News

8th May 2008 It was reported today that although there will be no official announcements until later this month KPMG, which took control over the Trinity Walk Development when the Anglo-Irish Bank pulled it's funding, have had substantial interest from bidders interested in this development.

20th April 2009 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have announced plans to build their new statium just off junction 39 of the M62. The purpose built 12,000 seater community stadium also includes plans to incorporate a sports science facility for Wakefield College.

1st April 2009 The Uniform Business Rates for 2009-2010 are as follows (2008/09 in brackets): England 48.1 (45.8) Wales 48.9 (46.6p) Scotland 48.1 (45.8p) In addition, there are “small business rate” supplements of 0.4p which apply to properties with a rateable value over £21,500 in London, £15,000 in the rest of England and £29,000 in Scotland. In a last minute statement the Chancellor announced that the increase which was planned to be 5% would in fact only be 2%.

26th March 2009 As Wakefields Hepworth gallery starts to take shape at the Waterfront Wakefield, phase 1 of the mixed development by CTP St. James has now completed and is ready for occupation. There has been significant interest in this flagship project and we are expecting being able to announce new tenants shortly. For further information on availability please call our office on 01924 291500.

16th March 2009 Wakefield's £200M retail development has been put on hold as the developers seek alternative funding for the Trinity Walk scheme. This high profile regeneration project already had a number of high street names signed up including Debenhams, Next, Peacocks and H&M and the local council and developers are committed to bringing this to fruition.

11th March 2009 Wakefield Council have launched a new website to help individuals and businesses during these difficult economic times. The site, www.wakefieldworks.com, has helpful advice and links to useful websites.

18th February 2009 The Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield officially unveiled it's multi-million pound refurbishment today. The ceremonial ribbon cutting was carried out by the Mayor, Councillor Jacqui Williams. A number of improvements have been carried outt including 3 impressive glass entrance foyers, new passengher lifts and a new food court.

16th January 2009 Following the closure of the Woolworths store in Wakefield, it has been reported in the Wakefield Express newspaper that Iceland have aquired the property and are planning to open the doors in the coming months.

2nd December 2008 Vickers Carnley are delighted to have been instructed as joint agents for the Waterfront Development scheme in Wakefield. Developers CTP St. James are nearing completion of phase 1 of the £100m project which involves refurbishment of the Grade II Calder and Hebble navigation warehouse along with new office buildings, apartments and restaurant/leisure facilities. This exciting new development offers something that little bit special the likes of which have not been seen before in Wakefield. Full marketing details will be available from our office shortly, but in the meantime more information is available at www.waterfrontwakefield.com.

25th November 2008 Pre-Budget update - The Government is to temporarily increase the threshold at which an empty property becomes liable for business rates. For financial year 2009-10, empty properties with a rateable value of less than £15,000 will be exempt from business rates. Small business gets a wide ranging package of extra finance, including a scheme to spread tax payments and a new 3 year loss carry-back rule for losses up to £50,000. In addition, the increase in small companies rate to 22% is deferred a year, to 2010.

14th November 2008 Developers of the Trinity Walk scheme, Modus have announced that the site is now 60% pre-let with a further 15% in legals. The centre will be opening in Spring 2010.

24th October 2008 The multi-million pound redevelopment which will see the old disused yards around Westgate Wakefield transformed into "Merchant Gate" is set to get underway next week. Phase 1 should be completed by 2010 and the plans include a public square with cafe & retail units alongside a residential and office complex. Westgate rail station will make way for a new rail station and further offices and residential space as part of phase 2. The scheme will also provide a 1,450 space multi-storey car park.

20th October 2008 Proposals for a new leisure complex in Huddersfield have received positive media attention from the ITV and BBC. The HD One comprises a 54 acre site which will build on the existing success of the nine screen Odeon cinema and the Kirklees Active Leisure health and fitness club, and will become home to a host of new activity attractions such as ten-pin bowling, snooker, open dry ski slope, and body flight. With a hotel, casino, bingo, clubs, and specialist shops, and with no fewer than 21 restaurants, bars, and cafes, The HD One will cater for all palates, pockets and thirsts. More details can be found at www.thehdone.co.uk.

13th October 2008 It's nearly the Holiday season again and we have a number of Wakefield city centre retail units available for short term Christmas lettings. Please call our office for more information of 01924 291500.

