Senior promotions at Lichfields’ Leeds office drive continued growth
UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields has announced the promotion of Emma Gomersal and James Cox to Planning Directors in its Leeds office as its Yorkshire team continues to grow. Emma has a strong background in strategic land, specialising in the promotion of residential and employment sites. She has worked extensively with landowner and developer…
North Yorkshire developer calls out to key workers
Barratt and David Wilson Homes is shining a spotlight on its Harclay Park and Manor Chase developments in Boroughbridge, which have proven popular with key workers across North Yorkshire. The developments, located on Stump Cross, are conveniently positioned with five hospitals less than 18 miles away, including Ripon Community Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital, and York…
Council secures more than £3.4m funding for warmer homes
Council leaders have confirmed that City of York Council will receive more than £3.4m of funding thanks to two separate grants. The funding, announced this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will be used to upgrade around 280 homes over the next three years, to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty…
YBS Commercial grows balance sheet to more than £2bn in 2024, lending close to £500 million to commercial investors and landlords
YBS Commercial Mortgages, the commercial lending arm of Yorkshire Building Society, has revealed it had another strong year in 2024, as commitment to broker relationships and personalised service catalysed the growth of its balance sheet to £2.2bn. The commercial lender completed £0.453bn of commercial mortgage loans during the year; £377m of which went into servicing…
Yorkshire & Humber Construction Market poised for growth, driven by private housing boom
The latest Construction Market Intelligence (CMI Q1 2025) report from Yorkshire & Humber-based construction and property management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK) forecasts a positive outlook for the region’s construction sector, with private housing emerging as the fastest-growing sector. Key Regional Developments Regional market sentiment remains generally optimistic, with significant development activity across the region’s larger…
Work to protect key heritage building uncovers unique history
A renovation scheme to secure the city’s historic Mansion House for years to come has uncovered some unique history. Over £1.3m is being invested in a range of essential repairs and improvements, including re-roofing the building, repairing its windows and ensuring it is health and safety-compliant. As part of the renovation, a new glimpse of…
York school students get taste of construction careers
Fifteen Year 11 students from across York got the chance to get a real-world insight into the construction industry. Their industry taster day began with a tour of the York Central construction site, where students learned about ongoing work on one of England’s largest brownfield development, and future career opportunities represented by this landmark project….
Homes released to benefit first time buyers in North Yorkshire
First time buyers in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to take a look at Barratt Homes’ Harclay Park development in Boroughbridge, where a range of homes perfect for that first step on the property ladder have been released. The new community, located on Stump Cross, is ideal for a variety of house hunters, with the…
Topps Tiles partners with colleges to tackle national skills shortage
A new education partnership designed to boost the number of qualified tilers in the UK has been launched by Topps Tiles. The UK’s number one tile specialist is teaming up with Leeds College of Building and South & City College Birmingham to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The partnership comes in response to…
Local Plan takes another step closer to unlocking York’s development and growth ambitions
City of York Council is set to consider the adoption of its Local Plan following the findings of the Inspector’s Report on the Examination of City of York’s Local Plan, which will be presented for consideration at Full Council on Thursday 27 February. Once adopted, this Plan will be the city’s first comprehensive development framework…
Property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi almost doubles the size of head office in Leeds by relocating to 31 The Calls
Independent property regeneration and development consultancy AspinallVerdi has relocated to almost double the size of its head office in Leeds following growth in staff numbers and rising demand for its services from an increasing number of clients. The market-leading consultancy has moved from its 975 sq ft location at Studio 7 46 The Calls in…
Leeds Beckett and ARC creating ‘digital golden thread’ for building safety
Digital construction experts at Leeds Beckett University (LBU) are teaming up with Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions to create an innovative new ‘digital golden thread’ to proactively address key recommendations for the construction sector – following the Grenfell tragedy – to ensure that fire prevention products are correctly installed by sub-contractors and developers on building sites….
Opportunity to beat stamp duty increase in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is advising buyers looking to move home in 2025 to consider doing it now to avoid the rise of Stamp Duty fees from April. Currently, home buyers don’t have to pay the land tax on properties up to the value of £250,000. However, Stamp Duty will be…
Court charges tenant £7,964 for failed disrepair complaint
Council tenants are being reminded to report repairs to their landlord as ‘no win, no fee’ legal firms target York tenants and a County Court judge orders an unsuccessful disrepair claimant to pay £7,964.75 in legal costs this month. The Council’s reminder follows a campaign advising its tenants to tell City of York Council about…
Last chance to buy for North Yorkshire house hunters at Manor Chase
Leading developer David Wilson Homes is encouraging North Yorkshire house hunters to consider reserving a home at its Manor Chase development in Boroughbridge before the remaining homes have been snapped up. Located on Stump Cross, Manor Chase is selling its final homes with the development being over 85% sold out. The final properties include a…
Fitness, fun and fresh air: North Yorkshire homebuilder’s guide to hometown health
To avoid the slump of Blue Monday (20th January), Barratt and David Wilson Homes is letting customers know the best ways to stay fit and healthy whilst settling into a new neighbourhood in North Yorkshire. According to the NHS, adults aged between 19-64 should partake in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, or…
Be inspired by our energy-efficient show home!
