Welcome to our summer edition of the quarterly newsletter. The weather has almost changed nearly as much as the politics!
 
There has been a demonstrated lack of faith in our PM Keir Starmer, with a leadership battle pending. No serious competitor has yet stepped forward (clearly demonstrating a lack of immediately available talent) and they seem to be awaiting the rise of Andy Burnham to MP status on 18th June in Makerfield, before the race is likely to get underway.
 
Locally, here in Wakefield we now have a Reform local council led by Karl Johnson. The enormity of this change cannot be understated, Wakefield having been labour for the previous 52 years. Yet quite what powers they are able to yield, bearing in mind we are still dealing with a Central Labour Government, remains to be seen.
 
Prior to their forecasted departure, the Labour local Council concluded their acquisition of The Ridings Shopping Centre for a lesser figure of £11,050,000. We are not yet sure whether Reform intend to continue with its redevelopment or simply retain it as an investment.
 
Socially, last month we attended the UKREiiF (The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum) held in Leeds, as guests of Allsops. Over 500 people attended the event and it was good to see many of the London surveyors mingling with locals up here in the North. We continue to be great supporters of Wakefield Cathedral and regularly attend the bishop’s breakfast at Treacy Hall, where we are able to show support for the church and compare notes with a variety of Wakefield people. Try out Treacy Hall (to the side of the Cathedral) for a breakfast or lunch.
 
We are sponsoring an upcoming exhibition in the Cathedral: running from the 2nd August for 2 weeks, the exhibition will show a number of Railway photographs taken by Eric Treacy – who was the Bishop of Wakefield in the 1970s. He was well-renowned as one of the best photographers of Steam Trains in that Era. So, it should be well worth a visit.
 
Lettings wise, as usual, there have been some businesses which have had to close and others which are eager to take new space.
 
The “Royal Maison” restaurant on Northgate represents a unique opportunity for the right tenant to enter into a long term lease of a fully fitted out restaurant, incurring minimal capital expenditure. The restaurant has a fully fitted out bar and is capable of holding 90+ covers, with ample kitchen / storage / ancillary space.

 

Similarly, “Fade and Tan” on Northgate a sunbed and barbers operator, has ceased trading, leaving a fully fit out premise suitable for a variety of similar uses. This could include café, medical or other similar uses.

 

7 Cross Street, Wakefield has let to “Unglutened Bakers”, an already established business meeting the health / dietary needs of those allergic to gluten and also those that are wellbeing conscious / prefer a healthier diet. There will be a variety of gluten free cakes, breads, pies and other such items available predominantly baked to order on site.
 
37 Fargate, Sheffield recently let to “The American Pizza Slice Ltd”, an established eat in / take-out pizza company with four outlets in Liverpool and one in Chester. They are currently fitting out and will open in the next few weeks.
 
We are also glad to announce the letting of the second floor offices at Bull Ring House to “Alpha May Care”, who specialise in a wide range of personal and nursing care for individuals that wish to remain in their homes. The business was established in Brighton many years ago and continues to run as their head office. Their Wakefield office was more recently established but came to us as a relocation.
 
We currently have a number of residential property SSTC / under offer or for sale. Opportunities range from a detached farmhouse ripe for extension / development in Catterton near Tadcaster to a quaint cottage in Northallerton.

 

Other opportunities exist further away from home in Beverley

 

Forcett (near Richmond)

 

and Stoughton (near Leicester)

 
 
We also continue to be acquisitive purchasing further residential investments including 3 houses in Burton on Trent and another in Huddersfield. We have found that a lot of our competition has fallen away and we are now very fortunate to have several trusted agents that raise opportunities for us on a regular basis.
 
Wishing everybody who has got a holiday booked over the summer period a nice break. Thank you.