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NEW LOOK FOR LINLEY & SIMPSON'S LEEDS CITY CENTRE OFFICE AS IT DOUBLES IN SIZE

RESIDENTIAL lettings specialists Linley & Simpson has unveiled a new look to its Leeds city centre 'home' as it doubles in size.

Branch manager Guy Roberts said: “Linley & Simpson has a growing presence in the city centre rental market - and we wanted our office to reflect that.

“The expansion is also a signal of our long-term confidence in Leeds' future popularity as a place to live and work.

“On the back of continued high demand for rental properties, we were beginning to outgrow our original base. So when the site next door became available, it was the perfect opportunity to extend our capacity and capability.”

The expansion has coincided with a modern and eye-catching new look for the office, featuring the company's latest branding spearheaded by the message that Letting is Easy with Linley & Simpson”.

Another striking feature is the introduction of LED self-illuminating window display cards.

The branch has witnessed a surge in tenant applications over recent weeks, especially from overseas and UK students, and junior doctors.

The Swinegate branch not only links in closely to the shared database at Linley & Simpson's two other Leeds offices in Roundhay and Horsforth but also across its branches in Harrogate, Ripon, Wetherby, York, Wakefield and Ilkley.

Linley & Simpson, a wholly independent agency with Yorkshire roots, was recently crowned the best medium-sized agent in the North of England for the second year in succession at the prestigious Sunday Times 'Lettings Agency of the Year' awards, picking up the title from Olympic hero Sir Matthew Pinsent.

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FULL HOUSE FOR ILKLEY RENTAL SPECIALISTS AS WHOLE TEAM ACHIEVE EXAM SUCCESS

STAFF working at the Ilkley branch of residential letting specialists Linley & Simpson are celebrating a “full house” of exam successes.

Every member of the team based at Brook Street has now qualified in letting and property management.

The feat was achieved after property manager Joshua Mitchell followed in the footsteps of colleagues Paul Bridgeman, branch manager; Daniel Bond, lettings consultant; and Vicky Atkinson, lettings consultant, in passing the leading industry exams set by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

The training and development of staff has been an important theme to the company's success since it launched 15 years ago. But, according to director Will Linley, it is now more important than ever for letting agents to be trained to the highest possible standards.

He said: "The accolade gives our landlords and tenants confidence and reasurance that they are working with a team who know a complex market inside out.

"Given the problem posed by rogue operators who do not sign up to any recognised accreditation scheme, coupled with a more competitive marketplace, it is more important than ever for our staff to be trained to the highest possible standards.

"These exams are an important way of demonstrating that our staff are equipped with the skills and detailed knowledge of the market that is required to meet the needs of our clients,"

The staff all passed the ARLA Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management, through an 'e-assessment'. It covers health and safety; the law; property letting practice; and property management practice.

The awards are an important step for property professionals towards ensuring the highest standards of proficiency and service for customers.

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Leeds Royal Armouries in battle to win back visitors

Wednesday 17th August 2011 - David Marsh - Yorkshire Evening Post

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is to relaunch its education service in a bid to clawback thousands of lost visitors.

It forms part of a strategy drawn up by the museum, home to a national collection of arms and armour, to tackle falling visitor numbers.

And an advertising campaign is also planned along with a programme of children's attractions, weekly horse shows and an August Bank Holiday joust. A new visitor experience team has been established to encourage visitors to try special interactive exhibits.

The new moves come as figures for April to June this year show just over 50,000 people visited the attraction at Clarence Dock – a 38 per cent drop on the same period in 2010.

In March this year, actors and riders who staged jousts and other historical interpretations were made redundant following 15 per cent budget cuts across all national museums.

Members of the education team took voluntary redundancy and in June-July figures were 10,000 down on school parties alone.

Now the education service will be relaunched next month.

Museum director Peter Armstrong said: "We will relaunch our education service in September – which should make a huge difference.

"The new service will be in a different format to before, and will be less classroom-based, although still linked to the National Curriculum. We are aiming to make it more hands-on, allowing history to come alive for thousands of youngsters in an exciting and meaningful way.

"We will also be running an advertising campaign to ensure that everybody knows what's on offer at our Leeds museum – and that there’s something new and different on offer almost every day of the year.

"Admission remains free and will continue to do so - making it a great day out for all the family."

He said the museum had been forced to make changes to meet spending challenges.

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Leeds Waterfront Festival 2012 to make even bigger waves

Saturday 13th August 2011 - Yorkshire Evening Post

Leeds Waterfront is set to have another splash of colour next summer.

The River Aire will be the focus of the fifth annual Leeds Waterfront Festival and Dragon Boat Race on June 30 and July 1.

Competitors will don their best fancy dress and battle it out once more on huge 40ft long dragon boats in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Thousands of visitors flocked to four waterfront hotspots in Leeds - Granary Wharf, Brewery Wharf, Clarence Dock and Thwaite Mills - earlier this year.

Organisers Leeds Community Foundation hope that this year's annual Dragon Boat race, in which businesses competed, will have raised "100,000 to help support community groups in the city.

For more information about the event or to get involved contact Rachel Clunas on 07917780 151, email: rachel.clunas@aireactionleeds.org.uk or visit: www.leedswaterfrontfestival.com

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Leeds city centre hotel back on track

Wednesday 10th August 2011 - Aisha Iqbal - Yorkshire Evening Post

A new £30 million hotel and office development could be built on prime Leeds city centre land near the railway station if a proposed new scheme gets the go-ahead.

Leeds-based Gregory Projects and Elland-based Marshall Construction have bought the a 0.6 acre site on Whitehall Road from Town Centre Securities for an undisclosed sum as part of a joint venture project.

Hopes are high for planning permission for a 130-bedroom hotel and 50,000 sq ft of of?ces.

Premier Inn has already signed a deal to operate the hotel as part of its plans to expand closer to the train station and to the south of the city.

Richard Tovey, from Gregory Projects, said: "This is a prime development opportunity that will draw interest from blue chip businesses seeking a very short walk to the railway station.

"The advanced agreement with Premier Inn reinforces the location values as well as Leeds’ capacity for more hotel accommodation."

Bosses are also aiming to pre-let half of the office space to help fund the scheme.

A full planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of September.

Adam Cockroft, of DTZ, which is marketing the office space with Sanderson Weatherall, said: "Leeds remains one of Europe's top business destinations and still enjoys healthy demand for high quality office accommodation, despite the economic downturn.

"This development is in an excellent location and offers an opportunity for potential occupiers to influence the design and layout of their office space and also enjoy an on-site hotel for guests and employees."

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported yesterday that take-up of new office space in Leeds had shot up by more than 40 per cent compared to the same time last year, with experts saying it was "indicative of improving occupier confidence in the city".

Commercial property consultancy Knight Frank found that headline office rents in Leeds would rise to £25 per sq ft by the end of this year - a sign of diminishing supplies of Grade A office space.

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Create: Tasty new Leeds city centre restaurant opens

Tuesday 9th August 2011 - Juliette Bains - Yorkshire Evening Post

A tasty new restaurant working with hard-to-employ youngsters has opened its doors to the public in Leeds city centre.

Create, on King Street, employs trainees from the Create Foundation's training programme who are local homeless, marginalised or vulnerable people.

They are enrolled on a 12-week course and will work alongside industry professionals at the flagship restaurant.

Richard Walton-Allen left his job of 12 years as head chef of Harvey Nichols to become national executive chef at Create and oversee the Leeds restaurant, which opened to diners on Friday.

The award-winning chef said: "I've been in hospitality for 24 years and the people from the Create Academy are some of the brightest and most dedicated people I have ever worked with.

"You can expect great food and great service and you’ll be inspired by the people. I am very happy to be working alongside them, it is really exciting.

"Leeds should be proud that this is the first restaurant of its kind in the UK and should shout it from the rooftops."

Sarah Dunwell, chief executive officer at Create, said: "My biggest hope is that we prove that these guys are an absolutely incredible work force.

"Each one of them is here because they want to transform their lives and they just needed the opportunity to do that."

Waiter Regis Runtaganda came to Leeds from Rwanda 11 years ago.

He got involved with Create when completing a community sentence and has turned his life around.

He said: "I would have struggled without Create because it is quite hard to get a job with a criminal record as no one will give you a chance. "They have made me a strong person and given me support, confidence and hope as well as new skills.

"In five or 10 years’ time I hope to have my own catering business or small cafe."

Four months ago, Claire Burton, 37, of Roundhay, hit financial troubles and was left homeless after living in Spain with her 16-year-old son. She graduated from the Create Academy's 12-week course and now has a job as demi chef at the Leeds restaurant.

She said: "When you get the first ticket come through for an order the adrenaline just pours through you.

"I've made friends, got great support from Create, got some NVQs, my son is in college and now I have a job. Without Create, I'd be back to feeling isolated, lonely and depressed with no self esteem."

For more information about the restaurant opening, visit Richard's blog at: www.foodbycreate.co.uk/richards-blog

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New birds eye views of Leeds

Friday 17th June 2011 - Paul Robinson Yorkshire Evening Post

Leeds residents can now get a bird's eye view of how their city has changed over the years.

Photography company Bluesky's www.oldaerialphotos.com website carries more than a million pictures of the UK from the air, dating back as far as 1917.

And many of the images on the database reveal the startling pace of development in Yorkshire's unofficial capital over the last 20 years or so.

One picture shows the Brewery Wharf site in 1992, before its reinvention as a vibrant hub of restaurants, bars and apartments.

Bluesky's managing director, Rachel Tidmarsh, said: "We have images from virtually every decade in the last 100 years making this a truly unique resource for anyone with a personal or professional interest in the past.

"The images have proved an invaluable resource for many customers, including solicitors and expert witnesses, wanting evidence to substantiate their boundary disputes, planning disputes or rights of access claims."

Another photo from 1992 shows how Clarence Dock looked before the opening of the Royal Armouries museum.

A third shot from that year is of the area near the Eastgate roundabout prior to the redevelopment of Leeds's main bus station.

Prices for a print from the site range from £10 to £98 plus VAT, depending on age. For more details, ring 01530 518518.

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James Martin: Chef lays on Leeds Ferrari fun day for dads

Monday 13th June 2011 - Yorkshire Evening Post

It's well known celebrity chef James Martin has just as much passion for performance cars as he does for performing in the kitchen or on television.

The host of BBC1 show Saturday Kitchen opened up the city's latest high-rolling restaurant, The Leeds Kitchen in Clarence Dock's Alea Casino only two months ago.

Now he has helped put together an event for Father's Day (June 19) which will see 18 classic Ferraris sports cars parked at Clarence Dock.

The event is being run by the official Ferrari Owner’s Club, who are providing the bulk of the sports cars.

However, visitors will also be able to view car-mad Mr Martin's personal Ferrari collection, which is said to include a Ferrari 275 once owned by John Lennon.

He also owns several other Ferraris.

In addition, the celebrity chef is planning to get hands-on by putting on a hog roast for visitors.

There are also plans for a broad range of market stalls, courtesy of deliciouslyyorkshire, a body which exists to promote food growers and producers from the area.

Stalls will be run by ice-cream company Yummy Yorkshire, sausage and pork producer Swillington Organic Farm, fudge-maker Johnsone's Toffee, Kolos Bakery, the Chilli Jam Man and rapeseed oil maker Yorkshire Oil, to name but a few.

Jonathan Knight, chief executive of deliciouslyorkshire, said: "We are thrilled to be involved with this event in Clarence Dock and glad to see James Martin supporting his roots to promote great food in the region."

Louise Holmes, co-founder of Yummy Yorkshire Ice Cream added: "James Martin is known for being passionate about local produce so we’re delighted to be involved."

The event will take place on Sunday from noon until 3pm.

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Leeds street named second coolest in England by Google

Friday 10th June 2011 - Yorkshire Evening Post

A LEEDS street was named the second coolest in the country in a contest by Google.

Call Lane was runner-up in the search engine's Hippest Street competition, part of the Street View Best Streets Awards.

It came second to South Shore Road - home to the Lord Foster-designed Sage music centre and the Baltic contemporary arts building - in Gateshead.

Both streets were on a shortlist of five across the country nominated by a panel of tourism experts, guide authors and journalists.

Call Lane, in the city centre, was nominated by Miranda Almond, fashion editor of Vogue, for its varied selection of cool bars and pubs

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Leeds Station facelift plans revealed

Wednesday 8th June - James Reed, Deputy Editor, Yorkshire (The Business Desk.com)

NETWORK Rail is promising major changes to Leeds Station in an attempt to make it a better gateway to the city in the wake of a campaign by business leaders.