3rd October 2008 Wakefield council has been awarded "Tourist Information Service of the Year" in the Yorkshire Tourist Board's White Rose Awards. The Bull Ring centre it was tested in a mystery shopper survey and was given a 99.5 per cent score which was marked on appearance, accessibility and how it promoted Wakefield. You can visit the centres website at www.experiencewakefield.co.uk

1st October 2008 New EU legislation requires that all sellers and Landlords of commercial property provide an Energy Performance Certificate for all buildings and part buildings when they are let, sold or constructed. The EPC provides information to prospective buyers or tenants about the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of the building along with suggestions of how to improve these figures. The seller, assignor or Landlord is legally responsible from the 1st October 2008 for ensuring that the EPC is made available at the earliest opportunity before completion and from the 1st January 2009 this must be provided with all marketing literature. Vickers Carnley are able to offer the full service for the provision of Energy Performance certificates through our fully qualified and accredited associate assessors. Quotations for this service are provided free of charge.

29th September 2008 A new Economic Regeneration Strategy (2007-2015) has been produced by Wakefield Council on behalf of the Wakefield District Partnership. Download a copy from www.wakefield.gov.uk.

5th September 2008 A survey carried out by the Centre for International Competitiveness at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff has highlighted Wakefield amongst the top 15 UK cities for improving their competitiveness 2006-08. In 12th place Wakefield is one of only two Yorkshire cities to make the top 15. Further information can be found here and a copy of the report can be downloaded for free at www.cforic.org.

5th September 2008 Wakefield Council is preparing a new type of development plan, known as the Local Development Framework (LDF). The plan will guide the use of land and new developments throughout the district until 2026 and will be used to determine planning applications. It is being prepared under new Government legislation and will replace the UDP which was adopted in 2003. The public meeting for the Pre-Examination of the Central Wakefield Area Action Plan will take place at 10.00am on Thursday 23 October 2008 at the Old Retaurant , Wakefield Town Hall. More details can be found at www.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf or by calling 01924 302370.

5th September 2008 Wakefield Incubation Grants (WIG) are available for businesses that have been trading for less than 18 months and are funded through Wakefield district partnership's local area agreement. The grants can provide businesses with up to 70% of project costs to a maximum of £5,000 and offer support and advice. For more details call the Grants team at Wakefield First on 01924 305837.

1st September 2008 Are you a business with a BIG idea? Then a Business Investment Grant from Wakefield First could be just the ticket to help you launch it. Projects worth £50,000 and over which will create 5 or more jobs could qualify for funding of up to £20,000. To apply, download a project outline form from www.wakefieldfirst.com/big.

22nd August 2008 The Bull Ring project in Wakefield city centre is now under way and in week 6 of development, all local business continue to trade unaffected. In 1905 crowds gathered for the grand unveiling of this statue in the Bullring. The statue was moved to Clarence Park in 1950, and was returned in 1985 and now planning has just been submitted to move the Queen Victoria Statue to it's new home at Castrop-Rauxel Square.

11th August 2008 Channel 4 is airing the first of a 4 part documentary tonight at 9pm which tracks the progress of 11 major regeneration projects in Castleford. More information can be found at www.channel4.com.

11th July 2008 The long running legal battle between Highland View Ltd, the owners of Wakefield's historic former crown court building and Puccino's Ltd has finally reached an amicable settlement. Although the settlement is confidential both parties have agreed to go their separate ways.

7th July 2008 Eshton Property Development and Burley Developments have combined to acquire 1.5 acres of land with planning approval for a 30,000 sq ft purpose built new offices at Paragon Business Village. The land was acquired from site owner Yorkcourt Properties and they plan to develop a number of self contained offices from 1,000 to 6,000 sq ft.

7th July 2008 Gladman Developments launched phase 3 of its speculative office development at Calder Business Park and announced plans for a further phase 4. A number of Yorkshire commercial property agents attended the launch to mark completion of the first 3 office buildings at Mariner Court, a 58,000 sq ft, £11M development.

27th June 2008 Plans for the new Wakefield College Campus where unveiled this week. The £54m project will combine the existiing campus on Margaret Street with the campus in Thornes Park. Work is set to start in 2009 and more information can be found at the College Website here: www.wakefield.ac.uk/CityCentreCampus

25th June 2008 Vickers Carnley were pround to host the 2nd annual "Meet the Presidents Night" for the North of England Magic Circle. Wayne Dobson entertained the guests along with local talents Michael & Siobhan Jordan and compare for the evening, Al Conway. We hope to see everyone again next year.

20th June 2008 The much anticipated new market hall in Wakefield is due to open to the public on Monday 23rd June 2008. The development had been delayed for 2 weeks due to waiting for delivery of specialist building materials. The market hall is now fully let but we have just received instructions to market a 1,700 sq ft retail unit directly opposite on Union Street. The quoting rent is £45,000 per annum. Please call our office on 01924 291500 for more details.

11th June 2008 First Wakefield have details of a Business Investment Grant scheme. The scheme is aimed at assisting businesses to bring forward projects which will create additional investment and/or new jobs within the Wakefield District. For mor information visit www.wakefieldfirst.com/big or call Emma Ward on 01924 306320.

