Next steps for iconic George Hotel approved by cabinet
Kirklees Council’s cabinet have approved the next steps for the refurbishment and redevelopment of the George Hotel, Huddersfield. Also approved is the move forward to a formal agreement with the preferred hotel operator.
The George Hotel is a vital part of Huddersfield’s heritage. It is in a highly prominent location on St George’s Square and close to Huddersfield Railway Station. Kirklees Council purchased the vacant building in 2020 with a commitment to bring it back into use and restore it to its former glory in the heart of Huddersfield. Since then the council have carried out extensive surveys and works to make the building safe. Earlier this year, essential remedial works started to make the building safe and watertight and also to preserve the heritage and character of this Grade II* Listed building.
In May 2022, the council said that they were exploring the possibility of attracting a hotel operator. The preferred hotel operator has been selected through a robust and competitive process. Radisson Hotel Group are the preferred partner.
Now that the proposals have been approved by cabinet, a Hotel Management Agreement will be drawn up with Radisson Hotel Group.
Research was commissioned by the council, into the demand for a hotel of this quality in Huddersfield. This suggested that, due to a limited supply of upscale, full-service branded hotels in the town, there is a strong market opportunity for this type of hotel concept.
The report presented to cabinet asked for the allocation of £20 million to complete the work needed. This would restore and redevelop the building therefore ensuring it is in prime condition to be transformed into a quality hotel.
Councillor Graham Turner, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I am genuinely excited and proud that we have taken a dilapidated building and are about to turn it into something that our residents will be proud of.
“The George Hotel was once the jewel in Huddersfield’s crown, and I am determined to see it restored to its rightful position in the town. We have ambitious plans for Huddersfield town centre, plans that will attract visitors from near and far. Having a quality hotel close to travel connections will only add to the appeal of a revitalised, vibrant destination.
“Along with the Cultural Heart and the overall Huddersfield Blueprint, we are taking action to stop the decline of the town. High streets up and down the country have to look for ways to keep town centres alive, what we are doing in Huddersfield could set a great example to many.
“Kirklees is open for business and we will continue to invest in and regenerate our much loved historic buildings.”
Government pumps £12.5m into matched funds for farming
The Government is to offer £12.5m in matched funding to boost home grown fruit and vegetable production and drive the growth of high-tech horticulture in a love it’s hoped will help to unleash the potential of British farming.
Glasshouse growing, a form of Controlled Environment Horticulture, has multiple economic, food security and sustainability benefits, but the sector currently represents only 10% of English horticultural businesses. It means the United Kingdom only grows 25% of the cucumbers and 17% of the tomatoes supplied domestically, however businesses operating with this model are already reaping benefits – from extended growing seasons, efficient water usage and higher yields per square metre.
To kickstart efforts to grow the horticulture sector and boost domestic production, the Environment Secretary today committed a further £12.5m investment in automation and robotics through the Farming Innovation Programme on top of more than £70 million spent so far on industry-led research and development.
The fund opens in January with ‘UK Research and Innovation’ and will match-fund projects that will drive economic growth, food security and deliver on environmental commitments. Previous funded projects have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertiliser.
Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena said: “We all rely on farmers and growers every day to produce high-quality food, and to look after our environment.
“Whilst we have a high degree of food security, we can boost it further. We can increase home-grown fruit and vegetable production, which is why I am bringing in expert advice and match-funding robotics and automation projects.
“Technology offers huge opportunities to make farming greener and more productive, so we should harness it to help grow the economy, create jobs and improve food security too.”
Leeds City Council’s executive board to discuss demolition of five high-rise buildings
On Wednesday 19 October, senior councillors in Leeds will discuss the potential demolition of five high-rise buildings in Gipton and Alwoodley in a bid to make way for newer, more energy efficient homes.
Extensive consultation has already taken place with residents at Alderton Heights and Gipton Gates who will be fully supported and rehoused once a decision has been made on the future of the blocks.
The council says it remains absolutely committed to providing good quality, affordable homes and for them to be safe and feel safe. These blocks require significant investment to be brought up to an appropriate standard, including structural strengthening.
Although the blocks remain safe at present, the issues cannot remain unaddressed and it was recognised that creating new modern housing on the sites would be lower cost and lower risk than refurbishment. Activity will start to explore how the sites could be developed affordably to provide more energy efficient new homes.