The first phase of work will start this summer and see the south concourse undergo a major facelift, including opening the ceiling to natural light, while a new Sainsbury's store will open in the north concourse.

Plans are also being developed to develop a new 350 space multi-story car park and remodel the drop-off area at the rear of the station and discussions are underway with Leeds City Council about changes to the New Station Street entrance.

Metro has already secured Government funding for a new southern entrance to the station and Network Rail is discussing how that might be engineered to encourage more people into Dark Neville Street, making that a more viable shopping area.

Gavin McKechnie, head of retail at Network Rail, said: "The continued success of the railway has enabled us to make these investments.

"We are committed to improving stations for passengers, and these planned projects at Leeds City Station will do just that - providing a gateway Leeds can be proud of and a destination for people to eat, meet and shop."

Network Rail announced the plans in front of more than 80 business leaders at the Leeds Chamber Property Forum at DLA Piper's offices last night.

Chamber research has suggested that 63% of business do not believe that the station acts a good gateway into the city and 55% believe that the retail offering should be improved.

Mark Goldstone, the Chamber's head of business representation, said: "The Chamber has worked closely with Network Rail over the past six months to ensure that the concerns of the business community have been listened to and we welcome these planned improvements which will transform the look and functionality of the station. It is important that the city has a station that it can be proud of and creates the right first impression.

"However, we believe that more development is still needed to cope with the significant forecasted increase in passenger numbers, as well as the arrival of high-speed rail in 2030. The additional car-parking, improved pedestrian links and Southern Entrance will relieve some of the increased congestion, but investment in additional platforms is also needed, as well as a review into how the station connects to other modes of local transport, such as the buses and taxis."

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New Leeds city centre music venue ready to rock

Monday 6th June 2011 - Juliette Bains Yorkshire Evening Post

A NEW live music venue in Leeds city centre is set to open this week after having a £100,0000 facelift.

Empire will show off its newly refurbished basement with 250 person capacity when it opens its doors on Friday.

The venue on Bridge End, close to Briggate and Dock Street, also has a fixed staging area, a digital mixing desk, secluded boothed seating and a 15ft bar.

A variety of musical talent - from acoustic singer songwriters through to seven piece funk bands - will play at Empire at weekends and several gigs have already been booked in.

Manager Ben Dakin said: "It will bring some new life to this end of the town.

"It's not just a bar - it's a stand alone live music venue that will be extending the already good live music scene that Leeds has.

"It will give the chance for local bands to perform in an excellent venue with an excellent stage area.

"We're really excited for the launch. We’ve got everything from metal nights to indie rock and roll nights so there’s something for everyone."

The ground floor level of the historic Leeds Bridge site has a more intimate bar with beers, wines and spirits from all over the world as well as a variety of cocktails.

Owner Chris Walton said: "By sourcing alcohol from around the globe, and the extensive selection of beers, wines and spirits, we can cater for all connoisseurs who walk through the doors.

"Top quality wines are a major focus and the onsite expert is always available with a recommendation or three.

"We've got experienced cocktail bartenders offering a range of mouth-watering alternatives to your run-of-the-mill after work thirst quenchers."

He added: "Bottled Yorkshire ales are on constant rotation, so be quick or you could miss something special from award-winning local breweries."

Empire will take over from former bars Xibit and The Base, which were also on the site at the bottom of Briggate.

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Leeds City Region enterprise zone on agenda

Wednesday 18th May 2011 - Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire - Business Desk

A DECISION on where the Leeds City Region's enterprise zone is to be located could be decided today when the area's local enterprise partnership board meets to discuss the matter.

Although the Aire Valley is seen as a favourite to be the location of the enterprise zone, there is a possibility that three sites across the city region could become home to the initiative, which could spread across a total of 110 hectares.

A shortlist for the Leeds City Region enterprise zone has not been published but other ideas thought to be considered for it are locations near Bradford and York, and the possibility that it could be based on a specific sector, such as low carbon industry.

Enterprise zones are a Government initiative that allow local enterprise partnerships to identify areas that can enjoy a range of benefits including business rate discounts, a simpler planning region and access to superfast broadband.

The shortlist of the potential sites for an enterprise zone in the Sheffield City Region were published yesterday

Sheffield City Region LEP chairman James Newman said a final decision on the shortlist could be made by the end of May.

The shortlist for the Sheffied City Region includes a 110 hectare site in Bassetlaw, a 4.28 hectare site close to Barnsley town centre, and a series of sites in the Dearne M1 corridor.

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Land Securities continues to invest in region

Wednesday 18th May 2011 - Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire - Business Desk

LAND Securities reiterated the benefits its £350m Trinity Leeds shopping centre will bring to the region today as the developer posted increased annual profits.

The group also said it would continue to invest in its "northern flagship", the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds, as the 1m sq ft Trinity Leeds scheme continues to take shape.

Trinity Leeds is almost 60% pre-let and is expected to open on schedule in 2013.

At White Rose, planning permission has been granted for a 40,000 sq ft expansion for existing retailers, which the group said demonstrated its success and popularity.

Gerald Jennings, Land Securities' portfolio director who heads the company's Leeds office, said: "We are creating an excellent 1m sq ft shopping and leisure destination in the heart of the city that is set to lift Leeds above Manchester from seventh to fourth place in the UK's retail league table. At the same time we are continuing to invest in White Rose, where retailer demand for space is strong.

"For Trinity Leeds the recent Primark letting for a store of 90,000 sq ft gross is the largest space taken by a single fashion brand. It's another milestone for the project and a real demonstration of our strong relationship with retailers such as Primark.

"The successful progress with pre-lettings is a vote of confidence in Leeds and our scheme, which was the first major retail-led development in the UK to start on site since the economic downturn."

Mr Jennings said over the financial year to March 31, White Rose achieved a number of landmarks, including attracting almost 1.5m visitors in December.

The 353,000 visitors in Christmas week was almost 1% up on the same week in 2009 and on Boxing Day the centre had the busiest hour since its opening in March 1997, when 8,700 shoppers came through its doors between 11am and noon.

Mr Jennings added: "It is this enduring popularity that makes leading brands such as H&M want to be at White Rose and for existing retailers to increase the space that they have at the centre."

Land Securities today posted pre-tax profits up almost 15% on the previous year, from £1.06bn to £1.2bn.

The group completed portfolio disposals of £687m at an average of 12.7% above its March 2010 valuations.

Francis Salway, chief executive at Land Securities, said: "This was a year of continued recovery in our market and strong progress by Land Securities. Our focus on development, our disciplined approach to acquisitions and disposals and our asset management activities have all delivered significant momentum across the business"

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Big plans for Leeds rail station

Thursday 12th May 2011 - Anthony Clay, Yorkshire Evening Post

A MAJOR development project is set to transform Leeds railway station - and Network Rail is looking for a partner to help it get under way.

Network Rail wants a partner to undertake a commercial development on a 5.4 acre site next to the station at Princes Square.

It will provide a new commercial office development as well as additional long-stay car parking, better short-stay provision and drop-off facilities at the station.

Network Rail has launched its search for a partner by placing a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union asking for companies to register an interest to undertake the development of the site which currently offers 906 car parking spaces.

All proposals must include the addition of 350 extra parking spaces for the station within a multi-storey development, as well as enhancements to the station entrance, in return for commercial development opportunities.

But partners need to get a move on as they have to respond by June 13. The schemes shortlisted will then be invited to offer a more detailed scheme plan.

Network Rail hopes that the development partner will be chosen in the Autumn and the new multi-storey car park delivered by Spring 2014.

Network Rail's director of property, David Biggs, said: "By working in partnership with a commercial developer we can deliver much needed improvements to the car parking and station facilities at Leeds station in a cost-effective way.

"The end result of this development partnership will be enhanced station facilities for passengers, more car parking spaces for Leeds and a new commercial office development in the heart of the city."

The initiative was welcomed by the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Mark Goldstone, head of corporate relations, said: "Leeds Station is a key gateway and for many investors, tourists and business travellers it is the first impression they get of our city. With passenger numbers having doubled since the last major investment in the station this much needed development will complement existing facilities and create further opportunities to connect the station into surrounding regeneration schemes."

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Leeds Dragon Boat Race 2011: Firms race to get on board

Thursday 12th May 2011 - Juliette Bains, Yorkshire Evening Post

HUNDREDS of employees from across the county are on board for this year's Dragon Boat Race.

The fourth annual event in Leeds is set to make a splash with almost 30 leading organisations already signed up, including Yorkshire Forward, Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Water, British Waterways, Hesco Bastion, Northern Gas Networks, Shepherd Construction, Unilever and West Yorkshire Institute of Directors.

Organisers at Leeds Community Foundation hope to raise more than £30,000 from the event for community causes across Leeds.

For the first time the boat race is being run in conjunction with the Leeds Waterfront Festival and will include live broadcasts from Radio Aire.

The action-packed event is free to members of the public and will feature live music from local bands, arts and dance, boat trips and barbecues across waterfront venues in Granary Wharf, Brewery Wharf, Clarence Dock and Thwaite Mills Watermill.

This year it will be held over two days from June 25 to 26, with races taking place between 10am and 4pm.

Phenomenal

Leeds Community Foundation event manager, Amanda Wingfield, said: "We've already had phenomenal interest from businesses across the county keen to support the 2011 Dragon Boat Race and there are a number of dedicated organisations that enter year on year.

"It's fantastic that the business fraternity gets into the spirit of fundraising for local communities and as part of the process provides entertainment for local families too."

Each team needs 16 paddlers clad in fancy dress outfits to power a 40ft long boat to the tune of a drummer.

Sponsorship money raised will go towards the Leeds Community Foundation, which supports over 3,000 community groups and small charities in Leeds.

This year's headline sponsor is Lend Lease.

The race is £500 to enter for each organisation and places are limited.

For more information or to book a boat, contact Leeds Community Foundation on 0113 242 2426 or alternatively, email: Amanda@leedscommunityfoundation.org.uk

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Listed building at heart of revamp

By Rachel Covill - Business Correspondent - Businessdesk.com

THE regeneration of the First White Cloth Hall is to be the centrepiece of the regeneration of the oldest street in Leeds.

Leeds City Council is consulting on a £2.6m plan to breathe new life into the Kirkgate area of the city.

Central to the plans is the redevelopment of the historic First White Cloth Hall, which celebrates its 300th birthday on April 22.

That day will also see public consultation begin on draft proposals for the area.

The council is working with the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and private property owners to improve the First White Cloth Hall and other properties along Lower Kirkgate.

Coun Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "This is a great chance for the people of Leeds to have their say about protecting the future of the oldest street in the city. Generation after generation of local people have walked down, shopped and done business in this very street at the heart of our city.

"The First White Cloth Hall is a very important part of the history of Leeds and I'm delighted at plans for its restoration.

"With the completion of the Arena and the Trinity Quarter, 2013 will be an exciting year in Leeds city centre. The rejuvenation of Kirkgate is a further exciting development that should help to create jobs and training opportunities for local people."

The council believes the Hall could become a base for small retailers, linking in with Leeds Kirkgate Market and the recently refurbished Corn Exchange.

Work could start on the scheme in the summer of 2013.

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Hive of activity from 50,000 Leeds city centre residents

Published Monday 11th April - Yorkshire Evening Post

It's a very exclusive brand from the heart of Leeds city centre.

But you won't find Wellington Place honey on supermarket shelves - as just 20 pots of the golden liquid have been handed out.

The honey is the produce of 50,000 tireless honey bees, which work from five hives near the banks of the River Aire.

By a happy coincidence, the riverside is infested with a weed called Himalayan balsam, which the bees just love.

The hives are run by the Yorkshire Beekeeping Association but have been provided by the developers MEPC, who put up the buildings at Wellington Place.

Because of the difficult economy, the developers have had to stall major plans for Wellington Place and in the meantime, have turned the land into useful green space.

MEPC has planted grass and bulbs, installed benches, encouraged football matches and even provided deckchairs for local workers.

And beehives were one of their green initiatives.

MEPC spokeswoman Dominique Simcox said: "Our initiatives have been a great success and the Yorkshire beekeepers have provided us with some honey and beekeeping lessons in lieu of rent.

"We are giving pots of it away to some of our business friends. Children from Stanley Grove School in Wakefield had a competition to design a label for the honey."

