< Previous10 Business Link www.blmforum.net COMMERCIAL PROPERTY T owns and cities across Yorkshire are embracing redevelopment projects, as public and private bodies look to revitalise strategic sites for the benefit of local centres and economies, businesses, residents and visitors. The last month alone has seen major progress on regeneration schemes throughout the region, from the submission of new plans, appointment of contractors, and breaking ground on site to securing vital funding. In Bradford, plans to transform the city’s former retail heart into a sustainable ‘City Village’ have taken a leap forward with nearly £30m of funding confirmed by Government for the scheme from the Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund. Bradford City Village will transform key brownfield sites into vibrant residential areas within the city centre. It is set to deliver up to 1,000 new homes, three community parks and public spaces, along with shops, cafes, restaurants, and offices. The funding will be employed for improvements to the road network and public spaces and support the demolition of the Oastler and Kirkgate Shopping Centres, enabling the future regeneration opportunity to move ahead. Bradford Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw A new future With major redevelopment projects abound, cities and towns across Yorkshire are preparing for a new future. www.blmforum.net Business Link 11 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY said: “City Village is a central part of our ambition to deliver a modern city centre residential offer. This announcement demonstrates the confidence Government has in Bradford to deliver and shows we’re building real momentum for our regeneration programme, which will drive economic growth across the district. The funding will allow the scheme to continue moving forwards to deliver high-quality affordable homes on brownfield sites, providing the next generation of Bradfordians with the chance to live in a modern city offering a host of amenities including Darley St Market, Bradford Live and One City Park.” Bradford Council has appointed ECF, a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse, as its preferred development partner, who are working with the Council to progress a planning application, expected to be submitted in late spring 2025. Kickstarting regeneration elsewhere in Bradford is the approval of plans to develop a derelict site just off Wakefield Road. The green light has been given to proposals to convert the shell of the old Kingfisher House, which is part of Jinnah Court on Filey Street, into a state-of-the- art orthopaedic care centre. The site Bradford 12 Á12 Business Link www.blmforum.net COMMERCIAL PROPERTY stands within the ‘Southern Gateway’ – an area earmarked for major transformative regeneration through a proposed new £2bn rail station. It would create a hub of new homes, offices, retail, and leisure spaces. Mark Cowgill, president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “This investment into Bradford is most welcome and a testimony to the faith entrepreneurs have in the city. The fact that Standard Health Group has selected a site within the proposed ‘Southern Gateway’ zone is a sign of the incredible potential this landmark regeneration project has to deliver for the region. This will provide yet another boost to a city economy which is heading very much in the right direction.” Owner of the property, Saleem Akhtar (SA Properties), added: “As SA Properties and Jinnah Group, we have been making a number of commitments to Bradford that has seen us invest millions into the city over recent years. Going forward, we have more plans to invest in the Southern Gateway and local area and are excited about how the city finally moves forward on the back of some of the initiatives being promoted by the Council. We hope Standard Health can become the early win for the Southern Gateway, which brings more investment in the area.” Meanwhile, in Penistone plans to transform a partially Grade II listed heritage site that has been derelict for years have been submitted for approval. Fairbank Investments Limited has lodged a planning application for Penistone’s historic coal drops, signal house, and former railway siding site. At the heart of the project is the conversion of Grade II Listed Coal Drop Arches into retail spaces, breathing new life into the historic structures while maintaining their architectural character. The development also includes over 4,000 sq ft of restaurant and bar space and a new-build office block, spanning approximately 9,000 sq ft. Complementing this are four contemporary hybrid business units, offering flexible spaces designed to accommodate a range of office and light industrial uses. The redevelopment plan also involves the conversion of the original signal house for various uses. Antony Green, Director of Fairbank Investments Limited, said: “We are incredibly proud to bring forward this ambitious project, which reflects our deep commitment to Penistone’s heritage, economic growth, and community development. Through this carefully planned redevelopment, we aim to create a thriving business hub while preserving the town’s historical essence.” Leedswww.blmforum.net Business Link 13 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Furthermore, in