You’re Hired! The Parklane Foundation celebrate raising £6,000 from their Apprentice fundraising challenge

Leeds based The Parklane Foundation, part of The Parklane Group, are celebrating raising £6,000 for their charity partner Young Lives vs Cancer from their most recent fundraising event based on the tv show The Apprentice.

Using the tv show as a guide each department was given a £100 start-up fund and a week to turn it into £1,000’s. The creative bunch then got to work organising their fundraising events which included a luxury raffle, a car wash, a static cycle the distance of the perimeter of Yorkshire, a dine in event, a fashion show, a swap shop, an auction and a car boot sale!

Katie Brewster, from The Parklane Foundation, said “The Apprentice Challenge was a no brainer for us as we have so many talented people working for The Parklane Group who think outside the box, add the fact that we were raising money for the fantastic charity Young Lives vs Cancer and their competitiveness and creativity came in to action!”

“At the end of the week we totted up the amounts raised and the winners were declared by our very own Lord Treacle (Director of The Parklane Group, Naveen Ahmed) who handed out the trophy and a spa day to the winning department and gave the famous ‘You’re Fired’ to the losing team. Obviously no one was actually fired but we did send them out litter picking! A great effort by all involved and a huge amount raised for a fantastic charity.”

Last year in Yorkshire, Young Lives vs Cancer teams based in Leeds and Sheffield helped 363 families to find the strength to face whatever cancer threw at them. They also gave out 272 financial grants to these families to the value of £55,710 to help them to cope with the costs of cancer. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

Jenny Pointon, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Yorkshire and North Derbyshire at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “When cancer strikes young lives we help families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work and we can’t thank The Parklane Foundation heroes enough for their fantastic efforts. We are looking forward to seeing what they will come up with next!”

“The money raised from their Apprentice fundraising challenge will make a massive difference for young people with cancer, by helping us ensure they are getting the right support they need.”

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer’s work, go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk


Photograph: Lord Treacle (Director of The Parklane Group, Naveen Ahmed) presenting the winning department with their trophy.

Notes to editors

For more information, an interview or images, please contact Jenny Dixon on 07920 584688 or email Jenny.Pointon@YoungLivesvsCancer.org.uk

About cancer in children and young people

Today, 12 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.

About Young Lives vs Cancer

When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn to, no one to talk to.

Young Lives vs Cancer is the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. The charity’s social workers offer specialist, empowering support, its Homes from Home offer families a free place to stay nearby to the child’s hospital and grants help families to navigate the costs of cancer. We’ve been there before. We’ll face it all, together. For more information visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk

Parklane Group is proud to support Park Avenue

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be part of a multi-million pound project – the redevelopment of Park Avenue cricket ground in Bradford.

The site redevelopment will include a brand new eight-lane netting facility where local cricketers can net free of charge, and we’ve signed a three-year agreement to support them with this.

Park Avenue wants to get back on the cricketing map, having previously hosted 306 First Class and 48 List A Matches, thereby establishing itself as a staple venue in the cricketing calendar.

We’re proud to support this redevelopment project which will give Bradford national recognition for using cricket as a positive vehicle for social inclusion.

Andy Dawson, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Commercial Director, said “We are currently looking for people with a huge passion for cricket in the Yorkshire area to support with funding, ensuring that cricket facilities are accessible for the Bradford community. All funding will be used to ensure the facilities stay open for community use.”

Free access to cricket nets is something that the Parklane Group are delighted to be supporting and the facility will especially benefit the local young people of Bradford.

Naveen Ahmed, the Parklane Group Director, says “This support comes through our Parklane Foundation. The Parklane Group has, at its heart, values which support social inclusion, and I believe becoming a partner of Park Avenue is a fantastic way for The Parklane Group to promote these values.”

Leeds Golf Centre to host Senior Masters Tour event

Ryder Cup players, European Tour winners and PGA Champions coming to the Home of Modern Golf!

Leeds Golf Centre, the home of modern golf, is to host the Leeds Senior Masters, an event for golfing professionals over the age of 48 years.

The three-day event will take place on 30th May -1st June, with the prestigious Pro-Am taking place on the first day. It’s the first-time Leeds has played host to such a high-key professional event since the Ryder Cup reunion in 2009.

The Senior Masters Tour is the home of regular tournaments for golf professionals and aims to help and promote the senior professional circuit outside of the European Senior Tour.