Bill Cadmore, chairman of the Yorkshire Beekeeping Association, said the hives had done well and had produced about 30lbs of honey each last season.

He said: "That was a great result and we expect an even bigger crop this year. The bees like Himalayan balsam almost more than anything else.

"As a biologist I would say it was an invasive weed which should be destroyed. But as a beekeper, I think it's a wonderful thing!

"It produces a clear, pale yellow-green honey which is very sweet and quite floral."

The beekepers have given office workers induction courses in their art at lunchtimes and they say they are inundated with people wanting to take up the hobby.

He added: "We cannot supply enough bees for them all. However, our bee stocks, which had been hit by a parasite, have recovered well because of the good weather we had last spring."

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Asda moves 250 staff to The Mint

5th April 2011 - Ian Briggs - Deputy Editor, Yorkshire

ASDA is moving 250 staff from its Leeds headquarters to The Mint building in the city centre as the supermarket group looks to expand its office space.

The 38,000 sq ft deal at the building in the Holbeck Urban Village area of the city is the biggest leasing deal in the city so far this year.

Asda, which is headquartered in Leeds, is moving its contact centre and accounts payable teams from Asda House to two floors in The Mint.

The move is expected to be completed by mid-September.

The deal has been rumoured for several months and it is possible that Asda might take further space at The Mint in the coming months.

Asda opened Asda House, branded by the group as its "Home Office" on Great Wilson Street in 1988 and employs more than 2,500 people in the city centre.

Andy Clarke, chief executive and president of Asda, said: "We are delighted to be able to introduce a second Home Office site here in Leeds. We are proud to be a Leeds business - born and bred and this expansion of our space is further evidence of our commitment to the city.

"When Asda first moved into Holbeck in 1988, we were one of the only big businesses at this side of town. It has been fantastic to see how the area has flourished over the past 20 years and I hope our expansion in the area will demonstrate to other companies the great facilities on offer here."

Asda also operates a 'Merchandising Centre for Excellence' in Morley, where the business tests new ideas for its stores and trains colleagues from all over the country.

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James Martin Interview

What made you want to support the Big Lunch?
It was two-fold really. I'm obviously from this neck of the woods, Yorkshire anyway. And I think we're all to blame - certainly we've all done it in the past and now - for not speaking to our neighbours. I've lived in a village now for maybe four or five years and I haven't even met my next door neighbour, so I think it's a great excuse not just to meet them but for conversation. Conversation costs nothing and great things can happen when people talk and meet and I think it's a great way of meeting the whole community, whether you live on a street or in a village or in a city. While it happens a bit less up here than it does down south, I still think, having met people who've gone on to set up community centres, it's a fantastic thing to be involved in.

I live down south now and I lived most of my early days up in Yorkshire. Every Sunday lunch, we used to sit down and have a meal together and that was the farming life, wasn't it? When your grandparents came round and everybody discussed what went on that week whether the folk fell out or whatever. It was that element of conversation, you sat round the table and you spoke and you extend that into the community. What better way to meet everybody?

I mean, I do a party at my place and I invite everybody and that's generally the only time everybody's together and you're having a conversation and there are some fascinating people out there, fascinating things you can learn and people can learn off each other and help each other. You get people who don't get out and can't get out; this is a great way of helping them. I'm not saying it's the Cameron 'Big Society', you gotta help yourselves to help you - it's not that. I think this is a fantastic thing to be involved in as we reach the third year, it's hugely popular. A million people took part last year, so it's not a drop in the ocean, and great things can happen.

So will you be doing something this year?
I'm definitely going to do something for my local village. We've got a playing field that needs a little bit of work and it's up to the villages and the communities to look after it and that's what makes it special.

What do you think the most sociable food you could have at these things would be?
The great thing about these is that you can bring your own food. We're not asking you to cater for 700 people. Just bring your own. Go online and register and you can bring your own stuff and sit there and have your own packed lunch, with you and the kids and everything else... and everybody just meets and talks. You learn a lot about people. I would say just a simple picnic. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, does it?

Do you think over food is a good way to socialise?
Food's a great conversation starter and a great barrier breaker. It can stop conversation and it can start conversation. Certainly when you work in a restaurant you see it all the time and you see the atmosphere created by what food does and food is only a small part of it. As I say to the guys working in the restaurant, it's not the be-all and end-all... don't think for a minute that its food is 100% of the greatest meal you've probably had. It's conversation, it's the people who you're with, the ambience, everything else. Food is just an element - a great excuse to go out and do something.

Is it nice to have built up the stature where you can help events like the Big Lunch?
It helps with everything doesn't it? But I don't put my name to everything and I think that's important, that people hopefully believe in what you believe in. I have standards, I have ethics and I think that's important, particularly when you've been doing this for so long. I thought that the Big Lunch was a great idea. I just sat there and thought, 'I'm to blame like everybody else is'. My next door neighbour, I haven't spoke to her for three years and I live next door to her! It's kinda my fault, is it there fault, are we all to blame, you know? However, something like this that gets us all together, at least talking. You might not have to see me again for the rest of the year but at least it's something. I think it's good. It's a good excuse.

It's quite old fashioned, really. We don't really chat so much now as we did... Precisely. 40 years ago everybody knew each other and it was important that everybody knew each other to get on, succeed. But now we seem to be obsessed with just our own little world. It's almost like a prison cell, if you were just in your own little bit. Good things happen when people start talking to each other and that could be a small thing like 'the seat that's in the local village is bust, can somebody mend it?' The chippy down the road might go, 'I'll do that, why not?' Just something. It could be anything. Or if nothing comes of it, at least you've talked with guys, which is a good thing. So it's all positive, isn't it?

What made you want to open a restaurant in Leeds?
I've been looking for a place for a long time, but in terms of the infrastructure, everything they had there, I like the idea of it. It's not just a restaurant you see, it's the functions, we've got the ability to not just run a restaurant but we've got the ability to serve functions from as little as 20 to 250, that's what appealed to me as well as the restaurant, the ability to do large functions for business, corporate, private parties, it's great. Once you see it, once you're there, you see how good it is. Unless you actually go there, you don't know what it's all about.

Do you like what they're doing with the Bird upstairs?
Vineet is a fantastic cook and I think between the two of us, it's interesting. You've got the Indian way of serving their food upstairs, which is very modern, and downstairs which is the British, the local...

Do you have ideas for a general theme?
Yeah, the theme's local, British. I'm going to be a big supporter of the local community, a big supporter of the local producers. I'm looking at doing maybe a farmers' market where I can bring in the local producers and people can get to see that.

Do you think Yorkshire's good for produce?
It's fantastic. I travel all over the place, I'm privileged to travel all over the world and Yorkshire's got one of the greatest gardens and certainly the veg plots - you've almost got your own little supermarket right on your doorstep. The meat, the veg... it's brilliant. For a chef, it's actually not difficult to write a menu of great local ingredients and thanks to artisan people and local suppliers, who're passionate about what they do, it makes my job easier.

Has it had much of an influence on you, on the way you cook and the way you work?
Certainly, the way I am with people, probably more than anything. I like to build up a team and with The Leeds Kitchen, we're in the interview stage now and we've got a lot of young kids now and I'm very eager to bring on the young talent and teach people and really pass on my experience and my knowledge onto them because as a young kid I got the opportunity when I was 22 to suddenly jump up a gear and certainly up a position and somebody had a faith in me, and now it's almost my turn to give the same thing back. It's a big risk but it's all to do with training.

How involved are you trying to be? Do you think you'll be there?
I've got a flat at Clarence Dock, so I'm going to be there quite a lot, yeah. I'll be there more than any other TV chef, I'll be in that restaurant... and I'll be there.

It's important to make sure that something that's got your name on it is good... It's important to me. Yorkshire's very... they're very honest and I admire them for that. And they're going to be the first to turn round and tell me it's crap. It's very important to me that everybody's happy and it's important to me that it works, because I've spent a long time in this career and a long time working as a chef and I'm not one of these people who place chance in the stars and chance in the next TV programme. Food has been a huge influence in me, it got me where I am now but you never lose the fact of where it all started; it all started in the kitchen and that's where it's going to end and the bit in between is wonderful. However, the fundamental thing throughout all this, your main artery of it is food. You've got to be able to cook and that's why I'm busy doing what I'm doing. I'm doing masses of catering all around the world and restaurants all over the place. And it's got to be all about the food.

The Big Lunch is on 5th June, find out how you can take part at www.thebiglunch.com. James Martin's new restaurant, The Leeds Kitchen, will be opening at the end of March at Alea Casino.

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Property issues on agenda at Unfold

30 March 2011 - By Ian Briggs - Deputy Editor Yorkshire www.businessdesk.com

A MAJOR property conference and exhibition highlighting subjects including financing development and the future of tall buildings in cities is taking place in Yorkshire tomorrow.

Speakers at the Unfold event at Leeds Town Hall will include Greg Stype, public and infrastructure finance specialist with law firm Squire Sanders Hammonds, and Steve Watts, of global construction consultants Davis Langdon.

Around 500 delegates are expected at the event, which will consist of an exhibition and a number of seminars.

Subjects include Tax Increment Financing (TIF), localism and its impact on economic growth and development in the Leeds City Region and the value of sustainable design.

Howard Kew, chief executive of Financial Leeds, which has organised the event, said: "We are delighted with the high level of interest this event is creating, particularly in its first year.

"The event should leave delegates in no doubt that Leeds City Region is full of opportunity for investment, relocation and development alike."

Kevin Bramley, senior director of development and head of the northern development consultancy at CB Richard Ellis in Leeds, added: "Undoubtedly the whole region has felt the impact of the challenging economic climate and looking at the development arena, there has been limited activity and take-up levels of existing accommodation have not been favourable.

"In summary, the Leeds City Region has a lot of offer with a robust economy, ingenuity for developing flagship buildings such as Bridgewater Place which have put the city of the map, a good offering of commercial stock and viable plans for improving infrastructure all of which place it in a strong position for future prosperity."

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YORKSHIRE LETTING AGENT AIMS FOR RARE DOUBLE IN INDUSTRY’S OSCARS

Linley & Simpson is seeking to land a rare double in the annual hunt to find the country's best letting agents.

Both its Leeds city centre office and its Wakefield branch have been named as finalists in the industry's very own 'Oscars'.

On the back of confidential customer feedback, each has been shortlisted as a 'Top Ten' agency in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

If either is successful, it will crown a memorable 12 months for Linley & Simpson – last year it won the national award for “Best Small Letting Agent Chain”.

Known as the 'ESTAs', the Estate Agent and Letting Agent awards are the largest and longest-running accolades in the property industry – using 26,000 questionnaires to determine the UK's finest.

Director of Linley & Simpson, Nick Simpson, said: “These awards are unique because there is no panel of industry experts involved in selecting the winners.

“Agents are judged solely on feedback from their clients, who score on the level of customer service they receive during the successful letting and management of their property.

“The most powerful marketing tool for agents is word of mouth so having customer satisfaction and confidence is important. I would like to thank all our Leeds and Wakefield landlords who have taken the time to give feedback about the quality of service our team has provided.”

Both the regional and national winners will be unveiled by Phil Spencer, star of TV's Location, Location programme, at a ceremony in London on April 15.

He said: “All agents have to drive standards higher, raising the bar in terms of the quality of advice offered and the level of customer service they deliver and the ESTAS help to do just that!”

Simon Brown, who runs the awards every year said: “Every agent who takes part in the ESTAS puts their reputation on the line. As an ESTA agent they've committed to having their customer service levels independently reviewed and that says a lot about the type of agency they are. Making the shortlist is a huge effort and every agent that has done so should get the credit they deserve”.

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City centre site plans unveiled

24th February 2011 - By James Reed - Assistant Editor www.businessdesk.com

PLANS for a major redevelopment of a key Leeds city centre site have been published.

Leeds City Council is proposing three buildings, including one up to 15 storeys high, could be constructed on the Sovereign Street plot around a new public space.

The land was the site of the Queens Hall until its demolition in 1989 and has in recent years been used as a council car park.

The council believes redevelopment of the site could open up two railway arches, connect to the nearby Granary Wharf development and link the city centre to a proposed new park on the south bank of the River Aire.

Coun Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member responsible for city development, said: "Sovereign Street is a very exciting part of our vision for the city centre; a prime spot for regeneration with huge potential to attract jobs and investment to that part of the centre.

