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…
National Insurance rise could endanger government’s housebuilding plans
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has welcomed confirmation of additional funding for affordable homes in today’s Budget but expressed concerns at the additional costs imposed on the housing sector through the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “The Chancellor’s confirmation of £500 million of new funding…
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,…
Housing champion Carolina tops the charts
Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira, Manningham Housing Association’s high-flying Corporate Project Manager, has been named as one of Housing Today’s Top 30 Housing Champions. Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined the BME organisation – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – as an Administrative Assistant in 2019, before rising…
West Yorkshire Combined Authority announced as UKREiiF official destination partner
The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has announced that West Yorkshire Combined Authority is the official Destination Partner for the annual event taking place between 20th-22nd May 2025, in Leeds. As the Destination Partner, West Yorkshire Combined Authority will take a prominent role at UKREiiF, with a strategically positioned pavilion at the…
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…
UKREiiF wins Raising the Bar Award
The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has picked up an award at the Raising the Bar Awards 2024, hosted by the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The Raising the Bar Awards honours the most ethical and socially responsible businesses across West and North Yorkshire, recognising their dedication to supporting their…
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…
Lord Richard Harrington appointed as UKREiiF Advisory Group Chair
The appointment will assist UKREiiF with the next phase of their growth following Infopro Digital’s acquisition of the business. UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) has announced the appointment of Lord Richard Harrington as UKREiiF’s Advisory Group Chair. He’ll assist UKREiiF with their growth strategy following their acquisition by Infopro Digital in…
New affordable housing development focused on sustainability opens in Keighley
Local councillors and project partners joined Manningham Housing Association (MHA) Board members and staff for the official opening of a new 20-unit affordable homes scheme at Shann Lane in Keighley. The £4.3 million Odette’s Point project – delivered by MHA in conjunction with Avant Homes, Homes England and Bradford Council – comprises 14 three-bed and…
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…
West Yorkshire homebuilder shines a light on energy efficient homes
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…
Proposals to improve Front Street to be scrutinised
Plans to improve Front St will be discussed at a scrutiny meeting next week (9 September) with design ideas shaped by the community being presented. In October 2023, the council’s Executive approved £570,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money for phase 2 improvements to Front Street. Earlier this year, residents, visitors, businesses and other stakeholders were invited…
Developer gives home buyers top tips for preparing a home for sale in West Yorkshire
Leading homebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes is sharing some helpful tips for homeowners in West Yorkshire to take steps towards an easier move. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “Many people that are looking to take their next step on the property ladder may worry about getting involved in…
York initiative to plug construction skills gaps and boost employment in the city
City of York Council is investing in a new construction skills initiative, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Construction York aims to reduce inequality, address the construction skills gap and enable inclusive economic growth. With the city about to embark on several key housing developments, plus retrofitting work needed to hit carbon reduction targets, there…
£15m expansion plans for Trinity Kitchen
£15m Expansion Plans for Trinity Kitchen Set to Be Centre’s Biggest Investment Since Opening New 6,000 sq ft roof terrace to be added, offering views over city centre Trinity Leeds owner, Landsec, has submitted exciting new plans to invest £15m into the expansion of its popular Trinity Kitchen concept. Should the application be successful, it…
Temporary bridge to fully reopen popular path early
A much-used bridleway linking a village to the city of York is due to reopen along its full length earlier than expected, when a temporary bridge is installed. A permanent bridge is planned to be built later in the year. The new temporary bridge will be installed across Foss Dike to reconnect the Rufforth to…
Council invites feedback on revised ideas for My Castle Gateway spaces
City of York Council is sharing revised ideas for new public space in one of York’s most historic and important areas – and wants to hear from residents and businesses. Updated concept designs from landscape architects BDP imagine how the Castle and Eye of York area could meet residents’ ambitions for the public space to…
West Yorkshire housebuilder calls for applications for community fund scheme