Well-known names from the golfing world including Andrew Oldcorn, Paul Wesselingh, Peter Baker, Gordon J Brand, Gary Wolstenholme and Bob Cameron have already confirmed they are playing and the aim is to create a full field of 72 for the main event.

The event has been created by Nigel Sweet, Operations Manager at Leeds Golf Centre, who joined the Senior circuit for the first time in 2016 after playing the game for 38 years. Speaking about the event, Nigel said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Leeds Golf Centre will play host in what will be the biggest event outside the European Seniors Tour.

“The reason for us creating this event is to provide Senior golfers with the opportunity to play competitive golf in a full field, the European Seniors Tour only allows a 54-strong field. I know from playing on the Senior Masters Tour there is a still a huge appetite for playing against a 72-man field. This event will promise a huge prize pot, currently standing at £25k, and we’re keen to make this an annual fixture in the Senior Tour calendar.

“We’re sure this event will capture the imagination of our fantastic golfing community here in Leeds and we look forward to welcoming the players and spectators. We have a number of sponsorship opportunities available for the event, including opportunities to play in the Pro-Am, so please get in touch early to avoid any disappointment.”

The Parklane Group are bringing co-living for young professionals to Leeds

The Parklane Group has secured planning approval the first co-living scheme in Leeds, focussed on graduates and young professionals. The landmark development will transform the iconic and historic Burley Road Library building, delivering up to 60 luxury one bedroom and studio apartments.

Delivered through the new Livinc brand, this visionary development will spearhead the new concept and adds to The Parklane Group’s already extensive suite of successful brands. The development is set to address the changing lifestyle habits of the nation and introduce the emerging trend, for co-living, to the residential rental sector in Leeds.

Planning permission granted for Grade II Listed Burley Library site

The approval of plans means that the Group are now able to regenerate the former Burley Road Library, which will transform the Grade II Listed site in Headingley, and will include shared space and leisure provisions. The newly accepted plans have been developed to give the building, which dates back to 1926, a renewed purpose worthy of its former glory, providing up to 60 stylish one bedroom and studio apartments to address the housing demands of young people.

The site has strong personal resonance with The Parklane Group’s Directors

Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of The Parklane Group said: “Having these plans accepted is of immense personal and professional pride to me. Livinc will allow us to bring this amazing building back to life, following a period of neglect, and help it become relevant to today’s society. We’re really pleased to extend our leading position within the co-living space to young professionals and graduates, in so doing, bringing a trend to Leeds more commonly associated with global cities such as London or New York.”

“We’ve seen there is appetite through our IconInc brand, which delivers a similar proposition for the student rentals market in Leeds. Those graduates have seen the value in our developments, and those remaining in Leeds are now able to continue living within that concept. This new brand will allow residents to do away with many of the complications of modern living, with furnished accommodation, inclusive of bills, alongside excellent leisure facilities.”

“On a personal level, several of our Directors, myself included, have treasured memories of visiting the Library as children to choose our books. It was a formative part of our upbringing, and we were incredibly sad to see it close. These plans will bring a vibrancy back to the site and ensure that future generations can take as much enjoyment from it as we did. As a group, we’re incredibly proud of our Leeds heritage, and this project demonstrates our commitment to both the city’s past and its future.”

The new concept addresses changes in national housing trends

Co-living spaces and shared on-site community resources have seen popular uptake over recent years and have been pioneered in major international cities. The new development in Leeds will also promote co-working and networking, with communal spaces including kitchens and social areas, as well as having access to shared facilities, such as a cinema and gym.

Since the turn of the millennium, renting has overtaken home-ownership in the 21-25, and 26-30 age categories. Meanwhile, the number of young adults living with their parents has risen by over half a million, to more than 3.3million over the past two decades, all of which point to a shift in attitudes and circumstances.

Figures suggest that almost a third of university students in Leeds remain in the city following completion of their course. The wider impact of the graduate economy is demonstrated with the estimated £1.59bn generated by international students in Yorkshire and the Humber region.

Read more about Livinc, the latest brand developed by The Parklane Group, here.

Katie Edwards’ Illustrations Bring Roomzzz And The City Of Manchester To Life

For our new Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange location, Katie Edwards was commissioned to create unique and inspiring illustrations to fill the aparthotel’s walls with colour.

These illustrations aim to educate guests about the history of Manchester, inspire them to explore the city, and also to give a unique look to Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange.