"We've published this draft document to give as many people as possible the opportunity to tell us what they think about the plans for this area and to open up a debate about how we can deliver the new city centre park."

In December, it emerged that KPMG and Leeds City Council have entered into a nine month agreement with a view to creating a new headquarters for the company on the site.

The council says it is looking for a mix of uses at the site that could include hotels, restaurants, offices, residential and retail.

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Trinity Leeds lettings increase as new phase starts

19th January 2011 - The Business Desk

LAND Securities today said its £350m Trinity Leeds shopping scheme is on target "to be one of the most profitable developments we undertake this cycle" after revealing it is almost 65% let.

The developer said that 45% of the space at the 1m sq ft site had been let, with a further 12% in solicitors' hands and another 8% in negotiations.

Recent lettings include 12,000 sq ft at roof top level to international restaurant operator D&D, which is to open two restaurants at the scheme, which is set to open in 2013.

In a third quarter interim management announcement this morning, Land Securities said: "The scheme continues to attract substantial interest and with two years to completion and moving towards being 65% let, it remains on target to be one of the most profitable developments we undertake this cycle."

The update comes as a new phase of work at the Trinity Leeds shopping centre is set to start.

More than £10m is being invested in the transformation of Albion Street in Leeds, which will include a new glass walkway built above the shops at the northern end of the street.

The redevelopment work includes putting up temporary scaffolding beneath the link bridge at the midway point of Lower Albion Street and the removal of the existing bridge that spans the street.

Demolition works will start in February taking about six weeks and work on the new link bridge will start in the autumn.

Andrew Dudley, head of the project for Land Securities, said: "In the heart of this great city, we are delivering a 1m sq ft destination with a real wow factor. It will become a beacon for retail excellence on both an international and national scale.

"There will inevitably be some disruption, but we will do everything we can to keep this down to a minimum."

Land Securities said this morning that it had continued to execute its strategic plan based on the attractive returns offered by developments, building revenue profit through lettings and recycling assets to reshape its portfolio and open up further opportunities.

It said it had maintained high levels of activity across its London and retail portfolios.

Land Securities' chief executive, Francis Salway, said: "Our focus on executing the plans we laid out for the year is bearing fruit. Having initiated a large development programme, we are delighted to have achieved lettings on a number of projects which will drive both valuation surpluses and income growth.

"We expect a wider range of buying opportunities in 2011, although current flows of capital into the sector mean that bidding may remain competitive.

"The first quarter of 2011 is likely to see mixed news flow around the consumer and the economy, but we expect occupational demand from large corporates to remain steady."

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A new dawn for Leeds city centre living?

December 2010 - Yorkshire Evening Post

The recession may have halted apartment block construction, but more people now turn to the heart of Leeds as they switch from buying to renting.

Rod McPhee found out how demand for city living is now outstripping supply.

Two years ago things looked bleak. Very bleak. The credit crunch was sinking its teeth into the economy and the final nail in the financial coffin, the recession, saw millions of Britons left without a chance of getting a mortgage.

The housing market slumped, and one of the worst sectors hit in Leeds was city living. By 2008 the banks of the River Aire were lined by apartment blocks with hundreds of units up for sale and very few people able to buy.

Fast forward two years and city living is booming. Rental agencies are reporting a huge surge in demand as owners of apartments have quickly switched from trying to sell properties to letting them.

Mike Moon handles city centre lettings at Linley and Simpson in the middle of Leeds. He said: "Two years ago things were in a lull. Because we're the second biggest financial city outside of London there were a lot of job losses, so we found a lot of people had to move out of the city centre or move back with parents.

"But in the last year or so things have really picked up, that lull seems to have passed a little but young couples and younger people who would struggle to get a mortgage at the moment, their only option is to rent really.

"We've had a great 12 months. It's tricky to say exactly because the market is so seasonal but, on average, we'd normally be looking at renting about 30 to 40 properties a month. But in September we let 60 – it was our most successful month since we opened in the city centre five years ago."

But the recession has proved a double edge sword for the city living market. Although it has forced many people to rent, and provided developers with some kind of income, It also stopped the construction of new developments in Leeds.

Lumiere on Wellington Street, Spiracle by the ring road, the Kissing Towers on Sovereign Street and Green Bank off Whitehall Road were due to bring hundreds of new apartments onto the market over the next five to 10 years. Now they've all been scrapped and letting agencies can't get enough properties.

Mike said: "After the massive influx of constructions, very few projects have completed recently, but at the same time more and more people want to rent. We're at the stage now where demand is outstripping supply.

"And at one time a lot of people came into the city centre initially so they could just be close to work or the social scene then move on. But now we have less and less people moving on after a year or two, and more staying on long term. That's another factor which is reducing the supply."

Evidence of this dearth can be found when the Waterside development, sandwiched between the canal, River Aire, the ring road and City Island, was finally put up to let this summer.

Mayfair Developments finished construction of the 183-apartment scheme in 2008 with the intention of selling them. Instead it sat empty for almost two years and was held up by some as an example of how the city living bubble had burst.

But when they were made available it took just three months for them all to be snapped up at a rough cost of between £550 and £900 a month.

Judith Oliver, owner of LS1 property letters said: "Waterside was only standing empty for some period because it was just one of many casualties of what happened at the time. It was nothing to do with people not wanting to live in them, they just couldn't get the finance to buy them.

"It just took some time to make the change from selling them to renting them, but since that's happened the development has filled up very quickly. We manage about 75 per cent of the complex and every single apartment has gone.

"In fact we've always found the rentals market a very strong market, we've grown year on year. But in 2010, in our best month, we were something like 20 per cent up compared to the same period last year.

"Yet, still, there's this perception that there are hundreds of apartments sitting empty around Leeds just looking for people to let them. Well, if that's the case, we'd like to know where they are!"

That's a sentiment echoed by Guy Ackernley partner at Leeds property consultants King Sturge.

"City living can never really win." he said. "The cynics will always throw one or other criticism at it. First they point towards the saturation of the market, then when the market stops growing and rents rise - as we think they now will because of the current situation - they'll point towards apartments as being expensive and out of the reach of ordinary people.

"But city living is here to stay. The rentals market has always been stronger and this year there's no doubt it got stronger.

"People are less transient, they're staying in their flats much longer and the time that flats are left vacant between one person moving out and another moving in can be a day or so. When an apartment becomes vacant we are invariably seeing them snapped up in days.

"As well as seeing rents potentially rise in 2011 we think more people will be in a position to buy. There's already a fairly robust market for buyers. The scheme we represent at Granary Wharf has already shown people can still buy.

"In 2010, just as we came out of a recession, we sold, on average, six apartments a month at Granary Wharf.

"And that's because they are of an improved quality. Before the recession there was an evolution in the quality of city living apartments, but sadly that evolution has stopped because for the next three years at least there will be no new projects coming on line and we wish they were.

"Of course people will point towards that as an example of city living's failure. It isn't. It's purely down to the inability of people to get finance to build these projects.

"Either way, city living does work because the demand is still there. Just look at Leeds now, there are thousands of apartments here and they are all full."

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The success story that is Leeds' Granary Wharf

November 2010

It's one of the few successful Leeds schemes to emerge from the recent recession.

Now it's about to enjoy a boom thanks to one of the few government-funded projects that escaped the spending axe.

Rod McPhee took a look at why the redeveloped Granary Wharf works.

A huge part of the city centre renaissance of the last 15 years has centred around the waterfront. But while various riverside developments showed huge promise, they didn't always deliver.

Which is why Granary Wharf is genuinely outstanding. First of all the developers, Isis, actually completed construction which, in the current climate, is an achievement in itself.

And over the past 15 months they've sold or let almost 60 per cent of the residential offering, moved in a prestigious hotel and are rapidly filling the retail units with independent retailers.

Now that's set to take off further as the Government confirms they'll fund a 15m southern entrance from Leeds Station which is due to open in two years time. This will see an estimated 17,000 people pass through the area daily.

"It's fantastic news," says Toby Hyam, co-managing director of Creative Space Management, one of the companies which Isis enlisted to create an individual offering.

"But we always worked on the scheme on the basis that it may or may not happen. We worked on the principle that we wanted to create something individual down there which would attract people to the Wharf, but also serve the needs of the residents.

"So we didn't target the big multinational names, we specifically went for the independents, something that would make it feel special down there. To be fair, the multinationals probably weren't very interested in a scheme as unusual as ours anyway, but we didn't exactly twist their arm to come here either.

"We were very clear about our ideal, whereas with other schemes like Clarence Dock they seemed to have a very confused strategy."

This policy avoided pitfall number one: creating a clone satellite to the city centre. Instead CSM spent months searching out tenants who they felt offered something which would make Granary Wharf a destination.

Ross Halliday and Jon Baldwin are owners of Out of the Woods in nearby Holbeck Urban Village. They are an upmarket venture selling top quality soups, sandwiches and sweets and next month open their second outlet at the wharf.

"It just has a really great feel to it," says Ross. "It's big, but not too big. It's a little bit out of town but not too far out of town. And although its new, they've used a lot of materials like copper and wood which don't make it feel too corporate or clinical.

Jon added: "We also really liked their ethos of targeting only independent businesses and they couldn't have been more helpful and encouraging in bringing us there.

"They also went to a lot of care in who they selected. So it wasn't just about retailers making sure the wharf was right for them, the developers wanted to make sure that the retailers were right for the wharf."

An existing resident is The Hop. Built under the railway arches, it serves food, real ale and live music at weekends.

"We had targets for when we opened," says co-owner Mike Heaton. "But since we launched in March we've taken something like 60 per cent over those targets.

"We feel we've made a success of the business on our own but the location really helped. We're on a bit of a real ale circuit down here because there's quite a few real ale pubs in the area, which really gets people down here. We just knew it would work.

"But more important than that is the fact that they've tried to create almost a village atmosphere at Granary Wharf and by bringing us in we're almost the village pub."

How have they created a village atmosphere? From the start Isis aimed to ensure the lion's share of its residents were owner-occupiers, thus reducing the transient nature of many city living schemes.

Of the 282 apartments split between Candlehouse, the large cylindrical tower, and Waterman's Place, around 160 have either been sold or let.

And of those purchased about 95 per cent are now homes for the buyers.

So both the businesses and the residents feel they have a vested interest in creating some kind of community. Which is why CSM have also been staging numerous events to enhance that ambience.

This summer they staged five markets at the wharf, and held other one-offs ranging from a giant picnic to sheep-shearing contest. All of which brought in an extra 10,000 visitors.

And potential residents seem to like it.

Nina Barker is senior sales consultant for King Sturge, the agency responsible for selling the apartments.

"On one whole side of Waterman's Place we've sold every apartment bar one. Our target by this stage was to have sold about 100 apartments and we've actually completed on 160.

"And with the south entrance to the station getting the go-ahead we think things will really pick up. The trouble at the moment is some people either don't know we're here or don't know quite how to get here but, obviously that will change with the new entrance. And I think its closeness and visibility from the station will be a big benefit."

But the biggest jubilation comes from City Inn, perhaps the jewel in the crown of Granary Wharf. A large chunk of their trade relies on business travellers coming into Leeds Station and spotting the hotel as they approach from London. In two years they'll virtually be able to step off a platform and into the lobby.

Stephen Turner said: "We actually opened late August of last year under very challenging circumstances and although we were nervous, and the first three months were difficult in terms of room sales, we've done very well since.

"And we like to think that as much as we've been a benefit to Granary Wharf, they've been a benefit to us too. It's a great building and a great location down by the canal. Plus, when the south entrance to the station opens it will just be the ideal spot for us."

Perhaps the biggest draw though is their Skylounge which is the highest bar in Leeds and, on a weekend, regularly pulls in 2,500 visitors. That's a lot of trade passing through the wharf.

Tellingly, during the general election campaign in April it was the City Inn which was chosen as a suitable backdrop for a visit by Gordon Brown, who was then Prime Minister. Even more telling was the fact they used the Skylounge balcony as the place to conduct all his TV interviews.

"It must be the best bar in Leeds." says Stephen. "It's very sexy and the views north and south are just amazing. That helped the wharf and City Inn get people down here initially and raise our profile.

"Interestingly it's been such a success that the City Inn group are now building two new hotels, one in London and one in Amsterdam, and both will incorporate a Skylounge. But I'm pleased to say that ours was the first."