Leeds, Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has appointed GRAHAM to the first phase of its Dyecoats development. GRAHAM will deliver the first three buildings of the Dyecoats development on Kirkstall Road, a significant regeneration project transforming a 13- acre brownfield site along the River Aire. Phase 1 of the project will feature new residential buildings providing 434 mixed-tenure homes. It will include a food hall, public realm with access to the River Aire and a new north south connection across the river. The wider scheme will ultimately present up to 1,799 homes. Jonathan Hall, Managing Director at GRAHAM, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Latimer on the landmark Dyecoats scheme, reflecting our shared commitment to creating homes and neighbourhoods that prioritise sustainability and community. This appointment also celebrates Dyecoats being one of the first new build developments to receive Building Safety Act Gateway 2 approval, showcasing our deep understanding of the gateway process to deliver the highest standards of safety and quality in construction. This project will play a pivotal role in regenerating the area, and we look forward to bringing Latimer’s vision to life.” Finally, in Doncaster, work has begun to transform an area of the city centre into an open space for future development. The Doncaster Waterfront (East) remediation project, situated on Chappell Drive, is part of one of the largest brownfield sites in the country, with 22 acres of land which has a long history of uses, including gas works and former cattle market. The project will remediate the site to clean up the land for future development schemes, with potential investment estimated at up to £400m. Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “Doncaster Waterfront has been earmarked as a site for development and investment into Doncaster. It is a site with a huge amount of potential – especially as it is part of one of the biggest brownfield sites in an urban centre in the North of England. The development of Doncaster Waterfront will support the wider regeneration of our city centre. With 22 acres of land and easy access to the city centre, Doncaster Markets, rail network and establishments such as the Colleges and the Civic and Cultural Quarter, it is an incredibly important strategic site to the city. This is another element of our current city centre redevelopment programme, continuing our work to create a modern, revamped and safer city centre right through 2025 and beyond.” Fairbank Investments Limited’s development in Penistone 14 Business Link www.blmforum.net PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT Technology and sustainability are reshaping the petrochemical industry Technology and sustainability are reshaping the petrochemical industry www.blmforum.net Business Link 15 PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT T he petrochemical industry, a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, faces a period of profound transformation. While demand for its products remains robust, driven by sectors like packaging, automotive, and construction, the industry is grappling with mounting pressures related to sustainability and technological disruption. For stakeholders, understanding these dynamics is crucial for strategic decision-making. The urgent need to address climate change has placed petrochemicals under intense scrutiny. Traditional production methods, reliant on fossil fuels, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Companies are investing heavily in circular economy initiatives. Chemical recycling, which breaks down plastic waste into its constituent monomers, is gaining traction. Bio-based feedstocks, derived from renewable sources like biomass, are also emerging as viable alternatives. Furthermore, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is becoming more prevalent. While these innovations promise significant emissions reductions, transitioning to sustainable practices requires substantial capital investment and technological advancement. Many firms are weighing the long-term benefits of sustainability initiatives against immediate financial pressures, making progress uneven across the sector. Technological advancements are reshaping the petrochemical landscape. Digitalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are optimising production processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving safety. Advanced analytics and AI can predict equipment failures, minimise downtime, and optimise energy consumption. Companies like Honeywell are leading the way with tools such as the UniSim Design suite, a multipurpose simulation platform used for process design, safety studies, operations monitoring, and debottlenecking. These digital tools provide a means to improve operational efficiency and cut emissions, aligning with the industry’s sustainability objectives. Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical assets, facilitate process optimisation and simulation. Automation is streamlining operations, reducing labour costs, and improving product consistency. Siemens offers the Xcelerator software package, a powerful tool that accelerates digital transformation. Through its systems engineering software, product performance can be virtually validated using digital twins. To ensure real-time evaluation under operational conditions, digital twins gather data from sensors mounted on physical objects, enabling accurate modelling throughout the lifecycle of products and manufacturing Technology and sustainability are reshaping the petrochemical industry. Companies are adopting digitalisation, automation, and alternative feedstocks to cut emissions, but high costs and geopolitical risks pose challenges. Balancing innovation with economic realities will be key to the sector’s future. 16 Á16 Business Link www.blmforum.net PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT processes. While these technologies offer significant benefits, they also require a skilled workforce, which remains in short supply. Cybersecurity risks are another growing concern, as interconnected systems become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a result, continuous investment in cybersecurity measures and workforce training is essential to maximise the potential of these digital innovations. The global petrochemical market is influenced by a complex interplay of geopolitical and economic factors. In 2025, continued volatility is expected due to geopolitical tensions, fluctuating energy prices, and evolving trade policies. The growing middle class in emerging economies is driving demand for petrochemical products, while at the same time, regional supply chain diversification is occurring to mitigate risk. However, economic slowdowns in key markets such as Europe and parts of Asia could dampen demand. Geopolitical instability, particularly in regions rich in oil and gas reserves, could disrupt supply chains, adding further uncertainty to an already volatile landscape. Inflationary pressures will continue to affect operating costs. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder of Ineos, has issued a stark warning that Europe’s chemicals industry faces potential extinction due to current EU policies. He points specifically to the carbon tax and high energy prices as crippling factors, arguing that they are driving companies to withdraw from Europe. Ratcliffe calls for the abolition of the carbon tax, competitive energy pricing, and the implementation of tariffs on chemical imports to protect domestic industries. He contrasts European policies with those of the US, which he claims values industry and its employment, leading to a competitive advantage. He asserts that higher energy prices and carbon tax bills will shut down petrochemical industries in Europe and that major competitors are already planning their exit from the European market. To counter this trend, he advocates for policy changes that would incentivise growth, foster clean technology, and introduce tariff barriers to safeguard the sector. This warning has significant implications for the UK, particularly for regions with a strong petrochemical presence, such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Both areas host key refineries, chemical plants, and supply chain networks that are integral to the industry. If companies begin shifting operations elsewhere due to rising costs and regulatory challenges, local economies in these regions could face job losses, reduced investment, and weakened industrial output. His perspective underscores the need for a reassessment of industrial strategies to ensure the survival and competitiveness of the petrochemical sector in Europe, including the UK. Yorkshire and Humber is home to www.blmforum.net Business Link 17 PETROCHEMICAL SPOTLIGHT major refineries and chemical plants, contributing significantly to the UK’s petrochemical output. The Humber region, in particular, is positioned to become a hub for carbon capture and storage, leveraging its proximity to North Sea gas fields. The “Humber Zero” project is a key example of this. The area also has strong links to planned hydrogen production, reinforcing its role in the transition towards lower-carbon industrial processes. Sustainable packaging is another area of focus. Furandicarboxylic Acid (FDCA), a bio-based polymer derived from fructose, is being developed by companies like Dupont and BASF. Coca- Cola is working with these firms to enhance the sustainability of its packaging, aiming to increase the bioplastic content of its bottles. Separately, Levoglucosenone (LGO), a versatile platform chemical derived from cellulose, is being developed by Australian-based company Circa in conjunction with the Green Centre of Excellence at York University. LGO’s properties make it highly valuable for creating sustainable packaging materials, offering potential to replace fossil-fuel-based chemicals in the production of bio-based plastics and other packaging products. These advancements contribute to a more circular and environmentally friendly packaging industry, reflecting broader efforts across the petrochemical sector to integrate sustainable solutions. The key to success lies in fostering collaboration between industry, government, and academia to drive innovation, attract investment, and develop a sustainable petrochemical sector. While technological advancements and sustainable practices present new opportunities, companies must also navigate the economic and regulatory challenges that come with such transformations. Ultimately, the future of petrochemicals will depend on striking a balance between innovation, economic viability, and regulatory