To enable tenants to find new homes the council propose to award them ‘band A’ priority on their housing applications from 1 November and officers will work closely with them to understand both their needs and preferences.
At the same time, the council also intend to give tenants ‘direct let’ status so that they can be considered for a direct offer of suitable accommodation. Existing tenants who have lived in their homes for 12 months or more will also qualify for compensation.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and housing, said: “This decision is something that the council will not take lightly, and we acknowledge the disruption that this will cause to residents. Extensive consultation has been and will continue to take place with all residents affected and most of this consultation has had a very positive response.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting residents through the rehousing process and to successfully move them into new homes that suit them longer-term, whilst working to manage the impact of this on the Leeds Homes Register.
“We will work with all individual residents to identify their rehousing needs and support them to seek alternative housing. We will continue to undertake regular communications with residents during the rehousing phase to ensure they are updated and supported in the rehousing process.”
Approval given to create ‘cyber cluster’ in Scarborough
Approval has been given to create a ‘cyber cluster’ in the borough of Scarborough.
Scarborough Borough Council are to invest £140,000 in an initial pilot phase of the project which is being supported with a £97,000 contribution from the mining company Anglo American.
Across the UK there are three existing clusters with another four in the planning stage.
Each one focusses on a specific area of expertise. For example, the London cluster leads on industry, Manchester on digital innovation and Cheltenham on national security.
They’ve been established in response to the increasing number of cyber threats posed by hostile organisations and criminal networks.
They also meet national ambitions to create more cyber and digital talent in the workforce.
The Yorkshire coast cluster would focus on operational technology such as home automation or the so-called internet of things.
This could include sensors to control domestic heating systems or large pieces of equipment in a business or industrial setting.
The aim is to establish the borough as a national centre of excellence with a partnership between local and national government, industry and academic institutions.
Scarborough Borough Council have been working in partnership with CU Scarborough, GCHQ Scarborough, Anglo American and the York and North Yorkshire LEP to develop the proposals.
The cluster has the potential to create highly skilled new jobs, opportunities, products, services and digital solutions.
The first phase of the project would include a pilot programme of cyber engagement sessions, courses and workshops for individuals, and a separate programme for businesses.
Local small to medium enterprises would be supported to secure the government-backed Cyber Essentials Accreditation and there would be cyber training within schools.
Councillor Liz Colling, cabinet member for inclusive growth, said: “A cyber cluster in our borough has the potential to establish the Yorkshire coast as a centre of excellence for cyber and digital skills.
“There is a great deal of expertise and skill here already and a strong partnership of organisations such as the university, GCHQ and businesses to make this a success.
“The initial phase of activity will help us develop a longer-term approach which will support the ambition for a cyber cluster in the devolution plans for York and North Yorkshire.”
Gareth Edmunds, corporate relations director at Anglo American, said: “We’re proud to be playing a central role in the creation of a cyber cluster on the North Yorkshire coast, which is part of our wider ambition to create additional jobs alongside our Woodsmith Project.
“The study we commissioned highlighted huge potential for growth in this sector and we’re delighted that we’re now seeing this come to fruition through commitment from ourselves and with support from several key organisations in the area.”
Legal 500 Directory highly ranks Sills & Betteridge LLP
In another proud announcement from Sills & Betteridge LLP, it has revealed news of its latest results in the world’s leading legal directory The Legal 500.
The prestigious 30 year old directory which ranks law firms based on in-depth feedback from clients and peers has reaffirmed Sills & Betteridge LLP’s position as one of the region’s top legal services providers, by again recognising it as a ‘Leading Law Firm’.
With acknowledgement for being ‘exceptionally experienced and well regarded’, their family law team achieved Tier 1 status for the first time and all other service areas submitted held their positions in the tier rankings.
15 lawyers across 7 practice areas were given special individual mention for their standout contributions in their field, including corporate lawyer James Conduit who retained his position as a Leading Individual, and family lawyer Chrystal Theofanous who was newly recognised in the same category for her specialist work in the fields of international child abduction, forced marriage prevention, complex care proceedings, domestic abuse and public law children matters.
Siobhan Thompson, also a family lawyer, received the accolade of Next Generation Partner following testimonials about her work from leading barristers and clients including praise for being among the most devoted and committed solicitors they had ever worked with. Tax partner David Wood and commercial property partner Melissa Kirk who joined the firm earlier this year were also listed.
