revamp

THE first glimpse of a popular UK seaside town’s £20million beachfront transformation has been revealed in brand new footage.

Located in the heart of Devon, the new project is set to redefine a stretch of stunning British coastline.

An incredible new fly-through tour has provided residents with a first look at Paignton’s bright future.

The ambitious new plans include the instalment of vital flood protection and upgrades to public areas.

After being appointed by Torbay Council, the construction firm Knights Brown has revealed that it is preparing for full-scale works to commence in early November.

The project is set to unfold in three key phases.

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It aims to protect homes, businesses, and community areas from coastal flooding, while also introducing brand new promenades, seating zones, landscaping and improved lighting.

Phase one will focus on Paignton Green North, with work scheduled for completion before the English Riviera Airshow in May 2026.

The following phase will aim to tackle Paignton Green South.

While a separate single-phase scheme at Preston seafront is due to start at the end of the year.

The £20million project is being funded by the UK government and the Environment Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience.

Construction zones are expected to briefly pause during the 2026 six-week summer holiday period.

Throughout construction residents will also still be able to access both beaches.

Promenades will also stay open but may be narrowed in places.

The green spaces surrounding the work will also remain fully accessible and local businesses will continue to run as usual.

Cllr Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, said: “This marks Paignton’s first large-scale transformational project—an initiative that goes far beyond flood defence.

“It will deliver a dramatically enhanced seafront experience for all, with modern design and improved public spaces that add lasting value to the area.

“More than protection, this scheme is about unlocking Paignton’s future as a thriving, vibrant coastal town.”

Mike Crook, divisional director at Knights Brown, added: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Torbay Council on this game-changing project for Paignton and Preston.

“We have vast experience in coastal and marine projects, having worked on schemes across Wales and the UK, including Mumbles in Wales and Associated British Ports in Southampton.

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“Our team is excited to contribute to Paignton and Preston’s future—not just through construction, but by being an active and positive presence in the community.

“We look forward to working closely with residents, businesses and local organisations to ensure this project benefits everyone.”

Syria’s fledgling government has sought investment to reconstruct the country after its devastating yearslong civil war.

Syria has signed a series of investment deals with international companies, covering 12 major strategic projects in infrastructure, transportation and real estate valued at a total of $14bn, the latest lifeline aimed at reviving its war-ravaged economy.

The plans included a $4bn investment project for Damascus airport signed with Qatar’s UCC Holding and a $2bn deal with the United Arab Emirates national investment corporation to establish a metro in the Syrian capital, Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said during the ceremony at the presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday.

It’s a welcome development for President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s new government as it has been grappling with the heavy fallout from sectarian violence that broke out on July 13 in the southern province of Suwayda between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Government troops were deployed to quell the conflict. The bloodshed worsened, and Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and also bombed the heart of the capital Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze.

Other major developments on the investment front destined for Damascus include the $2bn Damascus Towers project signed with the Italian-based company UBAKO, a $500m deal for the Baramkeh Towers project and another $60m agreement for Baramkeh Mall.

Since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December in a lightning rebel offensive, Syria’s new authorities have worked to attract investment for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed in the country’s devastating, nearly 14-year-long civil war.

The projects “will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life”, al-Hilali said on Wednesday, adding that the agreements were “a turning point” for Syria’s future.

Al-Sharaa and United States special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack were both present at the signing ceremony, Syria’s official SANA news agency reported on Wednesday.

Barrack congratulated Syrian authorities on “another great accomplishment”, saying they will witness the rise of a “new hub” in “trade and prosperity”.

The United Nations has put Syria’s post-war reconstruction costs at more than $400bn. Several deals have already been announced.

Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4bn.

Also in July, Syria signed an $800m deal with UAE-based company DP World to develop the port of Tartous, state media reported.

In May, Syria signed a $7bn energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish and US companies as it seeks to revive its crippled power sector.

The US and European Union have recently lifted sanctions on Syria in the wake of al-Assad’s ouster, opening the nation to further investment and trade deals.

A ‘rundown’ UK town that locals say has ‘gone downhill’ has been granted planning permission for two major upgrades in what has been described as a ‘huge milestone’

A tiny ‘rundown’ town that has grappled with its reputation for years is slated for a major transformation to the tune of £22.5 million.

Conveniently located between Leeds and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, Dewsbury boasts a rich historical heritage – visible with its impressive Victorian-era architecture and parish church. While some may consider the region charming and under-appreciated – locals say Dewsbury has rapidly gone downhill.