policies. Companies that successfully integrate sustainable technologies while adapting to geopolitical and financial constraints will be best positioned for long-term growth.18 Business Link www.blmforum.net HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK H olding a long industrial heritage and vital ports, Hull and the Humber Bank are not areas to rest on their laurels, committing to evolution, whether it be embracing the green transition to tackle the Humber’s significant emissions, creating an environment that attracts innovation and leading companies, or redeveloping Hull to ensure the city’s and residents’ prosperity. Supporting the area’s development is the establishment of the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority. It moves the area closer to unlocking a £400m investment fund, as well as transferring powers from Westminster to local decision-makers. The Combined Authority, which will be led by an elected Mayor, has been created after Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council agreed a devolution deal with the Government. The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “I’m delighted that we have got to this stage in the process after years of hard work by many people. For too long our area has been left behind, but it’s now time for us to reach our full potential. The creation of the Combined Authority unlocks vital empowerment and investment, and I believe we have the talent and drive to make the most of what devolution brings.” As a transformational opportunity for major inward investment and growth in areas including employment, skills and innovation, to support Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s priorities, a new business board and a skills board have already been formed. A city undergoing and preparing for further significant redevelopment, Hull City Council recently (in February) revealed its intention to appoint ECF, a partnership between Muse, Legal & General, and Homes England, as its lead development partner for East Bank Urban Village - one of Hull’s largest ever regeneration projects. The council plans to enter into a 15-year development agreement with ECF for the master planning, development and construction of the opportunity, which is expected to see a mix of uses. Positioned to the east of the River Hull, opposite the old town, the scheme will comprise new homes and infrastructure in the heart of the city, transforming a long-term derelict site into a contemporary urban village. The new homes will be developed alongside ground floor commercial uses and an interconnected network of streets, plazas and green spaces to promote a pedestrian friendly, family atmosphere. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and A region of innovation Hull and the Humber Bank are evolving; embracing innovation, decarbonisation, and developments that ensure their future prosperity. www.blmforum.net Business Link 19 HULL AND THE HUMBER BANK housing, said: “This new neighbourhood of up to 850 homes will act as a catalyst for further urban renewal within Hull and help increase investor confidence in the city with all the economic benefits that will arise.” On a wider scale, Hull City Council is seeking views on a new plan for its city centre, the Hull City Centre Vision, to help realise ambitions to deliver a more family-friendly, sustainable and prosperous city centre of the future benefitting residents, businesses and visitors. Led by urban design specialists, Planit, the vision will focus on key areas including: identifying key development plots in the city centre; moving towards a more climate-conscious city centre; addressing flood risks through sustainable practices; enhancing outdoor public spaces; improving accessibility; raising the profile of Hull to drive more inward investment and development; growing the local economy, creating more jobs and supporting new and existing businesses; and increasing the number of homes. The Hull City Centre Vision will inform Hull’s Local Plan, which is set to be updated later this year. Also interested in developing Hull, investors have snapped up a 14-acre site in Hull’s industrial, manufacturing and renewables sector heartlands in a multi- million-pound deal. The Century Yard site is opposite Green Port Hull on Hedon Road, where Siemens, alongside Associated British Ports (ABP) and Hull City Council, have invested more than £300m into creating wealth and employment for the region. Now, commercial property specialists Garness Jones have overseen a deal which has seen another sprawling industrial site sold to BVG Property Investments. Managing Director David Garness said it offers ‘a land of opportunity’ to its new owners: “It is rare for the freehold of a site of this size, in a location of such strategic importance to the region with regards to its proximity to the dock facilities, Green Port Hull and other major businesses, to become available on the market. Having gone to market an excellent price was secured for the vendor, and it really is a land of opportunity for BVG Property Investments, an expanding commercial property company who now have this site which has more than seven acres still undeveloped.” Alongside the changing face of Hull, the city is illustrating its position as a hotbed of innovation, attracting pioneering businesses — particularly 20 ÁNext >