Unity Homes and Enterprise is in contention for two prizes at the Northern Housing Awards 2025.

The BME housing association, which manages almost 1,400 properties for tenants in Leeds and Kirklees, has been shortlisted for Best Customer Experience with the judges adjudicating on “organisations that are placing excellent customer experience front and centre of their operations.”

Meanwhile, its not for profit subsidiary, Unity Enterprise (UE) – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – is a finalist for SME of the Year which is open to “small or medium enterprises operating within the housing sector that have performed exceptionally well over the past 12 months.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “It is a wonderful achievement to be shortlisted for two Northern Housing Awards, particularly after winning Team of the Year in 2024. We are absolutely committed to high standards in all areas of activity, with customer services at the top of our priority list.

“For example, working alongside housing officers, our Employment Services and Enterprise team supports unemployed people in hard-to-reach communities find jobs, set up a business, become self-employed, access training and education opportunities or work as a community volunteer. 

“They also help people already working – particularly female entrepreneurs and those of BME origin – enhance their career prospects, boosting economic wellbeing in local communities and regenerating neighbourhoods. We are proud of what we do and delighted that these efforts have resulted in recognition from the Northern Housing Awards.”

Proposals for a major, 271,750 sq ft industrial/logistics development on a prime site in Sheffield have been given the go-ahead with outline planning consent.  Europa Sheffield, off Junction 34 of the M1, is expected to support up to 500 job opportunities when delivered. The significant plot is located on Europa Way adjacent to the well-established Sheffield Business Park, and in the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID). Neighbouring occupiers include Pretty Little Thing, Grear Bear, IKEA, Motorpoint and Meadowhall. Rula Developments, which specialises in state-of-the-art logistics and warehousing delivery, intends to demolish existing factory premises to make way for one single unit of up to 271,750 but will consider splitting the site to meet occupier demand. Anthony Clitheroe, Development Director at Rula Developments said, “We are delighted to secure planning consent for the redevelopment and regeneration of this strategically important brownfield site. Our plans will replace the old manufacturing building with highly sustainable new industrial space of exceptional quality, in a well-established manufacturing and logistics location, just two miles from the M1 motorway. “We know that there is significant demand for purpose-built space in the area and are considering our delivery options based on current occupier discussions. We are open to let or sell either one larger unit, split the site, or potentially forward fund for speculative delivery.  The scheme could be delivered by Q1 2026.” CPP and Colliers are retained as marketing agents for the new development. Architects, The Harris Partnership has designed the scheme alongside Adept Consulting Engineers, and RPP whilst ID Planning is supported the planning application process. Rula Developments is a privately owned commercial development company focusing on identifying and developing sites across the UK for immediate or medium to longer-term strategic development, delivering high quality buildings and schemes.

Bradford Council has approved a £5 million redevelopment plan for St Andrew’s Church in Keighley. The plan will transform the Grade II-listed building into a modern worship and community space.

The project, known as Project Beacon, includes demolishing the existing church hall, which was built in the 1980s, and constructing a new extension with a multi-use community hall and kitchen facilities. Internal church renovations will add a refurbished gallery, improved entrance lobby, and new meeting spaces. The redesign aims to provide flexible facilities for worship, social support, and community gatherings.

Planners noted that while some historic features would be lost, the development balances heritage preservation with the church’s long-term viability. The Church on the Green Neighbourhood Foundation, overseeing the project, will now begin fundraising efforts.