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Interview Edward Duffield and James Barrett, Montague

November 2010

We visit a pair of housemates who are loving their new flat and life in Leeds

When did you move in?
Ed: We moved in on 1st October. I was living in Leeds previously, just down on Clarence Dock. And James was still living in Hull at the time.
James: Yeah, don't hold it against me!
Ed: I basically wanted a change, as the person I was living with moved back to Hull. He didn't really like Leeds that much, although I can't understand why.
James: Hull, Leeds..?
Ed: There's not really a comparison! I've lived there as well for about seven years so I kind of know the place and I would definitely say Leeds over Hull any day of the week.

Is there anything Hull's got that Leeds hasn't?
Ed: [Thinks for a few seconds] The Deep. And that's it! That was always good if you were a bit bored on a weekend, you could always have a potter around.
James: There are better looking women here in Leeds as well by far. I feel like a fat kid in a candy shop.

Are you both from Hull?
Ed: No, I'm originally from Halifax, I moved to Hull for university.
James: I was born in Berlin but I'm actually a southerner, well, I'm like 50-50, I'm half northern half southern. Both my mum and dad are in the armed forces so I lived in Germany, Northern Ireland, Aldershot. Not many childhood friends let's put it that way!

Are you enjoying life at Montague?
Ed: Yeah, it's great. Actually to be honest it's bigger and it's not as expensive as my previous place. The previous place I lived in you didn’t pay for water as it was included, but apart from that it's pretty much the same set-up but the room's bigger, it's all done to a high spec as well. As soon as I saw the place, I was like yeah, I do want this place.

Did you like Clarence Dock as well?
Ed: I liked it, yeah, because it feels a bit like a holiday vibe when you're sat on the balcony there. You get the sun in the afternoon, there's quite a few shops dotted about and it's quite close to town. But for me personally I think this is closer and where I work is closer as well, so it's a quicker journey for me.

Where do you work?
Ed: I work for HBOS. I also do a bit of freelance design in my spare time.
James: I'm hoping to start working for a company shortly but I've just been doing a bit of freelance work myself. There's a lot more work opportunities in Leeds than anywhere else, and especially compared to Hull as well.

What are your favourite bars or restaurants in Leeds?
James: Ed's given me a bit of a guided tour. But the one I like – what was the one we went to that day? The tapas bar...
Ed: Oh, Azucar. And we went to Neon Cactus which is always good.

What's your most treasured possession?
Ed: You go first James because I need a few minutes to think about that!
James: In all honesty, sad as it sounds, I think it'd have to be my iPhone because at the moment, until I can get a laptop, I'm using it for emails, the whole shebang really. That's more important than anything! Football's second.
Ed: I think probably for myself it would be my computer actually. Because it's got pretty much all my life on there. Everything I do and all my artwork and generally communicating with everybody.

What are your plans for the flat?
Ed: We've got a nice new big TV coming soon. We'll get rid of this coffee table; it's not in keeping with the dcor we've got ideas for. I've got a few plans for some of the nice big wall space.
James: We keep on having this dream that we're gonna get one of these old-style arcades, you know, like you get in HMV. Streetfighter or something.
Ed: It might be something to add to the shopping list. I don't know where on earth we'd put it though to be honest! And we're gonna get a dining table as well. So maybe stick it in the hallway!

Who would be your dream house guests?
Ed: Ah that's a good one...
James: For me I'd have to say... I'd have to say Roxanne Pallett.
Ed: Surprise surprise.
James: And probably Jenni Metcalfe.
Ed: That's her from 'Hollyoaks' isn't it. I think I'd be a bit more manly on this one. I'd probably choose Arnold Schwarzenegger because I bet he's got some stories. And probably a mixed martial artist called Anderson Silva. He's a favourite of mine.
James: They won't look good in a thong mate.

Edward and James are renting their flat through Linley & Simpson, 16 Swinegate, LS1 4AG, 0113 246 9295, email city@linleyandsimpson.co.uk

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Blueprint for 20,000 Leeds jobs

September 27th 2010

It is earmarked for a new city centre park and could provide 20,000 new jobs and now people are being urged to have their say over how Leeds's southern gateway should develop.

A masterplan has been drawn up by the council for a key area south of the River Aire.

Over the past year, the council has been working with landowners to develop a long-term vision for the southern end of the city centre, an important gateway to Leeds and a prime location for regeneration, business investment and job creation.

Now people have until October 13 to give their views on the draft Leeds South Bank Planning Statement, which was approved by the council's executive board in July and has now been published for official public consultation.

A final version of the blueprint will then be produced and adopted later this year to guide future development in the area.

Coun Richard Lewis, executive member for city development, said: "It is expected that this area of the city centre, from Victoria Lane to Crown Point Road, is likely to change significantly in the next few years and we want to make sure it does so in a way which creates jobs, attracts investment and builds an attractive environment for all the people of Leeds.

"At the heart of the proposal is the creation of a new city centre park which would be a fantastic new green space for residents and visitors.

"We want the public and all interested parties to look at these proposals and tell us what they think - the public's involvement is crucial to the success of such an important document."

The full planning statement is available from the council's development enquiry centre, at the Leonardo Building, on 2 Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD, call 2224409 to request a copy or email planning@leeds.gov.uk

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Linley & Simpson appointed to let 50 new Waterside apartments in Leeds

August 31st 2010

Linley & Simpson has been appointed to handle the letting of up to 50 new apartments by the Leeds waterfront.

The flats are at Waterside – a new development situated between the Leeds-Liverpool canal and the River Aire – and the first batch of them have just been taken to market by the company's city centre office in Swinegate.

There is a selection of furnished one bed apartments starting from £525 per month; unfurnished two bed apartments from £650 per month; and furnished two bed apartments from £675 per month. Parking spaces can be reserved for an additional £85 per month.

Branch manager Gaynor Barrett said: "We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to let so many apartments.

"They are near to the City Island development, which is perfect for access to the financial area of the city, only a 10 minute walk to the train station or along the canal tow path into the centre.There is excellent access to all the motorway links.

"In the other direction, you have all the benefits of the Cardigan Field leisure area with the large cinema, ten pin bowling and fitness centre."

Linley & Simpson, which has eight offices across Yorkshire, including three serving the thriving Leeds rental market, was recently crowned 'Best Small Letting Chain in the UK' in the industry's top awards scheme, based on customer feedback and satisfaction rates.

Its recently-upgraded Swinegate office can be found opposite the Malmaison Hotel and can be contacted on 0113 246 9295.

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Leeds eyesore to get makeover

August 25th 2010

Plans to transform a Leeds city centre riverside eyesore into a new "urban quarter" have been given the go-ahead.

Developer Gladedale is bidding to spend tens of millions of pounds at the former Yorkshire Chemicals site in Kirkstall Road on the western fringe of the city centre.

They plan to build between 1,000 and 1,400 flats, 20 houses and 31,000 sq m of offices along with local shops, restaurants, pubs and health centre.

Public squares are also included and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge will link to an island on which homes and a nature trail are proposed. The island lies between the River Aire and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Island access for vehicles will be off the Wellington Road industrial estate road. The island will be fully pedestrianised with vehicles taken into a basement car park.

A total of 14 buildings will be built as part of the scheme and 1,382 parking spaces provided.

The council's city centre plans panel backed the scheme and agreed officers could grant outline planning consent once a legal agreement relating to public transport improvements, affordable housing and other issues had been signed.

The outline plan covers access arrangements and the siting of the buildings. Full design details will be included in a later application. The report to the panel said the development could prove to be a catalyst for further investment in the area.

Coun Elizabeth Nash (Lab, City and Hunslet) said: "The sooner this scheme gets the go ahead the better because the area is an eyesore."

Coun Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "he was broadly supportive of the plan and he felt that – unlike Clarence Dock – the development would have plenty of green space."

Coun James Monaghan (Lib Dem, Headingley) said the brownfield site was ideal for development.

Coun Neil Taggart (Lab, Bramley) added: "I hope it actually happens."

Yorkshire Chemicals went into receivership in 2004 and the factory was demolished in 2007.

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LINLEY & SIMPSON UNVEILS NEW-LOOK CITY CENTRE OFFICE IN VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR RENTAL MARKET

LINLEY & Simpson has handed the thriving residential lettings market in Leeds city centre a new vote of confidence – by giving its Swinegate office a major makeover.

The facelift comes as demand for quality properties in and around the city centre continues to soar – ahead of what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for lettings.

Linley & Simpson is Yorkshire’s biggest residential letting specialists and the new-look office is one of eight in a growing network of branches which also include Roundhay, Horsforth, Wetherby, Harrogate, York, Ilkley and Wakefield.

Leeds city centre branch manager Gaynor Barratt said the improvements heralded the start of an exciting new era for the office.

"We have given the branch a modern and striking new look – but the same high levels of customer service remain," she said.

"Since launching in the city centre five years ago, we have seen a year-on-year increase in the number of lets achieved."

"The market remains very strong and the investment we have made in revamping the office, harnessing the latest technology, and taking on extra staff members is a clear signal of our confidence in its future."

"The appeal of letting over buying continues to gather pace, and the attraction of living in Leeds – which tops so many polls for being the UK's best city - shows no signs of abating. It's a winning formula for so many."

The lure of 'the Leeds experience' is shared by many tenants - including the regular influx of graduates taking their first step on the career ladder, and other young professionals and relocating businessmen and women.

Fewer empty properties are coming to market in the city centre as some tenants are staying longer. However, Linley & Simpson boasts the biggest market share of available properties in the city centre, ensuring a choice of homes for tenants.

However, as the peak summer time approaches, this is likely to change as demand threatens to outstrip supply in some key developments - especially with continuing difficulties in obtaining a mortgage.

The office adds an extra dimension for both clients and landlords by linking in to a shared database across the Linley & Simpson network. Currently, it hosts a record 2,000 potential tenants awaiting properties.

As part of its ongoing programme of improvements to customers, the relaunch of the Leeds city centre office coincides with the unveiling of Linley & Simpson’s new look website which customers can access via a touch-screen.

Linley & Simpson's office at 16 Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG can be found opposite the Malmaison Hotel. Telephone 0113 246 9295. Email city@linleyandsimpson.co.uk

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Redevelopment plans will breathe new life into Eastgate

August 2010 - www.eastgateleeds.co.uk

Barely a fortnight ago, we were celebrating news of the Trinity Quarter shopping centre renovations getting back on track. Now, we're positively thrilled to report that Eastgate Quarters will be given similar treatment as a revised multi-million pound redevelopment plan is in the works, led by property developer and European real estate company Hammerson. Leeds council has been working with Hammerson over the past year to improve their original retail centre scheme - which would bring 4,000 new jobs to Leeds.

The Eastgate and adjoining Kirkgate Market areas especially would benefit from the new 1 million sq ft shopping centre. Anchor tenants of the proposed shopping centre include Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, meanwhile many other shops would focus especially on young customers through supply of "aspirational fashion", said Hammerson developers.

Construction of cafes and casual restaurants will also be included in the redevelopment plan, scheduled to be submitted to Leeds council by the end of this year. Initial plans to redevelop Eastgate, which currently serves as a large car park near the city centre, were halted abruptly last year due to the nationwide economic crisis.

Originally, the forthcoming retail centre was scheduled for completion in 2012, but that deadline has since been extended. Now that the economy is showing signs of recovery and the redevelopment project is likely to be given the go-ahead, Leeds can expect both a huge economic boost and an improved reputation as a result of Eastgate Quarters. Director of policy at Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Ian Williams told the Guardian Leeds: "The wealth created through this development will ripple throughout the city and I am hopeful that other significant regeneration projects will follow as a result."

Combined with news of the re-launched Trinity Quarter construction set to finish in 2013, Eastgate Quarters represents "a clear sign of confidence in the Leeds market", Williams said. The two developments will bring approximately 2 million sq ft of retail property and 8,000 jobs to the city - both of which are undeniably valuable additions - but Leeds lovers are concerned about big businesses choking out independent talent and creative flair in the city centre. John Baron of the Guardian cites the 2007 Corn Exchange restoration which snuffed out many independent businesses as an example of what may be in store. "What Leeds needs to find is its independent spirit. To foster local talent and enterprise," Baron said in his Leeds blog on the Guardian website. "Big shopping malls are great - but they can't be all that Leeds has to offer... let's not forget that Leeds as a shopping destination still needs soul and character."

Though Eastgate Quarters is likely to primarily house an assortment of pervasive brands and be fairly mainstream in its shopping selection, its value with regards to Leeds as a whole should not be underestimated.