Two empty Council houses are being given energy-efficient revamps and will become temporary demonstration homes before being re-let to new tenants. The new tenants will benefit from a warm healthy home with reduced heating bills. The first council house to be renovated is a Victorian mid-terrace in Clementhorpe, and the next one will be a…
Yorkshire housing provider loaned £20m through the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme
54North Homes has received a £20m loan under the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) to support its delivery of new affordable homes across Yorkshire. Managed by ESR Group’s specialist investment manager Venn Partners on behalf of the UK Government, half of the loan will help 54North Homes deliver about 100 new homes, with the majority…
Interior design trends for 2025 revealed for North Yorkshire home buyers
Leading housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has collaborated with design experts, Blocc Interiors, to share some upcoming trends for homeowners in North Yorkshire to consider. Karl Openshaw, Creative Director at Blocc Interiors, said: “When looking ahead to 2025, I’ve highlighted trends that stood out at the Maison and Objet show in Paris, which provide…
Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction on £17m Future Technologies Centre
A symbolic groundbreaking ceremony marked a major step forward in the construction of Bradford College’s purpose-built £17m Future Technologies Centre. Members of the Bradford College management team were joined by representatives from Morgan Sindall Construction and the Department for Education to celebrate construction commencing on site. The project received £15 million from the Department for…
Town Centre Securities PLC announces first phase of town centre house refurbishment
Modern Design, Prime Location, Fresh Vision: Town Centre House Unveiled Leading property development and investment company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) announces the completion of the first phase of its refurbishment of Town Centre House, located in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter. TCS has undertaken a full refurbishment of the ground and first floors,…
Bradford College officially opens STEM building after £6.9m refurb
Guests from education, construction, and regional employers joined staff and students for the official opening of Bradford College’s Garden Mills building. A multimillion-pound renovation project has transformed the derelict mill on Thornton Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. The 1900s five-storey building opened after months of construction…
West Yorkshire developments at the top of Santa’s list thanks to local housebuilder
The developer creating brand-new communities in West Yorkshire is taking steps to ensure their homes are on Santa’s list to visit this Christmas. Barratt and David Wilson Homes, which is building new developments in the county, have written to Mr Claus to make sure he stops by at the new homes this festive season. The…
Morgan Sindall appointed to phase two of Bradford’s Future Technologies Centre
Morgan Sindall Construction will continue its work with Bradford College following its appointment as contractor for the purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. Having previously undertaken phase one of the project, which saw the demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road in the city, Morgan Sindall will now undertake phase two. This phase will see…
Stress-free tips for decorating a home at Christmas
A new survey* from Barratt and David Wilson Homes reveals that 46% of Brits feel stressed when putting up their Christmas decorations. With 66% admitting that fairy lights get them flustered and 19% flapping over colour schemes, Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West has teamed up with Bents Garden and Home – famed for…
Leeds College of Building students triumph at national SkillBuild competition
Leeds College of Building is celebrating after four students took podium positions at the national final of SkillBuild 2024 – the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly…
West Yorkshire developer works with local scout group to transform open space
Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes has recently worked with a local scout & explorer group in Burley in Wharfedale, near its Centurion Meadows and Imperial Court developments, to transform some disused open space. Burley Scouts & Explorers teamed up with David Wilson Homes to transform the open space at St Mary’s Church to create an…
Local housebuilder supports West Yorkshire family charity
Local housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West has donated £1,500 to Home-Start Wakefield and District to help the charity continue its vital work. Home-Start Wakefield and District is a community network of volunteers who offer support to families with young children who are facing challenges including emotional support, practical assistance and mental health…
Private tenants protected from unlicensed landlords
City of York Council has used its powers to protect tenants in four properties in York, where landlords were not complying with housing licensing legislations. The vast majority of York’s private landlords ensure their homes meet the required legal standards and most homes which require a house of multiple occupation (HMOs) license have one. Such…
Final phase of construction project brings rooftop reading space to the Leeds Library
The final phase of capital works project The Next Chapter is underway at The Leeds Library. In the biggest expansion in its 255-year-history, completion of the project will make the library accessible for the first time, unite its collection and archive, and create a new event space and a rooftop reading terrace. The library acquired…
Have your say: Riverside path project takes next steps
City of York Council is inviting residents to have their say on detailed designs to improve the riverside path between Jubilee Terrace and Scarborough Bridge. The designs will see around £1.7m invested on improvements that include creating separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, raising the path to make it more resilient to flooding as well…
Revitalisation of Bradford City Centre progresses as ECF appointed to deliver new ‘City Village’
Plans to transform Bradford’s former retail heart into a new sustainable ‘City Village’ have taken a major step forward. Bradford Council has appointed ECF, the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, as its preferred development partner to deliver the scheme. ECF’s appointment, via Muse, was approved in principle by the Council’s Executive…
Andrew Jackson advises on Northallerton residential development scheme