5th June 2008 The Synter group have been granted planning permission for their 2.5 acre development at Calder Park in Wakefield. The £6.5 millions scheme for an Audi car showroom and service centre is due to start construction in August 2008 should be completed by April 2009.

27th May 2008 Emma Akeroyd & Nicola Knowles from our office completed the Race For Life 5km charity run at Pontefract Race Course on Sunday. Although they didn't break any land speed records they did raise nearly £200 for Cancer Research.

22nd May 2008 The first phase of development of the Wakefield Waterfront project is nearing completion. The historic site is being transformed by developers CTP St. James with a £100m investment to provide a mix of residential buildings and high quality offices and will house the new £26m Hepworth art gallery.

7th May 2008 The new Wakefield market hall from developers Modus is now nearing completion and many of the indoor market units and stalls have already been pre-let. The building marks the first phase of the Trinity Walk development which is due to complete in 2010.

23rd April 2008 The Wakefield FreeCityBus service celebrates it's 1st birthday today. The service has proved to be an outstanding success and more details can be found at www.wymetro.com.

1 April 2008 From today the Uniform Business Rate multiplier has been set for 2008/2008 at 46.2p for the standard rate and with those eligible for small business rates relief set at 45.8p. For more information please visit www.businesslink.gov.uk

1st April 2008 The news regulations for empty property rates come into force today. For more information please visit www.voa.gov.uk.

12th March 2008 Following on from the successful Crown Court regeneration, Wakefield MDC have now turned their attention to the Bull Ring. The final design concept was agreed in May 2007 and work onsite is proposed to start this month and continue over the next 5 years subject to funding. The aim of the project is to provide a focal point for the city centre which will act as a natural extension of the established shopping precinct and the new Trinity Walk Development. Further information is available at www.wakefield.gov.uk.

22nd February 2008 Plans to extend the Ridings Shopping Centre have been given the green light. The shopping centre which was originally opened in 1983 is to undergo a £25 million pound refurbishment including a new extension at the Southgate entrance which will provide an additional 100,000 sq ft for new and existing retailers.

13th February 2008 The high street fashion retailer Peacocks have taken 9,740 sq ft at the £200m Trinity Walk development in Wakefield which is due to open in spring 2010. They will join Debenhams which has taken a 92,000 sq ft and Sainsbury’s amongst o there retailers which include Next, New Look and H&M. The two level retail scheme will sit alongside an indoor market, a new public library and 72 apartments.

12th December 2007 Important update for Landlords regarding business rates. As announced in the Budget report of 21 March 2007, from April 2008 amendments to Part 3 of the Local Governments Finance Act 1988 will increase empty property rates from 50% to 100% of the basic occupied business rate, after initial void periods have elapsed. For most properties, excluding industrial, the void period is three months. For industrial properties, the void period will be six months. The change is intended to encourage owners to re-let, redevelop or sell empty non-domestic buildings. Properties owned by charities and community amateur sports clubs will, in future, not be liable to empty property rates. The changes also puts in place powers to tackle cases of rate avoidance by owners who deliberately vandalise their property in order to avoid paying rates.

22nd November 2007 Wakefield MDC are considering plans for a major new development on Kirkgate, Wakefield. The £13.5 plans for the former ABC cinema which has been closed since 1996 will create a glass fronted apartment block comprising of 119 flats with a covered retail parade and underground car parking for 50 cars.

20th November 2007 The building works of Linfit Court at Clayton West are now well under way. When completed in spring 2008 this eagerly awaited development will comprise of 13 high quality warehouse units ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 sq. ft. Interest is already very strong and 3 units are already pre-let.

9th November 2007 Following the successful opening of the newly refurbished Crown Court in Wakefield, plans to regenerate the Bull Ring area are next on the agenda. Detailed plans are to be completed in early 2008 with work on site starting soon after. For more information about the Bull Ring refurbishment scheme contact Richard King or Becci Erbillur on 01924 304950 or e-mail ucmed@wakefield.gov.uk

10th October 2007 Wakefield MDC have announced ambitious plans for the regeneration of Featherstone town centre. The plans are available to view in Featherstone library on Station Lane.

24th August 2007 The Ridings Shopping Centre owners, The Moorfield Group, have this week announce a new £25m expansion plan which will provide an additional 100,000 sq ft of extra retail space. The plans also include a new glass entrance for Cathedral Walk and a new 12,000 sq ft headquarters for the Wakefield Express newspaper. Work is due to commence in January 2008 subject to gaining planning consent.