Katie Edwards with illustration

Katie, a screen print artist from the Lake District, created a large mural which picks out significant people, buildings, and events that are associated with Manchester. The art includes images of Rolls Royce, Manchester’s Worker Bee, The National Football Museum, Peter Kay, and Selfridges which are all recognisable icons of the city.

Free as a bird illustration by Katie Edwards Roomzzz to swing a cat

Roomzzz also features individual pieces of art to represent the aparthotel’s USPs. These include “Free As A Bird” which features a cockerel and  an owl which represents Roomzzz bean-to-cup coffee and hot drinks for the early birds and night owls.

“Roomzzz To Swing A Cat” features two cats swinging through the air to show how much room there is in each aparthotel room. And “Your Nest In The Heart Of The City” lets guests know they can make themselves at home after exploring the city all day.

Grab and go breakfast illusration

Other individual pieces of art from Katie represent the Grab & Go breakfast, the new gym at Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange, and Roomzzz’s Royalty Club.

Construction Begins On Roomzzz York And Newcastle

The Roomzzz portfolio is to be boosted by a further six aparthotels, two more of which are currently under construction. Broadley have begun laying the foundations in Newcastle and York, which are both due to open next year.

Roomzzz Newcastle

Roomzzz Newcastle will be expanding the already existing 14-bed property in the converted Friar House.

The new build will bring a further 74 rooms to the existing offering in the city centre which is only 200m from the main train station in Newcastle.

The plans which are currently in place, propose to link the old with the new and will include shared facilities such as a lounge and coffee zone for those wanting to relax.

Roomzzz Newcastle

One of the striking features of Roomzzz Newcastle will be the views. Some of the upper rooms in the new build will have unprecedented views over the River Tyne.

Roomzzz York

Located on the banks of the River Ouse and the River Foss, and only 10 minutes away from York Train Station, Roomzzz York Aparthotel will arguably be the most picturesque location in our portfolio.

Planning permission has been granted to provide 97 rooms, which will include a penthouse and duplex rooms on the upper floors.

As flooding can be an issue in York, especially with a location on the river banks, Roomzzz and Broadley have been working closely with the Planning Authority and the Environment Agency to provide improved flood defences on the site. The main floors of this hotel will be built 4 meters above ground to avoid risk of flooding – this distance will allow for additional flood water storage so Roomzzz York is protected from any potential flood damage.

Roomzzz York

The rooms at Roomzzz York will be less rectangular than normal and feature longer, more zoned rooms. Guests will also benefit from an on-site gym, and a café and deli in a light atrium space – one of the striking architectural features Roomzzz will include after working tirelessly with the design officers in York. Roomzzz has also been very careful to ensure the hotel blends into the existing environment; a full landscape will feature at the front of the hotel so that it works seamlessly with the river walk.

 

IconInc’s luxury design recognised with prestigious awards!

IconInc is proud to have won two prestigious design awards for its first luxury student development, The Edge in Leeds, adding a Northern Design Award and Yorkshire Residential Property Award to its mantelpiece.

Leeds’ most luxurious student accommodation brand opened the doors to The Edge in September 2015, changing the face of student living as we know it. Valued at £15 million, IconInc instantly hit the national headlines for offering “7-star student accommodation”. The phrase was coined by The Daily Mail, Telegraph, Independent, London Evening Standard and numerous industry and regional press outlets.

We’re delighted that IconInc’s superior quality design was awarded ‘Best Design Project’ by the Yorkshire Residential Property Awards for its use of technology and the design that revealed a great deal of thought to the end user.

The Edge was also recognised with a Northern Design Award for Interior Design Concept. The judges were impressed with the bespoke interiors that allowed the space to be maximised and entirely fit for purpose. It’s striking wall graphics, slick design and bespoke furniture and fittings have led to a unique design rewarded with this respected industry recognition.

IconInc’s The Edge has 131 luxury apartments boasting all-inclusive bills, superfast 100MB broadband, flat screen TVs and king size beds. It’s unrivalled facilities include on-site cinema, games room, gym with personal trainers, study rooms and complimentary daily breakfast to name a few.

The success of The Edge has paved the way for two more IconInc developments and we’re pleased to be opening The Glassworks in Leeds and The Ascent in Liverpool in September 2017.

Work Is Underway At IconInc Lincoln

IconInc has ambitious plans to expand its luxury student accommodation throughout major university cities in the UK, and the 4th location in Lincoln is set to be the most innovative yet.

 

This has currently been a challenging project to work on but so far, Broadley is progressing on the £20million development which will include 138 luxury apartments.

IconInc Lincoln

The plot of land, on which IconInc Lincoln will stand, is currently home to an old school and a parish. The original facades of these buildings needed to be retained, so they will be incorporated into the new building via glass windows and red brick work. This will create a visually stunning build which is different to all other IconInc accommodation.

 

One of the most appealing aspects to this build though, is the 7 duplex rooms and penthouses on the upper floors which will have stunning views over the historic cathedral town of Lincoln.

IconInc Lincoln

Other features, alongside the usual offerings in all IconInc accommodation, will be the floating study pods, internal feature slides, a stand-alone cinema, a student amphitheatre. All will be housed in a two storey high common space.

 

Broadley is currently working on the archaeology of the site after making progress with build and the project is programmed for completion in August 2019.

Leeds Golf Centre welcomes shortlisting in 2017 England Golf Awards

Leeds Golf Centre has been shortlisted for an award in the prestigious 2017 England Golf Awards.

The home of modern golf has made it to the final shortlist in the ‘Most Welcoming Club’ category, with the winner announced at a celebration ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, 16 March.

The awards will celebrate all that’s excellent about golf in England. They will recognise leading professionals, elite amateurs, top coaches and the stars of club and county golf who do so much to inspire people to play the game.

Over the last five years, there has been £3 million invested by the Parklane Group to make significant improvements to the club, and new initiatives such as the annual “Up to Scratch” Challenge that was launched last year to encourage beginners to take up the sport and which promises to turn them from a beginner into a proficient player in just eight weeks.

In addition, the club renewed its partnership with David Leadbetter in 2016, arguably the most recognised name in golf tuition, reaffirming its status as the UK headquarters of The Leadbetter Golf Academy for a further four years.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Nigel Sweet, operations manager at Leeds Golf Centre, said: “To be shortlisted in such a prestigious award is a huge coup for the club as we have worked extremely hard in recent years to make our club more accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, encouraging anyone and everyone to take up golf as a hobby. Being recognised by the England Golf Awards is testament to the hard work that has gone into developing our facilities and we look forward to welcoming many more guests to Leeds Golf Centre.”

Parklane Properties reinvents student living in Leeds with launch of IconInc

Parklane Properties, Leeds’ premier letting agent, is embarking on an exciting new business venture with the launch of IconInc, a new luxury student accommodation brand, which plans to reinvent student living and offer the most superior student letting service in Leeds.

The development, which is worth an estimated £15m, offers stylish and luxurious student living with high-spec studio apartments at ‘The Edge’ in Leeds city centre, available from September 2015. IconInc’s lavish studio and one bed apartments at The Edge, 131 bedrooms in total, offer the luxury, modern design and cutting edge technology of a boutique hotel – 365 days of the year.

Parklane Properties, winner of last year’s UK Landlord and Lettings Awards, currently operates one of largest student rental agencies in Leeds and plans on launching IconInc as a national brand, aiming to bring IconInc to all key university cities.

The beautifully furnished apartments include en-suite bathroom, plush double or king bed, flat screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi and utility bills. The “all-inclusive” facilities at The Edge include an on-site gym with available personal trainers, a cinema room, games zone, complementary daily breakfast, study rooms, self-service pantry and 24 hour concierge. Tenants can choose from a range of optional extras, including professional cleaning, daily fresh fruit delivery, kitchen equipment, luxury Egyptian cotton towels and bedding hand-picked by IconInc’s interior designer.

Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of Parklane Group, explains; “The IconInc brand will take our proposition to another level, allowing us to cater for the changing needs and requirements of the student market. The modern day student demands more from their living space and IconInc will give them exactly that – the very best in luxury student living in Leeds.

“IconInc changes student accommodation for the foreseeable and we’re proud to offer students this opportunity to live and study in such a luxurious environment – so much so, we’ll shortly be announcing a very special opportunity for Leeds’ students, current and prospective – so watch this space!” 

IconInc is letting apartments for the 2015/2016 academic year. Apartments at The Edge start from £140 per week. Please visit www.icon-inc.co.uk for more information.

To appeal to the growing number of international students choosing Leeds as their place of study, IconInc will offer tailored bathroom, bedroom and kitchen packages, as well as airport/train station pick up, to make relocating all the more simple.