Branded a ‘ghost town‘ due to its failing high-street and struggling market, residents have even gone as far as warning Brits not to visit. “We have lost all of our independent shops – there are no small independents anymore,” Richard Burns, who has been trading on the town’s market for more than 60 years, told Yorkshire Live.

“If you look at this side of town (by the market), it is basically all takeaways. There’s nothing to draw people into Dewsbury. If you come on a day when the market isn’t open, there’s no one walking around the town.

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Talks of regenerating the town have been in the air since 2018, casting doubt on whether they’ll ever come to fruition. However, last week (Tuesday, June 17) Kirklees Council announced planning permission had been granted for two key projects within the Dewsbury Blueprint – a 10-year plan that aims to bolster the attractiveness and accessibility of the town.

This consists of creating a new town park, which will be the largest green space within the centre – and is set to feature a dedicated outdoor area for children to ‘safely play and socialise’. “The approved plans include lots of open green spaces, seating and a substantial, partially enclosed play area, which will benefit from lots of interesting features for children of all ages to engage with and enjoy,” Kirklees Council said.

“The plans also allow for potential water features, which could provide both a relaxing element for those enjoying the park and an interactive feature for the play area. There will also be an opportunity to include more art, with involvement from the local community.”

Dewsbury Market will also get a huge upgrade, with new demountable stalls that will allow for both an outdoor market area and a ‘flexible space to support events’. The indoor market will also be kitted out for a ‘variety’ of different markets and events, while maintaining the building’s ‘beautiful historic structure and character’.

“Now accepted, the plans for Dewsbury Market will create a more varied, day-to-night offering in Dewsbury town centre,” Kirklees Council added. “We aim to continue and improve the traditional market offering, whilst at the same time creating more areas for eating, drinking, socialising and events, giving people as many reasons as possible to visit Dewsbury.”

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, hailed the announcement – stating it is an ‘incredibly exciting time’ for the town. “Once we unveiled our updated plans for Dewsbury Market, the adjoining park was very much the missing piece,” he added.

“These are both aspects of the town we know local people greatly care about, and they have a huge part to play in Dewsbury’s future. This approved planning application marries these two key elements within our Dewsbury Blueprint, and shows how different this part of town is going to look within the next few years – not even taking into account the amount of work we’re doing elsewhere in the town centre.”

Keith Ramsay, Chair of the Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board, also welcomed the planning permission approval, describing it as a ‘huge milestone’ for both Debwsbury Market and the new town park. “These are plans that will truly see Dewsbury town centre brought back to life, supporting the soon-to-reopen arcade and other town centre businesses, and cementing all we’re doing to future-proof Dewsbury’s heritage as a traditional market town – whilst creating a town centre that can thrive for future generations,” he said.

Speaking to the Mirror, Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration confirmed the estimated costs for both the revamped market and town park is around £22.5 million. “That figure is made up of money from the government’s Towns Fund, which is aimed at regenerating town centres up and down the country, and our own capital funding,” he added.

When asked when the works will commence, Cllr Turner stated: “We’re currently working closely with traders to discuss next steps. We’ll soon be moving forward with procuring a contractor to complete the work, after which we’ll be able to provide a further, more detailed update which includes both costs and timelines.”

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A MAJOR retailer has slashed the price of a stylish egg chair to just £99 and it is perfect to revamp your garden this summer.

Homebase has reduced the cost of its hanging egg chair to £99 down from £199.

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The moves gives customers a chance to save £100 on the popular garden item ahead of the summer.

The retailers take on the chair comes in a grey colour and is 192cm high.

It also comes with cushions and also structured so customers can sway the chair when they sit it in.

The description read: “Its soft cushions and gentle swaying motion provide optimal comfort whilst its stylish design adds a focal point to your outdoor space.

“Whether you’re reading a book or enjoying the scenic beauty, this chair offers a tranquil relaxation experience.”

If you are keen to shop the offer you can head to one of Home base’s 188 concessions within The Range stores across the UK.

You can also shop the product on www.homebase.co.uk.

The item is not available for click and collect.

The retailer went into administration last November, but was bought by CDS Superstores, which also owns The Range and Wilko.

As part of the sale, over 50 struggling stores closed.

But a number of sites were also converted into The Range stores and feature “Garden Centres by Homebase”.

You can find your nearest range which has this concession by visiting, /www.homebase.co.uk/en-uk/stores.

When shopping for garden furniture its also important to shop around to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

B&M is selling a similar product for £150 and Asda has reduced the price of one of its egg chairs from £249 to £148.

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With summer upon us, many retailers are ramping up sales on garden furniture.

Aldi is offering up a double pack of solar Marrakesh crook lanterns for just £12.99.