23rd August 2007 The Wakefield FreeCityBus has proved to be a popular service with over 100,000 passengers in it's first 4 months. The 2.7 mile route’s 12 stops link key locations around Wakefield City Centre including the city's Westgate and Kirkgate train stations, the bus station, shops and retail parks, the Ridings Centre, Ings Road and the Cathedral and Westgate Retail and Leisure Parks. Developed by Metro in partnership with Wakefield Council, the fleet of three low-floor, 29-seat single-deck FreeCityBuses run every ten minutes from 7.30am to 7.00pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30am to 5.00pm on Saturdays. A map of the route can be downloaded from www.wymetro.com.

10th August 2007 A new website with details of the £175m Trinity Walk scheme in Wakefield as gone live. The development will create a new 560,000 sq.ft. Mixed use shopping quarter opposite Wakefield’s existing retail core. The website is www.trinitywalk.com and you can download an information pack with details of the scheme.

3rd May 2007 The £100m Trinity Walk development is due to start in July of this year. The market hall designed by David Adjaye will be the first large retail centre, with plans to build a new Sainsbury's supermarket, Debenhams, Next and New Look shop. This will be along with another 50 retail units with offices, 72 residential apartments and a new public library. More information is available at www.wakefieldfirst.com

1st April 2007 From today the Uniform Business Rate multiplier has been set for 2007/2008 at 44.4p for te standard rate and with those eligible for small business rates relief set at 44.1p. For more information please visit www.businesslink.gov.uk

26 February 2007 Work started today on the redevelopment of Crown Court yard in Wakefield. The work is set to take 16 weeks and cost £500,000. This will transform the area into the first public square in Wakefield for over 10 years. Further information is available www.wakefield.gov.uk.

6 February 2007 It's Rhubarb time. Wakefield's first annual food & rhubarb festival starts this coming week and runs from the 12th February until the 18th February. Various events and activities are planned and more information can be found www.wakefield.gov.uk.

19 January 2007 Phase one of the Wakefield Waterfront project got under way this week. The £100m development involves refurbishment of the Grade II Calder and Hebble navigation warehouse along with new office buildings, apartments and leisure facilities.

23 October 2006 A exhibition of the Trinity Walk development scheme is now open at the Orangery ob Back Lane in Wakefield. This is the first showing of David Adjayes work in Yorkshire and is open to the public free of charge until the 2nd February 2007

21 June 2006 Wakefield Metropolitan District Council (WMDC) through the Urban Centres Management & Economic Development Service (UCMED), are offering grant assistance to help improve shopfronts in key location within Wakefield City Centre, the Five Towns, Hemsworth, South Elmsall, Ossett and Horbury. For further information including guidance notes, a design guide and an application form please contact Mr Eric Hill of the UCMED on telephone 01924 304950

1 April 2006 From today the Uniform Business Rate multiplier has been set for 2006/2007 at 43.3p for te standard rate and with those eligible for small business rates relief set at 42.6p. For more information please visit www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk

10 April 2006 Tenders for St. Faiths Church and the Stanley Royd Lodge have now closed and sales have been agreed.

17 March 2006 An exciting development opportunity has come to the market. The historic 145 year old St. Faith's Church on Stanley Road in Wakefield has been placed on the market along with the former Stanley Royd Lodge and Theatre. The properties are offered by way of an informal tender which closes on the 7th April 2006 at 12 noon.

13 December 2005 Our very own office songbird, Emma Akeroyd will be appearing on the Calendar News talent search "Are you the voice?" on the 15th December at 6pm. We all wish her the best of luck with the competition.

05 December 2005 Marketing has commenced for a new development of 6 high quality industrial/warehouse units on Willowbridge Way at Whitwood which are available on a sale or let basis which will be ready for occupation Spring 2006. These units which range from 8,000 - 29,500 sq ft offer excellent motorway access, for more details please contact our office.

27 October 2005 TODAY marks the end of the line for more than 300 staff at train maker Bombardier as Wakefield's 150-year rail heritage finally runs out of steam. Production at the Horbury Junction site officially ended yesterday, with 40 of the 350-strong workforce staying on site to wind up the operation by Christmas.

11 May 2005 Wakefield Metropolitan District Council are to be holding exhibitions detailing their plans for the Westgate Key Development Area. The Exhibitions are to be held in the Ridings Shopping Centre upper mall from 16th to 18th May 2005, City Centre Management Office 1 Marygate from 19th May to 10th June 2005 and Planning Services Reception Newton Bar from 16th May to 10th June 2005. For more information please visit the official website here.

01 April 2005 Every five years the rateable values of all 1.75 million business properties in England and Wales are reassessed. The most recent revaluation came into effect on 1 April 2005. If your rateable value is less than £15,000 (or less than £21,500 in Greater London) you may benefit from the Small Business Rate Relief scheme. You will need to register your eligibility with your local authority. For more information regarding this you can visit the official website at www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk.