub’s combined £3.5 million Seed round, making a £1.8 million investment into the ingredients technology company that replaces fats and oils with water without losing ‘mouthfeel’.

MicroLub, a University of Leeds spin-out, has developed a new ingredients technology that addresses key consumer demands for lower-calorie and sustainable food options.

Fats and oils make foods texturally appealing and tastier by adding ‘lubricity’ and a ‘creamy’ mouthfeel. However, they also add calories. With obesity contributing to a projected global annual health bill of $4.3 trillion, and over half the world’s population on course to be overweight or obese within the next decade, MicroLub is addressing the need for less-calorific healthier alternatives.

MicroLub also aims to contribute to sustainability by supporting the alternative protein industry in making plant-based foods less astringent.

The spinout already has strong traction with some of the largest food and food ingredients companies and with retail sales of reduced-fat dairy and plant-based food products in Europe, the US and the UK alone worth more than $120 billion, the market opportunity for MicroLub is significant.

The company was founded by Anwesha Sarkar, Professor of Colloids and Surfaces at the University of Leeds and Director of Research and Innovation for the School of Food Science and Nutrition. Anwesha is also Project Leader of the newly created National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre where MicroLub is a partner company.

Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: “Northern Gritstone is delighted to support MicroLub’s world-class team. Obesity is a challenge in many countries reducing the quality of life of an individual and often shortening it. MicroLub shows that innovation coming out of the University of Leeds has the potential to help solve these global challenges.”

Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Founder of MicroLub, said: “When we discovered the technology and tested lubricity, we knew it had many potential applications, which we can now explore with this investment led by Northern Gritstone.”

David Peters, CEO of MicroLub, said: “There is a huge market opportunity in food for MicroLub. We already have strong traction with ingredients giants and some of the largest food and dairy companies, who are looking for innovative ways to make their products healthier, more nutritious and more sustainable. I am very excited at the journey ahead with our customers.”

Professor Nick Plant, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “This groundbreaking research is addressing a major global challenge while placing the UK at the forefront of the quest to reduce health inequalities. We are proud of our track record of transforming academic research into commercial success.”

Ripon’s historic Spa Baths to be brought back to former glory in £2m scheme

Tess Egginton
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Ripon’s historic Spa Baths to be brought back to former glory in £2m scheme
The future of Ripon’s historic Spa Baths has been secured, three years after the building was closed and a new swimming facility opened in the city. The Grade II listed building opened in 1905 and has seen generations of families learn to swim there. Local family – the Sternes – have now bought the building from North Yorkshire Council with plans to return the property to its former glory, bringing in new visitors and residents to the city. In a privately funded scheme costing more than £2 million, Sterne Properties will create hospitality led commercial units, four luxury apartments and a publically accessible open courtyard on the site while restoring and retaining its original Edwardian frontage. As much original building material as possible will be salvaged and reused in the development. Deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, who also has responsibility for finance and property, said: “Sterne Properties was selected as the preferred purchaser for this building because of its positive plans for the future of the site. “Ripon’s Spa Baths were the last of their kind to open in England and we wanted to be sure this listed building was preserved for the city. Robert Sterne and his team have very exciting plans for the building which fits into our focus on the regeneration of our town and city centres and the repurposing of buildings. “It will breathe new life into this historic building and into this area of the city as it brings new people into its hospitality units. I am looking forward to seeing the scheme come to fruition.” The building opened when Ripon saw the success Harrogate was enjoying as a spa town. Spa water was pumped four miles from Aldfield with customers served from a basin in the elaborately tiled entrance hall. The swimming pool was added in the 1930s at the edge of the Spa Gardens.
Sterne Properties specialise in rejuvenating and repurposing redundant and semi-derelict buildings in the company’s home city of Ripon. Managing Director, Robert Sterne, said: “This is an exciting project for our business – as a local family we are passionate about conserving Ripon’s heritage whilst encouraging new and exciting businesses to operate in our city. This scheme will continue the resurrection of the city’s spa quarter. “We want to roll the clock back to when the spa baths were built – the original façade will be restored so it looks just as it was intended to look in the early 1900s. “By opening up the south elevation and creating a rear courtyard the Spa Baths will once again work as it was originally designed. For example, natural light will flood the pump room through the stunning stained glass panels. This is something that hasn’t been seen since the 1930s. “Our architect, Andrew Burningham, has worked meticulously on this scheme which has resulted in a sympathetic and deliverable plan to preserve and enhance the spa baths.”
Member Ripon Ure Bank and Spa division, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, added: “The long-awaited sale of the Spa Baths to Sterne Properties is good news for Ripon, as they have a good track record in sympathetic preservation of traditional buildings in the city. “The proposals for development of this iconic building are most welcome and will contribute to the aesthetic and economic development of the Spa Quarter.” Her colleague, Ripon Minster and Moorside division ward member, Cllr Andrew Williams, added: “I am delighted that the building is going to be brought back into use rather laying to rot and decay next to the Spa Gardens. “I have no doubt that the developer who has a proven track record of delivering many other projects successfully across Ripon will do a first class job and I look forward to seeing the finished scheme which will complement the newly refurbished Ripon Inn and Ripon Spa Gardens and play a major role in the regeneration of Ripon.” The spa baths were closed when the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre was opened on Dallamires Lane.
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