Karen Bower-Brown, senior partner, said: “Independent assessment means so very much to us so we are all thrilled that a publication as credible as the Legal 500 have acknowledged the outstanding talent of our people and the quality of service we try so hard to deliver.”
To view the firm’s results including highlighted testimonials about some of their lawyers, please visit Sills & Betteridge LLP > Lincoln > England | The Legal 500 law firm profiles
Public control proposed for South Yorkshire tram system
Proposals to bring the operation of South Yorkshire’s tram network back into public control will be considered next week by regional leaders, as part of plans for the system’s future.
The move would mean the running of Supertram services, infrastructure and finances would be controlled by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) when Stagecoach’s current contract for operation of the network ends.
The proposals form part of the region’s wider ambitions to upgrade Supertram, as part of a fully integrated public transport network.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said long-term plans for the network’s future must work for the whole of the region: “Supertram has been part of our region’s fabric for nearly thirty years. It’s iconic to South Yorkshire and plays a critical role in helping us reach our net zero goal. But with that legacy, parts of the system are nearing the end of their design life, and – in the aftermath of the pandemic – passengers are using services differently.
“Our ambitions – for how our communities get to jobs or education, and how they visit family and friends – must work for the whole of our region for a generation to come.
“That is why we are reviewing the funding and future of our region’s tram network. I am excited to propose public sector operation as the next stop on Supertram’s journey. This will help us to develop a long-term approach that integrates Supertram into our wider plans for public transport across South Yorkshire.”
Opened in 1994, South Yorkshire’s Supertram system cost £240m and now serves major residential and employment sites in Sheffield. A Tram Train project extended the network to Rotherham in 2018.
SYMCA recently secured a £100 million Government grant to modernise parts of the system, including track and infrastructure improvements and better facilities for passengers.
A 2018 consultation on the Future of Supertram found strong public support for proposed investment running at nearly ninety-percent (88%) of local residents, businesses, visitors and community groups. The majority of respondents (68.3%) stated they would travel by car if the tram was no longer available.
South Yorkshire leaders will consider proposals to create an ‘arm’s length’ publicly owned company to run the region’s tram system at the Mayoral Combined Authority Board meeting on 18 October. Stagecoach’s operating contract for Supertram ends in March 2024.
Morrisons’ purchase of McColl’s stores moves a step closer
The CMA Competition and Markets Authority believes a £190m deal which would see Morrisons buying stores from McColl’s Retail Group wouldn’t harm the vast majority of shoppers or other businesses.
However, it has raised competition concerns in 35 areas, which have been accepted by both companies, and they have engaged with the CMA in discussing potential remedies.
Morrisons has now offered to divest 28 McColl’s stores to a purchaser or purchasers to be approved by CMA. This includes 26 stores, including in Lincoln.
The CMA is now consulting on the proposals – known as undertakings – for the sale of these stores. If the CMA accepts the proposals, the deal would be cleared to proceed.
Sorcha O’Carroll, CMA Senior Director of Mergers, said: “Our preliminary view is that the sale of these stores will preserve competition in these local areas and prevent consumers from losing out due to this deal, at a time when shoppers are already facing rising prices.
“If, after reviewing the responses to our consultation, we conclude that the competition issues have been addressed, the deal will be cleared.”
McColl’s operates convenience newsagent shops, with over 1,100 stores across England, Scotland, and Wales, while Morrisons (owned by parent company Clayton, Dubilier & Rice) has around 500 grocery stores in the UK. CD&R is also the parent company of the Motor Fuel Group, which owns more than 800 convenience stores, the vast majority of which are attached to its petrol stations.Forrester Boyd takes on a record eleven trainees
Chartered Accountants Forrester Boyd has appointed a record eleven trainee accountants to join in its 2022 intake.
Four will join at Louth and Grimsby; two at Scunthorpe, and one at Beverley.