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to have advised North Yorkshire-based James Partnership, which specialises in residential property development and ‘change of use’ schemes, on the purchase of a development site consisting of agricultural barns for conversion into residential dwellings located near Northallerton, North Yorkshire. The land currently comprises an attractive set…
Council works with regulator to further housing standards
On 1 April 2024, the Social Housing (Regulations) Act 2023 came into force. Its new regulatory standards require tenant safety and engagement, decent homes and transparency, and landlords to inform the regulator of any non-compliance. The Regulator of Social Housing also requires more frequent surveys of homes and consideration of tenants’ diverse needs and any…
Renovated campus facilities officially open after major refurb
An impressive £750k refurbishment project has transformed Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus following an eight-week renovation programme. Award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects managed the extensive summer works that rejuvenated the site and created contemporary and accessible facilities for construction students. Building work took place over four floors, incorporating the transformation of the former…
West Yorkshire housebuilder shares top tips for reducing waste this recycle week
In recognition of Recycle Week (14th to 20th October), Barratt and David Wilson Homes is sharing simple but effective tips to help homeowners minimise their waste footprint and recycle smarter. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “We are encouraging homeowners to share our eco-friendly vision by rethinking their recycling habits,…
Bradford College completes £6.9m mill transformation project
A multimillion-pound renovation project at Bradford College has transformed a derelict mill into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students. Garden Mills on Thornton Road opened its doors to staff and students this week after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building. The development results from £5.8 million…
New energy efficiency grants for homes not heated by mains gas
Eligible households not heated by mains gas in York are being given free energy-efficiency boosts by the Council for greater comfort, lower bills and less carbon output. During this month of environmental action in York (14 September-12 October), residents are being urged to check their eligibility and grab a grant for measures suitable for their…
Specialist CITB-IOC carpentry event welcomes Leeds Construction Craft students
Leeds College of Building is the latest ‘CITB -IOC Timber Industry College Hub’ to organise a bespoke trade event with the Institute of Carpentry (IOC). The showcase day promoted the wealth of global career opportunities and experiences available to carpentry and joinery students as new IOC members. As well as exploring IOC benefits, students also…
Leeds Beckett experts and Aggregate Industries reducing injury risk in the construction materials industry
A groundbreaking project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry. The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, part-funded by…
Inspectas recruits six new compliance specialists
Compliance specialist Inspectas has made six new appointments from trainee to board level, bolstering its team’s property expertise. The West Yorkshire-based business, which moved into larger premises and marked its 10th anniversary last year, has brought in fire, equipment, lab, asbestos and business development professionals taking its multi-disciplinary team to 56. Management Board Director Andy…
Developer gives North Yorkshire home buyers top tips for babyproofing their home
Leading housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is sharing some helpful tips for homeowners in North Yorkshire to babyproof their new home. As noted by the Office for National Statistics, September is one of the most popular months for babies to be born, which extends into early October. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and…
Construction students cement success at annual BIG Awards
Incredible student winners from across construction specialisms took centre stage at the annual Leeds College of Building BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards. Host and TV and radio broadcaster Rich Williams announced 49 award-winners at the poignant ceremony held at Leeds United FC Centenary Pavilion, Elland Road, showcasing students and apprentices from the 2023/2024 academic year. CEO & Principal Nikki…
Oscrete welcomes new laboratory-based apprentice
Bradford-based specialist construction chemical supplier Oscrete is boosting its team with a further apprentice appointment. New Materials and Testing Apprentice Rennison Forrest-Parkinson joins Oscrete’s laboratory team this month in his first full time role since leaving Guiseley High School. Rennison (19) already has a construction background after shadowing a construction site manager and undertaking work…
YorHome’s fees for landlords found to be the city’s lowest!
Research by City of York Council reveals its not-for-profit letting agency YorHome charges between 6-7% less than eight other local agents. YorHome’s letting fee of 9% for homes in York is the city’s lowest management fee with no extra charges. Market research carried out this summer shows it could save landlords between about £700-£1,930 a…
A confident outlook tempered by funding and skills concerns finds latest Construction Market Intelligence from RLB
There is a confident outlook in the Yorkshire & Humber construction sector tempered by funding and skills concerns according to the latest Construction Market Intelligence from Yorkshire based construction and property management consultant, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB UK). Major developments including Sheffield Policy Campus and West Yorkshire Mass Transit are driving demand across a range…
West Yorkshire homebuilder highlights three storey living with dolls house infographic
Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is integrating new building regulations to improve energy efficiency standards into new homes across the county. Homeowners at Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ developments in West Yorkshire have the potential to make substantial cost savings on their energy bills, while enjoying eco-friendly and sustainable living. The new property…
New housing for disabled people agreed
To meet the increasing need for specialist housing for disabled adults or adults with learning disabilities in the community, senior Councillors have agreed to build approximately 14 new homes in Acomb. The one-bedroomed apartments with communal areas and support facilities will be built on one of the two undeveloped plots on the popular Lowfield Green…