Indeed, though Eastgate Quarters may not mean much for Leeds' cultural identity other than reinforcing its retail value, it means quite a bit for the people of Leeds and its economic status. Williams categorised the Eastgate development as "a vital regeneration project" capable of breathing new life into a neglected part of town currently being used for more than 1,000 parking spaces. Next time you're in the area, take a look around Eastgate's car parks and imagine offices, retail space, statement architecture and improved public space in their place. Do you think it'd be a good use of space?

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Leeds city centre: £200,000 for Victoria Gardens revamp

August 2010

Plans have been revealed for the refurbishment of one of the best known public spaces in Leeds city centre.

Environmental charity Groundwork Leeds wants to make a number of changes to Victoria Gardens, the paved area on the Headrow in front of Leeds Central Library, Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute.

And although the site is owned by the city council, Groundwork Leeds says the £200,000 cost of the revamp will be met using sponsorship from Marks & Spencer.

According to a newly-released council report on the charity's application for planning permission for the scheme, proposals include:

• The replacement of damaged Yorkstone surfacing;
• New seating, bins and information panels;
• Repairs and clean-up work for the art gallery steps;
• Planting 26 London plane trees as well as snowdrop and crocus bulbs in the site's existing stone containers;
• The installation of dozens of uplighters to illuminate the new trees.

The area's war memorials would be unaffected by the refurbishment scheme, which would be carried out using as much recycled and locally-sourced material as possible.

Groundwork Leeds's executive director, Adrian Curtis, said: "Victoria Gardens is an important and popular site and we are really pleased to be working with M&S... to create an improved community space.

"Doing this in a way that promotes sustainability is a particularly exciting challenge."

Council officers have recommended that the planning application be approved.

In the report on the application, they say: "The proposed refurbishment of this important, but tired, civic space will... provide an area that can be enjoyed and accessed by all."

Councillors are due to discuss the recommendations of their officers at a meeting at Leeds Civic Hall next Thursday.

Victoria Gardens came into being after the demolition of a cluster of Victorian buildings on the site in the 1930s.

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Holbeck in green regeneration scheme

August 2010

Derelict land that blighted key areas of inner city Leeds have been transformed into a green corridor as part of an ambitious regeneration scheme.

Holbeck Urban Village and Holbeck are close to Leeds city centre and have strong ties to the city's industrial past.

But that heritage left an unwanted legacy, pockets of wasteland close to the regeneration area.

Now, through a council project, neglected sites have been transformed into areas with wildflower meadows, fruit trees and landscaping to create a green corridor connecting Beeston and Holbeck to the city centre.

The Holbeck Green Corridor Project has attracted national attention and is to be featured in a new BBC programme on the importance of flowers to the environment and bio-diversity.

Many groups including Holbeck in Bloom, Holbeck Elderly Aid, the Cupboard Youth Project and Ingram Road Primary School have all been involved in the development of the project.

Further improvements to the area are being proposed and will be consulted on over the coming months.

The green corridor project is one piece of the jigsaw in the work to regenerate Beeston, Holbeck and Hunslet. Beeston Hill now has a new community enterprise centre and an innovative low carbon housing development is on the way.

Coun Richard Lewis, the council's executive member for city development, said: "This is a hugely successful project and we are delighted that it is now attracting national interest. It provides precious green space for children and residents to enjoy and is a wonderful way to encourage greater bio-diversity in our urban areas."

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Leeds city centre developers submit new plans

August 2010

Signs that the green shoots of economic recovery are taking root in Leeds have emerged with developers submitting new plans for major city centre schemes.

Property company MEPC has put forward proposals for the next phase of its Wellington Place scheme off Wellington Street and Whitehall Road.

And Hammerson has announced it will later this year bring forward revised plans for the flagship Eastgate-Harewood Quarter development that will include a John Lewis department store and Marks and Spencer.

The latest applications come as Land Securities prepares to re-start work on the Trinity scheme bordered by Briggate, Boar Lane, Commercial Street and Albion Street that was put on hold because of the economic downturn.

While acknowledging that activity in the Leeds property market still remained low, a recent council report noted there had been an upturn in pre-application inquiries to the planning department.

MEPC has submitted two applications to the council for two more office blocks to be built at Wellington Place.

Andrew Barlow, managing director for the development, said: "We have submitted planning applications for Number 3 and Number 10 Wellington Place and are building on our success of the first quarter of 2010.

"We feel positive about the future expansion of Wellington Place and our recent £1m investment into the greening of the site demonstrates our commitment to its continued growth and to the city of Leeds."

The company has created community facilities on the site - including a football pitch and allotments - while development work has been on hold.

MEPC recently completed a deal to sell Benson House, which is located on Wellington Street and is occupied by accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and law firm Ward Hadaway, to Lancashire County Pension Fund for £20m.

The Eastgate scheme is expected to create 4,000 jobs and Hammerson has reviewed its proposals taking into account the impact of the recession.

According to the company, the review indicated there was a "strong retail appetite for aspirational fashion encompassing youth fashion brands and high street favourites."

The scheme is also expected to include a catering quarter offering a wide range ranging from a quick lunchtime snack to an evening meal.

A public exhibition setting out details of the new scheme is expected in the autumn.

Andrew Hilston, project director, said: "A regeneration project of this scale has the potential to truly transform this part of the city. We are committed to our vision for Eastgate Quarter which will deliver high quality retail space, offices, statement architecture and outstanding public realm."

Leeds has a number of vacant city centre sites awaiting key developments.

They include:

• Lumiere in Welling Street - preliminary work on two huge glass and steel skyscrapers has been halted because of the slump
• Leeds International Pool - now demolished and the council is to use the site as a temporary car park. Plans for The Spiracle, a 24-storey residential tower fell victim to the credit crunch
• Sovereign Street - development plans on hold and the council has discussed the idea of creating a park on the site.

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More greenery in the city

August 2010

With the economic crisis still looming, new city regeneration plans may seem unlikely. However, the current climate may at least represent an opportunity to take stock on the future direction of the city and to ensure that any new developments are focused on long-term sustainability.

With that in mind, Leeds City Council has announced plans for a huge regeneration project covering the southern edge of the city centre. The targeted zone, which spans a large area of Victoria Road, the Tetley Brewery, Crown Point Road, Sovereign Street and part of the River Aire, has the potential to be a fantastic new development for what councillors refer to as the "gateway" to the city. Encouragingly, the rejuvenation plans for the area aim to enrich all aspects of city life, be it work and home life or for people who are visiting the city.

A new city centre park is what council officials are proposing, with an expanse of green space to improve the attractiveness of the area. Councillors intend for the park to increase the influx of visitors to Leeds and subsequently generate demand for new businesses, with the estimate that over 20,000 new jobs could be created. The regeneration aims to add perks to the lives of city centre residents – not least the fact that a luscious green space would no doubt be a bonus for city dwellers as a space of tranquillity aside from the hustle and bustle of a busy city centre, but without the need to head out to the suburbs.

Aside from the money-making aspects of the plans, the city centre park would bring obvious environmental benefits. The proposal is part of a long-term vision for Leeds, and the proposed project would also help to combat flood risk, according to a council report. As council leader Keith Wakefield states, the regeneration plans could serve as a “catalyst” for the future development of the city and for improved links between the south bank and the city centre.

If the plans are agreed by the council's executive board, the next stage is a three month public consultation in regards to all aspects of the regeneration proposal. If given the go-ahead, the final planning statement would then be agreed at a later date this year. With councillors wanting the development to rival the best parks in Europe, the city has got its work cut out. However, with scenic landscapes, more jobs, a busier city and plans for Leeds to cement its place as a regional capital, the city’s future is certainly looking bright - and a whole lot greener.

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Leeds Buildings Dominate Architecture Awards Shortlist

August 2010 - Leeds Guide

The White Rose Awards pick some of Leeds' best buildings for their architecture awards

Some of the most innovative buildings in Leeds city centre have received recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architecture (RIBA) Yorkshire White Rose Awards, with an impressive six projects making the 2010 nominations shortlist.

The RIBA Yorkshire White Rose Awards celebrate excellence in contemporary architecture, and highlight the importance of high quality urban design to the city and the economic region. Established in 1986, the awards recognise achievement in sustainability, conservation, small projects, interiors and landscaping, in addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for architecture. The competition also includes Building of the Year and Client of the Year awards, and this year will recognise merit in housing for the first time.

Leeds Metropolitan's Broadcasting Place and the low carbon Greenhouse project are amongst the landmarks included in the 19 nominations. Granary Wharf alone secured four nominations, with Candle House, City Inn hotel, Waterman's Place and the wider Granary Wharf development all making the shortlist.

Emma England, Regional Director of RIBA Yorkshire commended the nominees, saying: "The 2010 shortlist is strengthened by several large developments reaching completion, particularly in Leeds, adding outstanding modern buildings to Yorkshire’s ever developing sky-line and waterfronts."

The RIBA Yorkshire White Rose Awards will be announced at Sheffield City Hall on Friday 26th November.

Broadcasting Place
Opened in summer 2009, the Leeds Metropolitan University building won 'Best New Building' in the Leeds Architecture Awards 2010. Cladded in the same material as the Angel of the North, its surface will weather to a dark red colour over time.

Candle House
Part of the Granary Wharf development, this 23 storey cylindrical tower is named after the candle and tallow packaging warehouses that formerly comprised the area.

City Inn
Leeds' largest hotel incorporates a 'sky' bar offering 360 degree views of the city, and is situated at the heart of Granary Wharf.

Granary Wharf
The landscaping of the Leeds' Canal Basin development was designed with full consideration to the heritage conditions of the two acre site, including the effect on listed buildings.

The Greenhouse
Developed with sustainability in mind, the design and building methods used for The Greenhouse promise to save the average resident around £600 a year in energy bills.

Waterman's Place
The inventive 'step' designed residential block is decked in a copper and cedar exterior. The building also includes rooftop gardens with some apartments and a private residents' terrace.

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August start for £590m Trinity Leeds development

July 2010

THE UK's biggest landlord Land Securities has revealed that construction work on the £590m Trinity Leeds shopping complex will begin next month bringing an economic boost to the city.

The 750,000 sq ft development will now go ahead after the company successfully pre-let 43% of the scheme while another 4% is in solicitors' hands.

It will have a total of 120 retail units and create employment for up to 1,000 workers during the construction phase and employ an estimated 3,000 retail staff when it opens in Spring 2013.

Trinity Leeds will be anchored by Marks & Spencer, Bhs and Boots and include flagship stores for River Island, TopShop/TopMan, H&M and Next.

It is also expected to be home to numerous international companies and other premier British brands including Holister and Cult - both of which will be new to Leeds.

Land Securities portfolio director Gerald Jennings, said that it is the first major retail-led development in the UK to receive the go-ahead since the credit crunch.

He said: "Having achieved our lettings threshold, we are proceeding with confidence on the construction phase.

"During the temporary pause of on-site activity, our leasing team has been working tirelessly to ensure that we have the right mix of high quality retailers and leisure operators for the prime location that Trinity Leeds occupies.

"Our design team has also been very busy during the pause making further enhancements to the plans, including proposals for an additional roof-top restaurant situated next to Holy Trinity Church which, we believe, will be of mutual benefit to the church and its renowned arts@trinity project.

"The restaurant will provide breathtaking views over the Grade 1 Listed church and also into the heart of our scheme.

"While adding to the stylish café and restaurant quarter we're creating in this area of Leeds - with operators including Carluccio's and YO! Sushi - all of which will help to extend the city's night-time economy."

Leeds City Council leader Councillor Keith Wakefield, said: "This is excellent news for Leeds, both in terms of the jobs being created and the major enhancement that the scheme will bring to the city centre and its shopping and leisure offer.

"With continuing economic uncertainty affecting regional centres across the country, resumption of work on the Trinity Leeds development comes as a timely vote of confidence in our city."

Appointed agents for Trinity Leeds are Central Retail, Cushman and Wakefield, Jones Lang LaSalle and Shelley Sandzer.

Ian Williams, director of policy at Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is fantastic news for Leeds and something which the business community have been supportive of throughout. It is a massive boost for the city and the local construction industry.

"The development will bring huge economic benefits to Leeds and will help confirm the city's positioning as a leading retail destination.

"With work starting on Trinity Leeds in August and on the Arena in September, it shows that confidence in Leeds is re-emerging. I believe that it is a sign of good things to come."

