Planning and development consultancy Lichfields has relocated its Leeds office to a new, larger space in the heart of the city centre as the team continues to expand. The move marks a significant milestone for the Leeds team, which has grown from just three people when it was established in 2011 to what is soon to be a 20-strong team. Chris Darley, head of Lichfields’ Leeds office, said: “We’re proud of how far the Leeds office has come since we opened our doors with just three members of staff. “The move to larger premises reflects not only our growth in headcount and the expanding range of specialisms and sectors we support, but also the strong and lasting relationships we have built with our clients. “The new space puts us right at the centre of the action, close to many of our clients, partners and key transport links and offers the right environment to take the next step in our development.” The move follows the recent promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to planning directors. James and Emma bring extensive expertise across sectors including strategic land, residential, retail, tourism and infrastructure. Chris added: “We’ve built a fantastic team in Leeds and our success is down to the people we’ve brought on board and developed over time. As we look ahead, the new office gives us the space and setting we need to continue that journey – growing sustainably, delivering for clients and supporting the region’s development priorities.”

Towngate PLC, the commercial and industrial property specialist, has secured a 12-year tenancy for Artisan Bakes Ltd, a wholesale craft bakery based in Wakefield, to support the company’s ongoing expansion. Previously located at Sovereign House, Trinity Business Park, Artisan Bakes now occupies Unit 1, Flanshaw Industrial Estate, Flanshaw Way. The 6,366 sq ft modern warehouse/industrial property provides close proximity to Wakefield City Centre and junction 40 of the M1 motorway, making it an ideal base for the business’s growing logistics. It also features a shared secure yard, ancillary offices, parking, and an eaves height of 6.18 metres. The relocation enables Artisan Bakes to scale production and better serve its customer base. Tom Lamb, property director at Towngate PLC, said: “It’s been a pleasure to assist Artisan with its expansion plans in the region. Flanshaw Industrial Estate is a highly sought-after business hub, and its proximity to key motorway networks will be an invaluable asset for the bakery as it continues to expand. I look forward to visiting and sampling a cake or two!” Jonathan Jacob, senior surveyor at GV Property Consultants, added: “This unit provides a rare food manufacturing facility in a strategic location, and we are pleased to have acted on behalf of Towngate to accommodate Artisan Bakes’ bespoke requirements.” David Hardwick, managing director of Artisan Bakes, said: “We’re excited to start this new chapter as we celebrate a decade of baking excellence. The relocation represents a significant step in our expansion and will help us truly enhance our production capabilities. Towngate’s support has been invaluable in finding the perfect space, accommodating our needs as we continue to innovate and grow.”

Plans for the Meridian Solar Farm near Spalding have expanded by around 200 hectares, bringing the total project size to approximately 1,100 hectares. Developer Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) is preparing to submit a planning application later this year and has launched a second public consultation, running until June 8.

Despite the expanded footprint, DRD states that only about 600 hectares would host solar panels, with the remaining land allocated for infrastructure such as cables and battery storage. The solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 homes and operate for up to 40 years, if approved. Operations could begin by 2029.

The project’s primary development areas are near Spalding and Crowland, with an additional site east of Sutton St Edmund. DRD is holding three public meetings in May to gather local feedback before finalising its designs. Meanwhile, the Meridian Action Group is opposing the development, arguing that it should be built on brownfield sites to protect agricultural land and food security.

Public consultation events are scheduled at Sutton St Edmund Village Hall (10 May), Crowland Snowden Pavilion (21 May), and Weston Village Hall (22 May).

Demolition has started at Grimsby’s former Top Town Market site, marking a significant step in the redevelopment of Freshney Place Shopping Centre.

The project, led by North East Lincolnshire Council and managed by Queensberry, aims to transform the site into a mixed-use retail and leisure destination. Plans include a new Parkway multi-screen cinema, a market hall, and a combined food and shopping space.

The redevelopment forms part of a broader investment strategy for Grimsby town centre and is one of the council’s largest investments to date. It is intended to drive additional investment, support existing tenants, and open up opportunities for new businesses.

Preliminary work, including asbestos removal and dismantling mechanical systems, has been completed. Main contractor GMI Construction Group has now commenced structural demolition, progressing the project to its next phase.

Over 55,000 sq ft of industrial space set in over 3.5 acres at Moor Lane Trading Estate in Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire has been let to Welfare Hire Nationwide Limited. Part of Kelling Group, Welfare Hire is a rental and lease provider of specialist mobile welfare equipment to infrastructure markets including highways, rail and utilities. The deal sees the firm double the size of its operational bases across Yorkshire. Chief Financial Officer at Kelling Group, Matthew Jowett, said: “As our business continues to grow, it was essential to secure a facility that meets our operational demands and allows for future scalability. The Moor Lane Trading Estate site provides the perfect combination of space and accessibility to support our expanding hire services business. “Establishing Welfare Hire’s regional footprint in this dedicated facility also facilitates further growth capacity for its sister company, Access Hire Nationwide Limited, the UK’s leading rental and lease provider of vehicle mounted access platforms for sectors including Telecoms, Street Lighting and Power. “Separating out the two core businesses from our headquarters in Normanton represents a major milestone for the Group. The access business will remain there, whilst this new site is ideal for the welfare division. “We will be investing around £250,000 in the new site to deliver a well-connected and highly secure facility, as well as creating new jobs, and work has already started on site.  This exciting development for Welfare Hire follows on from the opening of a new purpose-built depot in Bristol in 2024 and a regional depot in Scotland in 2023.” The site was brought to the market by the agency division of property consultancy, GV&Co. Associate director of agency at GV&Co, Jonathan Jacob, said: “Moor Lane Trading Estate offers strong credentials to occupiers requiring well connected and cost-effective manufacturing and storage space, and we’re delighted to have facilitated Kelling Group’s expansion there.”