Local housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is encouraging charities to get in contact and apply for its Community Fund scheme which is worth £1,500. The Community Fund scheme sees the developer support a different charity every month with a donation of up to £1,500 to aid the incredible work being done at…
Leaps and hounds: West Yorkshire homebuilder highlights dog walking routes across developments
Five star homebuilder David Wilson Homes is highlighting a range of walking routes at its Centurion Meadows and Imperial Court developments in Burley in Wharfedale. Imperial Court and Centurion Meadows both benefit from being on 14 acres of green space, meaning that there is a range of walking and cycling routes on the doorstep for…
Bradford mill demolition paves way for £17m cutting-edge future technologies centre
Newly appointed contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced demolition of a derelict mill on Thornton Road, making way for Bradford College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre. The demolition of Junction Mills marks the start of construction on the state-of-the-art four-storey building, which will become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering training at Bradford College. Once opened, the…
Blacks Solicitors supports Heywood Homes in the development of 35 “Low Carbon” homes
Blacks Solicitors has advised Heywood Homes on the acquisition and development of a site in Holmfirth, which will boast 35 “Low Carbon” homes with a gross development value of almost £13 million. The development of the site is being facilitated and supported by the £5 million of finance from Homes England with Blacks providing advice…
Construction company, William Birch & Sons celebrates 150 years
York-based principal contractor William Birch & Sons Ltd has launched its 150-year celebrations at the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, York. Nearly 200 colleagues, retirees, and shareholders gathered for an afternoon of family fun to mark this significant milestone. Since 1874, the company has been delivering restoration, refurbishment, and construction services across the Yorkshire region….
West Yorkshire developer offers insight into specially designed showhome
David Wilson Homes’ recently launched Imperial Court development in Burley in Wharfedale is offering local homebuyers the very latest interior design inspiration with the expertly designed Lichfield show home. The show home was styled by well-known interior designers, Edward Thomas Interiors, meaning homebuyers can be assured it is up to date with the latest trends….
Infopro Digital acquires UKREiiF organisers Built Environment Networking Ltd
Infopro Digital, a leading business information services company, has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd which runs UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum), a must-attend event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities. The acquisition will strengthen Infopro Digital’s position as a leading international business-to-business trade show and event provider in the…
Housing association CEO calls for political unity after King’s Speech building reforms
The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has urged politicians from all parties to support more housebuilding following the announcement in today’s King’s Speech of proposed changes to planning laws and the introduction of housing targets to boost the delivery of new homes. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “The country has endured a…
Former construction students lead major renovation at building college
A team of ex-students from Leeds College of Building has returned to their roots as skilled construction professionals, ready to start a major £750k refurbishment project. Fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects has kicked off a summer renovation programme at the College’s North Street Campus. The eight-week plan will rejuvenate the site and create contemporary and accessible…
UKREiiF Brings £20.9m Economic Boost to Leeds and West Yorkshire
An independent report by ARUP has highlighted that The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), a major event taking place annually in Leeds, has generated almost £21m of local economic activity in the city and the wider West Yorkshire region in 2024. The event, which brought together over 13,000 official attendees in 2024,…
Spawforths transitions to employee ownership, empowering employees and setting the foundations for growth
Spawforths, one of the largest independent planning, masterplanning and architectural consultancies in Yorkshire, is proud to announce its transition to an employee-owned company. This strategic move is set to empower its 22 employees, allowing them to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy. With a rich history of innovative and award-winning work…
54North Homes to build new sustainable homes in Leeds
Work is set to begin on a new scheme that will deliver 28 affordable and sustainable homes in the Armley area of Leeds. The properties will be built by 54North Homes on a brownfield site on Wesley Road, using funding provided by Leeds City Council and Homes England. The £5.1 million development will comprise 26…
Yorkshire Building Society puts forward five opportunities for the new government
Yorkshire Building Society is calling on the new government to support first-time buyers, savers and the mutual sector. The Society also wants to boost skilled jobs outside London and is proposing that all primary school children in England should have lessons on managing money. The mutual is contacting MPs and sharing its five ‘Opportunities for…