Harvey Steadman, who is joining the Grimsby team, said: “I am looking forward to learning the ins and outs of accountancy and developing my skills whilst working alongside some great people. Forrester Boyd is local to me and has a profound reputation in the area.” Samuel Murphy decided to apply for the training programme in Beverley as he knew it was a large enough firm to have a bit of everything but small enough to still give individual attention. Thomas Jackson, who joins the Scunthorpe team, said: “They offered a great study package and are local to me, it was also far better than what any other firm was offering. Forrester Boyd also outperformed university as an option as working here allows me to gain experience on the job as well as secure a career. They provided me with a clear pipeline for progression and demonstrated that they invest in their staff well.” Partner Philip George said: “After another turbulent year, it is great to welcome our annual trainee intake, as it really does bring a positive feeling to the firm. We are delighted to be able to offer eleven places on our highly regarded training programme this year. We strongly believe in offering exceptional training opportunities to local students so it is fantastic that we have been able to take on a record number this year.” Forrester Boyd’s training programme has nurtured and developed some of the top talent in the region. In fact, the majority of its current partners started out on the firm’s training programme, reinforcing their ethos of providing valuable and high quality opportunities to local talent.£20 million game changer for Lincoln
The city council’s Executive are set to discuss how a successful bid for a new railway bridge connecting Skellingthorpe Road to Tritton Road could be a ‘game changer’ Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor
At Executive on 17 October, members will discuss the city council’s bid for Levelling Up Funding Round 2 and its importance in bringing forward crucial plans for a new railway bridge in the city.
Earlier this year, the city council, with support from Lincoln’s Member of Parliament Karl McCartney submitted a bid for £20million to government to bring forward the Western Growth Corridor bridge plans to help alleviate congestion in the area.
City of Lincoln Council, sitting as Planning Committee, approved the Western Growth Corridor plans on 12 January 2022.
Western Growth Corridor, which will be jointly delivered by City of Lincoln Council and Lindum Western Growth Community Ltd, will be the largest project undertaken in the city for decades, bringing more than £500 million worth of investment into Lincoln over its lifetime and providing hundreds of jobs locally.
The development will supply the city with 3,200 much needed new homes, a leisure village, an industrial park and transport infrastructure that will help alleviate some of Lincoln’s worst traffic problems.
Significant time has been taken to plan transport infrastructure which will improve the overall road network in the area, including a new spine road, which will run through the centre of the development, providing a main road to connect the development into the city centre and surrounding area.
This will connect Skellingthorpe Road to Tritton Road via a new bridge over the railway, which will play a major part in helping ease current congestion at the railway crossing.
Subject to Levelling Up funding from government of £20 million, the bridge project is set to be brought forward, and has been highlighted as a ‘game changer’ for traffic concerns in the western part of the city.
Subject to detailed technical highway approval, official works, including a new signalised junction into the development on Skellingthorpe Road/Birchwood Avenue, are set to begin in late Spring/Summer 2023.
Plans are currently being developed to minimise disruption for local residents, businesses and commuters during these works.
Leader of the city council, Cllr Ric Metcalfe, said: “The Western Growth Corridor has significant local importance for the growth of the city, and this funding would be a game changer in accelerating the delivery of the project. “If we could secure the £20 million funding it would enable us to deliver much needed homes for the city far earlier than initially planned, along with securing many construction jobs for local people.
“However, unfortunately, we are told that the second round of the levelling up fund is heavily over-subscribed, and Government has not yet said how much they are going to allocate for a project such as this.
“With continuous financial pressures on local authorities, we hope for a positive outcome when Levelling Up Round Two funding is announced later this year.”
ABP names new Head of Corporate Affairs
Tim Morris is to join ABP as Group Head of Corporate Affairs at the end of November.
He is currently CEO at UK Major Ports Group, where he has led the industry trade association for the last five years, before which he held a number of senior communications, sustainability and strategy roles in the industrial group Tata Steel. Before ports and steel, Tim spent six years with McKinsey in their strategy and corporate finance team.
At ABP, Tim will lead all aspects of Corporate Affairs including government relations, media relations and external communications.
Julian Walker, ABP’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Tim brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. He will play a critical role to help deliver our ambitious growth strategy and the leading role ABP will play in enabling the UK’s energy transition.”
Mr Morris said: “I’m excited to be joining ABP at this point. As the UK’s largest port operator they’re playing a leading role in enabling the trade we all rely on, boosting growth and opportunity and providing the foundations for a more sustainable future. Corporate affairs has a key part to play in achieving these crucial goals both for ABP and the UK. I’m looking forward to getting started alongside the great team at ABP.”