Lans Securities has also revealed in its first quarter interim management statement that in June, forward sold Park House, in central London, to Barwa for a total consideration of £250m.

Its other London development are "proceeding to programme" while it also achieved £4.6m of development lettings in the period, with a further £3.8m in solicitors' hands.

It also sold the N1 shopping centre in Islington, jointly owned with Delancey, for £111.7m while purchasing the O2 Centre, Finchley Road, in North West London, from the Matterhorn Palos Partnership, for £125.9m.

In May, it also bought a 50% stake in the Westgate Centre, Oxford from The Crown Estate for just over £28m.

Until the end of June, its net borrowings - including joint ventures - amounted to £4,405.6m (March 31, 2010: £4,201m).

In June, the company also took advantage of market conditions to purchase £253.8m of the outstanding £300m bonds due in 2013.

The purchase was funded through drawing bank facilities, thus converting fixed-rate debt into floating rate debt and increasing the flexibility of its borrowings.

The company will also make its first interim dividend payment for the current financial year of 7p per share.

Land Securities has also announced that investment banker Simon Palley will join the board as a non-executive director on 1 August.

Its pre-tax profits for the year ended March 31 fell from £4.8bn for the same period last year to £1bn.

Revenue was £251.8m down 20% from £314.9m. The firm achieved £58m in lettings over the period.

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Green light for £30m Holbeck scheme

A £30m mixed-use development which will further transform an area of a Yorkshire city which has become a hub of regeneration has been given planning permission.

Ace Investments has been given the green light for the scheme, which will include office and leisure accommodation together with a multi-storey car park, in Leeds, close to Holbeck Urban Village.

Located at the junction of Sweet Street and Marshall Street, the site presently contains light industrial units.

Leeds practice DLG Architects designed the scheme on behalf of Ace Investments.

The development proposals include 90,000 sq ft of office accommodation split into two blocks of five storeys and a 600 space multi-storey car park that includes a large health and fitness gym.

The scheme will also include an urban park in the centre of the development.

Andrew Gardner, partner at DLG Architects, said: "It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage in difficult times, so we are extremely pleased to receive approval for our plans. It will unlock the development potential of this key site and be a real boost for Holbeck Urban Village.

"There are a number of planning consents in existence for sites in close proximity to this one and we believe the multi-storey car park is an important element of the area's regeneration.

"We have been supported by a number of existing businesses in Holbeck that all share the view that providing safe secure parking will encourage more business into the area and help eliminate much of the illegal street parking."

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Jamie Oliver: Chef to open £1m Leeds restaurant

20 April 2010 - By Debbie Leigh

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is opening a £1m restaurant in Leeds.

Just over a year after plans for a Fifteen restaurant in the city were binned, the campaigning cook once known as "the naked chef" is set to open Jamie's Italian on Park Row.

And as well as bringing some celebrity stardust to Leeds the city-centre bistro is also providing a huge jobs boost.

The eaterie, scheduled to start serving around May 10, has taken on between 85 and 100 staff, all from the local area, including 28 chefs and around 30 waiting staff.

A Jamie's Italian spokesperson said: "Leeds is a fantastic foodie city and it's a superb choice for the first Jamie's Italian in the north of England."

He said more than £1m had been spent refurbishing the property but all the period features had been retained "because it's a beautiful old building".

But anyone getting their hopes up at the thought of meeting the talented chef in person is likely to be disappointed.

A spokesperson said the TV star usually visits the eateries to meet staff "but he tends to arrive quietly and leave quietly".

The celebrity chef travelled around Italy in his TV series Jamie's Great Escape and was so inspired by the country's cuisine, he has opened a group of "neighbourhood" restaurants, called Jamie's Italian.

They are described as "offering authentic, affordable and great quality Italian food on the high street".

The first launched in Oxford in 2008 and there are now several around the country, including Cardiff, Canary Wharf and Brighton, with outlets also set to open in Covent Garden, Glasgow and Liverpool this summer.

The Leeds branch will have around 240 covers, plus outside seating for summer, with main courses costing between £9.95 and £16.95.

Ian Goldman, chairman of Leeds Restaurant Association said: "We are thrilled that Jamie Oliver has chosen Leeds for the first northern branch of Jamie's Italian restaurant.

"Leeds is a thriving and vibrant city with an already strong restaurant industry and some fantastic food outlets, and this will help further the profile of Leeds and increase the numbers of national and international visitors to the city."

The city's top-class restaurants include Brasserie Blanc, belonging to fellow celebrity chef Raymond Blanc, who came to Leeds for its grand opening in September 2007.

Mouths had been watering in anticipation among the city's many gourmands when a business plan to open social enterprise brasserie Fifteen at Granary Wharf was agreed in 2008.

But last February The Fifteen Foundation – the charity set up by Oliver to train disadvantaged young people as chefs – said it was no longer going ahead with the £1m scheme because of the financial crisis, which meant it had failed to raise the cash needed from Yorkshire firms to get it off the ground.

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Leeds city centre living back on the up

19 April 2010 - By Peter Lazenby

Residential development in Leeds city centre ground to a halt in the recession.

But homes in the heart of the city are still hot property. Peter Lazenby reports.

When the western world's economy nose-dived, Britain's construction industry hit the buffers.

The industry is traditionally a harbinger of economic boom or bust, but this time it was a later victim as internationally-renowned banks went to the wall and the funding to keep developments on track dried up.

Leeds, with one of the fastest-developing city centres in the country, bore its share of the suffering.

In recent years Leeds city centre has seen three main types of development – retail, office and residential. The effect of the crash on residential development in the city was particularly dramatic.

Up to 2007 it enjoyed an unprecedented building boom. By autumn of 2007, planning permission had been granted for more than 30 schemes involving 9,920 residences concentrated in an area roughly bounded by Clarence Dock, Richmond Hill, Mabgate, Lincoln Green, Little Woodhouse and Wellington Bridge.

The projects would have seen the continuing development of a "city village" in the heart of Leeds – an ambition promoted by Leeds City Council for over a decade for the establishment of a residential community in the city centre.

Then came the recession.

Initially, the unreliability of share investments led to a surge of money into property – which was deemed to be 'safe'.

But with the drying up of funds, plummeting land prices, rising unemployment, and loss of buyers due to increasing uncertainty about the future of property prices, not a brick has been laid in most of the planned projects.

Only two schemes are likely to be completed over the next five years, involving 600 to 700 flats or apartments.

The freeze on development has, of course, been mainly bad news, with the loss of hundreds of construction workers' jobs in Leeds, and with hundreds more failing to materialise as plans were put on hold.

But one knock-on effect has actually been positive – the stabilisation of the city centre residential market which at one stage in the building boom was in danger of becoming saturated with newly-completed, unoccupied flats and apartments.

The glut of residences being built reached a point where Leeds was reported to be the 'empty flats' capital of the North, as newly-completed developments stood empty and at the same time hundreds more flats and apartments were in the pipeline.

One effect of the glut was to freeze and even lower prices and rents.

Sale values dipped from the fourth quarter of 2007. But in 2009 they stabilised. By this time many new projects had been abandoned.

Now a study involving the University of Leeds has shown that the 'empty flats' reputation is fading. A revival in the city centre residential market appears to be underway.

The study revealed an occupancy rate of more than 92 per cent of more than 3,000 city centre properties controlled by the major agencies in the city.

The University of Leeds worked on the study with property agents operating in the city centre – Knight Frank, Morgans City Living, King Sturge, Savills and Allsop.

Rachael Unsworth from the university said: "The research reveals that the market has contradictory features: there are high levels of occupancy in city centre apartments, yet development is at a standstill."

The report points to the need for a more gradual level of development of new residential properties in and around the city centre, rather than the frenzy of building which lasted until late 2007.

It also wants to see greater co-operation between the public and private sectors, and a broadening of the types of homes being built.

"This collaborative survey corrects some misapprehensions about the Leeds market," said Rachael Unsworth.

"There has been great co-operation between the agents in drawing together the evidence and interpreting it.

"Now there should be co-operation between the public and private sectors to ensure that the next phase of development is as coherent as possible, creating environmentally-sound buildings in pleasant settings which appeal to occupiers for the longer term."

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PAY-as-you-go car business City Car Club, which bought Yorkshire car rental company WhizzGo, is planning to increase its fleet after a £1.8m funding boost.

Monday 12th April 2010

The business, which is headquartered in Leeds after moving from Huddersfield, is looking to grow its 500 strong vehicle fleet to 750 and increase its membership from 16,000 to 25,000 by 2011.

City Car Club bought Leeds-based WhizzGo last September, giving WhizzGo's members access to a network of cars across numerous UK cities.

The new investment for City Car Club has been raised from existing private investors and consists of £1.2m of new finance and the conversion of £600,000 of loan notes.

The cash injection will also cover costs associated with the acquisition of WhizzGo.

Managing director James Finlayson said the group had seen a 90% growth in membership in the past 12 months, with the recession helping as people looked to save cash.

City Car Club has its largest operation in London and also highly successful and growing operations in Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Brighton, Bristol and seven other cities, including Sheffield and York.

The club is also opening up new operations in Cardiff and Glasgow later this year.

City Car Club, which also operates a pay-as-you-go rental scheme, launched in Huddersfield last June.

Its head office employs 20 people and the business has 40 staff in total.

Established in 2001, City Car Club has seen an expansion in its membership base as people look to rent cars to use instead of buying them and try to improve their green credentials.

Members of the club have 24-hour access to cars which are parked on the street in convenient locations and can be booked by the hour by both residents and business.

Mr Finlayson, City Car Club's largest shareholder, said: "Our strategic acquisition of WhizzGo, combined with a 90% growth in membership over the course of the last 12 months, meant we needed additional funding to keep up with demand."

The car club gives its members access to locally parked cars that can be booked online or over the phone for less than £5-an-hour. It is seen as a cost effective and greener alternative to owning a car.

Mr Finlayson added: "Membership of City Car Club saves our members an average of £1,800 each year and the downturn has really made people think twice about car ownership.

"A large reason for our growth has come from demand from businesses to reduce their transport costs as well as reducing their carbon footprint. Membership to a car club delivers on both fronts.

"This is a business concept that has been ahead of its time and is also very capital intensive meaning a relatively slow burn to profitability. It has been all about securing long term parking partnerships with city councils, getting to critical mass and getting the right ratio of members to cars to maximise revenue per car.

"We have now done much of the hard work and are all certainly looking forward to reaching profitability later in the year."

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Lumiere, the twin-tower skyscraper planned for Wellington Street, has hit another setback.

Wednesday 17th March 2010

The latest twist in the ongoing saga means that the important city centre site, located in the financial district a mere stroll away from the train station, is still nothing more than a gaping chasm - and no-one quite knows what its future holds.

Formal permission for the development with towers of 54 storeys and 32 storeys was originally granted by Leeds City Council back in 2007 and work on the foundations began. An amended planning application was then submitted in 2008 by co-developers KW Linfoot and Frasers Ventures, detailing various proposed changes including an additional storey on each tower to make room for 114 extra apartments; these amended plans were approved in principle, but only on the basis that a number of conditions would be met, such as the need to provide a certain proportion of affordable housing. The developers are yet to sign up to those conditions - and council officials have now refused permission for the amended plans. In an added twist, KW Linfoot went into administration last year, leaving its development partners to take over responsibility for the scheme.

Frustratingly for the people who live and work in the locality of what is presently an eyesore, this latest decision neither draws a line under Lumiere nor does it compel it to go ahead. The approval of the original planning application still remains in place, so in theory the developers could still proceed with it - although it remains to be seen whether they will choose to do so. In the meantime, an important avenue into the city centre remains spoiled by an unsightly gaping hole.

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Images of new world class arena unveiled

Wednesday 17th March 2010

STUNNING new images showing how the new Leeds Arena will look have been unveiled at MIPIM.

The 'super theatre' design, which guarantees every seat in the house enjoys perfect sightlines, is a first for the UK and will see the 13,500 capacity arena set a new benchmark in arena design.

The Leeds Arena is the focus for the city of Leeds at MIPIM 2010, with delegates at the world's biggest property and investment conference invited to meet the design team, developer and operator for the new 13,500 capacity Leeds Arena and find out about associated development opportunities.

A world beating team has been assembled to work on the arena, scheduled to open in 2012.

SMG Europe, a world leader in the operation of indoor arenas which also operates Manchester's MEN Arena, has signed a 25-year lease on the new entertainment space which will be its flagship venue.