PS Renewables and Ørsted, developers of renewable energy projects in the UK, have submitted their application for Development Consent Order (DCO) for One Earth Solar Farm. At the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, the project could produce enough energy for more than 200,000 homes a year. With the Planning Inspectorate having reviewed the application and accepting it for examination, the scheme now moves into the ‘pre-examination stage’ in preparation for upcoming public examinations. The project comprises the construction of a solar farm and collated battery energy storage system (BESS) and would be located across approximately 1,600 hectares of land, primarily in Nottinghamshire. The location of the solar farm was chosen based on the availability of a grid connection point at High Marnham. When the old coal-fired power station was decommissioned, it created capacity at this location for new energy projects. Randall Linfoot, programme manager for Ørsted, said: “We are delighted to have had our DCO application for the One Earth Solar Farm accepted for examination. It is crucial for the UK that large renewables projects such as One Earth can be progressed as quickly as possible whilst also ensuring they are properly scrutinised. “Projects like this will be key contributors to the UK’s energy security alongside bringing investment, low-cost electricity for consumers and helping meet global climate goals and net-zero targets.” The proposals for One Earth have changed significantly in response to two periods of consultation over the last two years. The masterplan has been reduced to remove panels near homes and villages that are located close to the project boundary.

Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has been appointed to deliver a £10m restoration of the Grade II-listed Ramsden Building at the University of Huddersfield. Located on Queensgate in the heart of Huddersfield town centre, the Ramsden Building is one of the University’s most architecturally significant buildings. Opened in 1883 by the Duke of Somerset, the building was the first purpose-built educational facility on the University’s campus. It was designed by architect Edward Hughes and is a flagship example of the Gothic Revival movement. Its façade is distinguished by four lions holding shields and prominent local industrialists, Sir Thomas Brooke and Sir John William Ramsden. The restoration will solely focus on internal works, preserving the building’s original features – including hidden cornicing, an ornate staircase and wooden wall panelling – while ensuring it meets modern academic and sustainability standards. The project will also involve a complete overhaul of the building’s mechanical and electrical systems, including the installation of new air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) within the central courtyard to provide sustainable heating. A retrospective mezzanine level will be removed, restoring a double-height space to be used for events. Upon completion, the ground floor will house the University’s International Study Centre, while the two upper floors will provide space for post-graduate research, offices and computer labs. The restoration of the building is now underway, with project completion set for early 2026. Professor Tim Thornton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, said: “The Ramsden Building is a special place and an important part of our heritage. These works will ensure the building will continue to play a key role in our exciting future. “While the building has seen several smaller refurbishments over the years, a full restoration is now needed to meet modern university standards for our staff and students. “Our vision is ‘to be an inspiring, innovative university of international renown,’ and these essential restoration works will be instrumental in helping us achieve this.” Lee Powell, Managing Director of Henry Boot Construction, added: “We are delighted to be tasked with restoring the stunning Ramsden Building to modern standards while preserving its rich heritage. “Once completed, it will be an inspiring space for learning and work, and it will continue to be a key part of the University’s architectural fabric for many years to come. “Huddersfield town centre is undergoing significant positive change at the moment, and we are proud to be contributing to the town’s education sector.” Henry Boot Construction secured the project via the Procure Partnerships National Framework. As part of this, they plan to deliver key social value outputs through the utilisation of a local supply chain and on-site construction training initiatives. GSSArchitecture have been key partners in the design and planning of the refurbishment, alongside M&E consultants Buro Happold and structural engineers Curtins.

Middlesbrough Council is reviewing a proposal to transfer land in Gresham to the Middlesbrough Development Corporation (MDC) to advance a major regeneration project. Plans include a 200-bed hotel, 238 apartments, and accommodation for 450 students.

The council’s Executive Sub-Committee for Property will assess the transfer, which includes several properties such as the former Crown pub. The move is contingent on MDC providing written assurances regarding the development’s mix and quality.

The land transfer, set at nil value, aligns with efforts to drive economic growth and revitalise the town centre. While broader governance concerns have delayed asset transfers to MDC, the council may proceed voluntarily due to the project’s potential economic benefits. If approved, MDC will assume responsibility for the Crown pub’s maintenance and necessary remediation work.

Carter Towler’s York office is celebrating its first year, marked by several major commercial property transactions. Miles Lawrence, Director of Carter Towler’s York office, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and the strong client relationships we’ve built. We’re excited to maintain this momentum and continue supporting businesses and investors in York’s property market.” Notable deals concluded in the first three months of 2025 include advising, jointly with Polestar Asset Management, on the leasehold acquisition of East Coast House, Skeldergate, on behalf of serviced office provider Wizu Workspace. The 21,000 sq ft riverside property has been leased for 15 years and will undergo a major re-fit to provide premium serviced office spaces. This deal represents the largest York city centre office letting in recent years. In another milestone Carter Towler has advised on the re-letting of 2 Birch Park. After more than 20 years of occupation by a medical distribution business, the owners of 2 Birch Park have undertaken a substantial overhaul and upgrade of the industrial building to provide a flagship facility for DJ Assembly Limited, the electronic manufacturing businesses. DJ Assembly Limited has taken a new 10-year lease at an initial rent of £180,000 per annum. The owners’ programme of works included a new customer facing entrance as well as fully upgrading all the internal ancillary office space, increasing the Gross Internal Floor area from approximately 1,800 sq m to 2,000 sq m. DJ Assembly have further invested into the internal structure of the building to create their state-of-the-art facility. The office also facilitated the sale of Victoria Vaults public house on Nunnery Lane, York, for £395,000 and advised on the leasehold disposal of 2,398 sq ft at Bridge House, 1A Low Ousegate, to Brightsparks Agency, who signed a 5-year lease at £45,000 per annum. In addition, Carter Towler advised High Baune Limited on disposal of Tribune House, Centurion Park, a 4,520 sq ft office building leased to York NHS Teaching Hospitals until 2030. The property sold for £600,000. At Vangarde Shopping Park, the York office advised Associated British Foods Pension Trustees Limited on the lease of a 3,500 sq ft unit to Hotel Chocolat, which signed a 10-year lease at £80,000 per annum. Other notable lettings include 22 Colliergate, let to Listen To The Art at £29,750 per annum, 29 Market Place, Wetherby, let to St Vincent De Paul at £20,000 per annum, Mill House, York, with 1,935 sq ft let to Azendi at £38,700 per annum, and Moorside, Monks Cross, with part of the first floor let to Animalcare PLC at £48,765 per annum. Since its establishment 12 months ago, the Carter Towler York office has advised on approximately £7.2 million in freehold sales and the generation of around £1.3 million in annual rental income across the retail, office, industrial, and leisure sectors.

Global technology solutions provider Arrow Electronics has taken 7,000 sq ft at Central House Harrogate. Property and investment company, CEG, has agreed a 10-year lease on the first-floor workspace at Central House with the company, which is at the forefront of cloud and AI advancements. Grace Lewis, investment manager at CEG, said: “Its fantastic to welcome the Arrow team to the Central House business community. Following the refurbishment of the building, we have created a thriving business destination with innovative, contemporary space designed to encourage collaboration and productivity.” CEG delivered a £4m makeover of Central House providing a reception with break out spaces, café and courtyard. A suite of meeting rooms, cycle facilities and leisure club style changing rooms also benefit the building’s 1,000+ occupants. Central House offers almost 160,000 sq ft of prime workspace. The building is already let to 15 businesses with space available from 2,000 sq ft to 36,000 sq ft. Agents JLL and Carter Jonas market the building on behalf of CEG, and Knight Frank acted for Arrow. Nick Gibby from JLL said: “Central House is one of the most desirable office buildings in Harrogate. The quality of the tenants we attract, such as global firm Arrow, are testament to this. The building’s great location, contemporary space and the plethora of facilities on office means that Central House is well positioned to capitalise on the flight to quality and meet demand from growing or relocating businesses.” Victoria Harris, associate with Knight Frank, added: “We are delighted to have acted on behalf of Arrow Electronics in securing high-quality workspace at Central House. As a global leader in technology solutions, Arrow required a modern, well-connected environment to support its continued growth and innovation. “Central House’s prime location, outstanding amenities, and sustainability credentials made it an ideal choice. This deal highlights the ongoing demand for top-tier office space that fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.”