The arena will be developed by Leeds City Council with support from Jacobs, its strategic partner for the design and delivery of major construction and infrastructure projects.

Jacobs is one of the world's largest providers of building and construction services and is leading on the design of the arena as well as the refurbishment of Leeds City Varieties and the design of new Northern Ballet Dance theatre.

Global design practice Populous is supporting Jacobs in the design of the new arena. With a portfolio that includes the New Wembley, Arsenal's Emirates stadium, London's O2 and Dublin arena in portfolio, Populous is a recognised leader in the design of arenas and sporting venues.

Davis Langdon, one of the world's most experienced construction consultancies, has been appointed as quantity surveyor and employer's agent for the arena to ensure the project is delivered to schedule and within budget.

An outline planning application was submitted in November 2009, and a decision on that is expected shortly. The council is also close to announcing the preferred contractor to build the arena, with construction on course to start by the end of the year.

Detailed design work on the internal configuration of the arena is already at an advanced stage and features a unique 'super theatre' where the seats fan out from the stage. This guarantees that every seat enjoys perfect sightlines of centre stage with 68m the longest distance from the stage as opposed to 90-95m at a conventional arena. SMG will also seek to enter into a naming rights agreement with an organisation to sponsor the pioneering arena.

John Sutherland, managing director of SMG Europe, said: "This is a 'next generation' venue and the design will be the first of its kind in the UK. We expect the vast majority of shows to be live music and family entertainment events but it has in-built flexibility to allow a range of sports as well."

Jean Dent, Leeds City Council's director of city development said: "The new arena will have a huge impact in raising the profile of Leeds and the surrounding city region both nationally and on the European stage. Studies show there is massive untapped demand for a facility of this kind and it will have a huge impact on the economy and physical regeneration of the city."

According to economic impact assessments, development of the arena will provide a boost of up to £25m a year for the economy and create up to 500 new jobs once it opens in addition to 500 construction jobs. The city centre arena is expected to generate more than 1 million visitors a year.

Future development opportunities on the site will be brought to the market at a future date with two potential plots of 1,010 sq m (0.25 acres) and a plot of 790 sq m (0.195 acres). The aspiration is to create an integrated, vibrant destination for public use all year round.

The arena will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the city's Northern Quarter including the reinvigoration of the Merrion Centre's retail and leisure offer and the development of a four star hotel at Portland Crescent by Oxford Hotels.

Leeds property company Town Centre Securities, which owns the Merrion Centre, is redeveloping it as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment programme.

Landscape architects and urban design specialists Whitelaw Turkington have been commissioned to design the new public space around the arena by Jacobs.

Leeds civic architect John Thorp said: "The design team, the council as developer and the operator SMG Europe are committed to achieving a new benchmark in environmental design both in terms of public space around the arena and how it works as an entertainment venue.

"It is vital that the arena is integrated into the city centre both in terms of public space and as part of the city's leisure economy. Alongside other flagship developments such as the Trinity Leeds retail development by Land Securities, the arena will be a major attraction that will underscore the position of Leeds as one of the UK's leading cities."

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Leeds City Region set to promote itself to the world

Monday 15th March 2010

REPRESENTATIVES from Yorkshire local authorities will fly out to France today as they look to promote the Leeds City Region at the world's largest property fair.

For the first time councils from Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees have come together to sell the benefits of not just one city, but the wider city region at the annual Marché International des Professionnels d'Immobilier (MIPIM) in Cannes in the South of France.

Thousands of delegates will be attracted to the annual event including developers, financiers, surveyors and property consultants as well as public sector agencies looking for inward investment.

The Leeds City Region is expected to make a series of key announcements about major property developments this week including the latest plans for the Leeds Arena, the Tower Works in Holbeck in Leeds, the City Park and Learning Quarter in Bradford, the masterplan for the regeneration of Halifax town centre and the new Hepworth Art Gallery in Wakefield.

The Leeds City Region will host a major breakfast event on Wednesday in which Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, will join key figures from Yorkshire local authorities and the property sector to debate the merits of city regions.

In previous years, public sector bodies representing different towns and cities from the region have attended MIPIM individually but this year Leeds and Bradford, together with the districts of Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, will attend under the 'Leeds City Region: Growing and Going Together' banner.

The collaboration follows a partnership between Leeds and Bradford at MIPIM 2009 and the granting of Leeds City Region status by central government last year.

TheBusinessDesk.com will work with Leeds City Region at MIPIM as media partner.

The Leeds City Region is part of a Government programme which will give the region new controls on areas including housing, regeneration, transport and economic development.

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Hat-trick of new shops for Leeds Corn Exchange

Saturday 13th March 2010

Bosses at the Leeds Corn Exchange today hailed a hat-trick of new stores as proof of a bright future for the historic shopping hall.

The multi-occupancy city centre building has been struggling to attract tenants in the wake of a £1.5m refurbishment.

But now its management firm, Threadneedle, has announced that three independent retailers will be setting up shop in the Corn Exchange this spring.

They are fashion store All American Vintage, shoe business Russo Italia and Primo's, a 'concept cafe' selling gourmet hot dogs, coffee and ice cream.

An as-yet-unnamed fashion brand is also said to be in "advanced discussions" about moving to the Grade I listed building.

Threadneedle asset manager Keith Butcher said: "We are delighted to welcome these retailers. Their arrival is a strong sign that confidence is returning to the retail market.

"Leeds Corn Exchange is being recognised as a truly special location and we look forward to making further announcements soon."

Today's news comes nearly two and a half years after plans were unveiled to turn the newly-renovated Corn Exchange into a high-class food emporium.

Traders selling a wide range of goods were controversially given their marching orders as part of the site's planned reinvention.

Top chef Anthony Flinn subsequently took over the building's 13,200 sq ft basement for his Piazza restaurant venture – but its two other floors remained empty as recently as the start of last year.

Threadneedle then decided to reopen its doors to non-food retailers, a change of heart which has seen three units being taken up by jewellery specialist Outrage and fashion names Dawn Stretton and The Hidden Wardrobe.

Dating back to the 1860s, the Corn Exchange is owned by Leeds City Council but leased on a long-term basis by the property arm of Zurich Assurance.

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The latest landmark on a Yorkshire city's skyline has been launched to the public.

Friday 12th March 2010

Twenty-one storey cylindrical residential building Candle House in Leeds has been developed by ISIS Waterside Regeneration.

Designed by CareyJones Architects, a launch event for the public last night marked the completion of the final stage of development at Granary Wharf, which has undergone a £90m facelift at the hands of ISIS Waterside Regeneration and includes the new City Inn hotel.

The building incorporates a roof-top terrace which is 75m above the ground.

The decked garden features large glass windows surrounding the circumference of the circular space.

Candle House includes 160 apartments ranging from studio to one and two bedroom properties. Prices range from £99,950 for a studio apartment to £199,950 for a two-bedroom apartment.

Eligible buyers can benefit from the government backed HomeBuy Direct scheme at both Granary Wharf properties, Candle House and Waterman's Place.

Mark Howe, of ISIS, said: "The design of the building gave us some hurdles to overcome both in the planning and development of Candle House, but from the moment John (Thorpe, Leeds civic architect) suggested a circular building, the entire team agreed that this was definitely the way to maximise the use of this striking waterside location."

The first two stages of development at Granary Wharf completed last year, including City Inn, Leeds's newest hotel which launched last September.

The development also will benefit from a new live music and real ale venue, The Hop, due to launch on March 26 which will be the first Leeds venture for Yorkshire-based Ossett Brewery.

Future plans for the area include a series of events and markets to be announced in April, which will animate the public realm throughout the summer.

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Top Yorkshire building projects compete for 'Oscars'

Wednesday 10th March 2010

THE region's most impressive buildings and property schemes are set to battle it out for major honours after making it on to the shortlist of the 2010 RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards.

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) received a record number of entries for the awards, which are regarded as the region's property 'Oscars'.

After initial judging, 45 schemes have made it to the grade and on to the shortlist, where they are now in with a chance of winning one of the eight prestigious property gongs which are awarded to the region’s most inspirational initiatives in the property and construction sectors.

A whole host of innovative projects spanning all areas of the region have been submitted including Wakefield, Hull, Halifax, Sheffield, Harrogate, Leeds and York, with nominations ranging from small-scale schemes built by the vision and persistence of one person, through to multi-million pound developments. These include the restoration of a public mansion, the refurbishment and development of University buildings to several housing projects.

The eight award categories are Building Conservation, Commercial, Community Benefit, Design & Innovation, Regeneration, Residential, Sustainability and Tourism & Leisure and there is also a prestigious 'Project of the Year' accolade, which is awarded to the entry judged to have scored the highest across all categories.

The regional winners in four of the categories will be automatically entered into the national RICS Awards, where they compete against other leading projects from across the UK.

Chairman of the RICS Yorkshire and Humber judging panel Colin Harrop, who is also a senior associate at King Sturge in Leeds, said: “The RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards present an ideal opportunity for the sectors that have been hit hard by the recession to showcase the great work that is underway in the region, despite the poor market conditions.

"We were delighted to see the entries pour in and once again the tremendous variety and high standard of projects has far exceeded our expectations, which is a true testament to the resilience and excellence of Yorkshire and Humberside's property and construction professionals."

The winners of the 2010 RICS Pro Yorkshire Awards will be revealed at a special gala dinner held at The Pavilion, Elland Road, Leeds, on May 14.

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Ice Skating Back Again in Leeds City Centre

1st Feb 2010

SKATING fans have been handed a king-size reminder that Leeds city centre's Ice Cube attraction opens for business on Saturday.

A giant penguin and polar bear pitched up in Millennium Square yesterday as the finishing touches were being applied to the 1,200sq m rink ahead of its launch.

Back in Leeds for the ninth year in a row, the Ice Cube will be in place until March 8.

Its stay has been organised by Leeds City Council in association with the Yorkshire Evening Post and 96.3 Radio Aire.

Speaking at yesterday's promotional event, the council's executive member for leisure, Coun John Procter, said: "It's great to see the Ice Cube in Leeds once again.

"It's hugely popular and makes for a fantastic sight.

"We look forward to seeing regulars again as well as anyone who fancies having a go for the first time."

Younger visitors to the attraction can find their feet on a smaller nursery rink with the help of penguin-shaped skating aids.

For details on prices, opening times and skating lessons, visit the www.leeds.gov.uk/icecube web page or ring 0113 3950891.

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HE'S the celebrity chef who has made it his mission to bring healthy food to the masses.

12 January 2010

Now Jamie Oliver's latest Ministry of Food project is set to open in Leeds.

It will be the third of the schemes which provide cookery courses, teaching people how to make healthy, balanced meals in a bid to tackle the nation's obesity crisis.

It is estimated diseases related to people being overweight or obese will cost the NHS in Leeds £204.9m this year.

The city's Ministry of Food will be in Leeds Kirkgate Market – the first to be based in a market.

Other schemes in Rotherham and Bradford offer morning and afternoon cooking lessons with a lunchtime cooking demonstration. A similar timetable may be developed in Leeds.

Ten-week cookery courses will be delivered by staff trained by Jamie Oliver's team in a specially developed kitchen.

Courses start with how to boil an egg and end with how to make the perfect Sunday roast.

By using ingredients bought from the market, it is hoped participants will then pass on what they've learned to family and friends.

This was a key part of the way Jamie taught cookery skills to the people of Rotherham through his TV series Jamie's Ministry of Food.

NHS Leeds and Leeds City Council have teamed up to create the facility, which will also provide a HealthPoint to give health and lifestyle advice.

Emma Croft, obesity, food and physical activity lead at NHS Leeds, said: "I am delighted the Ministry of Food project is coming to Leeds. It will be a great addition to the city, the market and all those that use it.

"Ministry of Food is all about getting people cooking again and to show that anyone can learn to cook healthy and nutritious meals on a budget.

"All the recipes demonstrated on site will use produce mostly bought from stalls in the market.

"This will support the sustainability of Kirkgate Market and ensure that people on the cookery courses can get everything they need to make the same meals at home."

Coun Andrew Carter, leader of Leeds City Council and executive member responsible for Kirkgate Market, added: "This is a fantastic initiative which will be a great boost to Kirkgate Market.

"Everyone who shops there knows that the market sells some of the freshest and most varied food at the lowest prices.

"I am sure the market will extend a warm welcome to the Ministry of Food when it arrives in summer and that the project will be a huge success."