The German retailer has a whole range of garden buys coming to stores this Sunday.

That includes a £3.99 solar light which can give your garden an instant refresh.

The bulb comes with a crocodile clip so it can be hung around the garden.

The bulbs come in two different shapes and have 20 firefly LED lights inside to add a whimsical touch.

“Part of that will be a model whereby you qualify for an expansion league in the Premiership, but based on criteria around financial sustainability, fanbase and stadium, not just performance on the field of play.

“It wouldn’t be your traditional one-up, one-down situation, but if you are not meeting certain standards on and off the field you would be eligible to be removed from the league.

“It is possible for this coming season, or it could be the season after that, but we wouldn’t put any limitations on it.”

The change would need the approval of the RFU Council, which represents the wider game and different stakeholders, meaning its introduction for the 2026-27 season is a more likely timeline.

Bath owner Bruce Craig has backed the idea of a franchise league, with clubs’ licences open to review.

The change could pave the way for a resurrected Worcester Warriors to return to the top flight, while Ealing, Coventry and Doncaster all applied to be assessed against the Premiership’s standards this season.

The Premiership consists of 10 teams, down from 13 at the start of the 2022-23 season, and is keen to expand.

Other competitions, such as cricket’s Hundred, have found a lucrative market for stakes in franchise teams free from the threat of relegation.

Sweeney said there was plenty of cause for optimism about the English top flight despite the financial pressures it is under and its teams falling behind other nations in European competition.

TNT Sport are reportedly close to finalising a five-year extension, external on improved terms to their current television rights agreement.

“We are seeing some great momentum in the Premiership at the moment,” he added.

“In terms of sponsorship, a potential broadcast deal about to be announced, growth in interest from 18-30s and the Premiership final is going to be sold out again with ticket sales ahead of where they were last year.

“So there are a lot of good things happening.”

A MAJOR train station used by almost 10,000 people every day is set to close for a month as part of a £70 million revamp.

No trains will run through or stop at Huddersfield station in West Yorkshire between August 30 and September 29, according to Network Rail.

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The works are set to spark travel chaos for the roughly 300,000 travellers who use the station each month.

After the closure, just three of the six current platforms will reopen on a temporary basis.

This is to allow for work on the multibillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) to continue.

Gareth Hope, TRU sponsor, said the scheme would be “key to improving the journeys of millions of people across the north.”

Network Rail says the closure will allow developers to remodel the track and platforms.

This change will “transform the layout of the station and enable more trains with more seats to run through the area on a greener, more reliable railway”.

The works will also enable future upgrades at the busy station to take place, including the restoration of its Grade II listed tea rooms.

A new footbridge is also planned to be installed at West Yorkshire’s second busiest station in the future, as part of its £70 million internal modernisation project.

Huddersfield station has already completed some of its restorative work, which began in November 2023, with the terminus’ canopy roof having its refurbishment finished up in April.

The station’s modernisation programme is due to be complete by 2027.

Hope said the 30-day closure would help give the station a “deserved makeover without harming its heritage”.

Chris Nutton, major projects and TRU director at TransPennine Express, said the nearby station at Brighouse, three-and-a-half miles away to the north of Huddersfield, would act as the “gateway to the town” during the closure.

He added: “We’ll have more information on how our customers can travel across the Pennines in June but, for now, we encourage you to put these dates in your diaries.”

Huddersfield station recorded 3.022 million entries and exits in the 2023/24 period, while around 600,000 people also used the station for interchanges over the same time frame.

The station is a major halt on the North TransPennine route, which connects major cities Liverpool and Manchester through Yorkshire to Leeds, York, and Hull as well as far-fetched destinations like Newcastle and Edinburgh.

It also acts as a terminus for a number of Northern Trains services which run to Sheffield, Leeds, and Bradford.

The station was also famously home to a cat, Felix, who even had a Sunday Times bestselling biography.

This comes after it was announced in January that Manchester Oxford Road station would shut for as long as two years as part of a project to increase capacity.

The project would include longer platforms as well as a new footbridge and lift.

This would result in an extra 120 passengers per train, with each one having two additional cars.

And new track signalling improvements would allow two extra trains an hour to call at the station.

Network Rail has since put forward the proposal to close the station between 2029 and 2031 while these works are in place.

While it said this was “subject to change,” it would mean other stations would be much busier and congested.

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AN up-and-coming seaside town has revealed plans for its £20million revamp which includes a new central park.

Folkestone was named one of the best places to live in the UK last year, as well as one of the best places to visit by Time Out.

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And the new scheme backed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council has confirmed the town’s huge upgrades.

One of the biggest is the new park that at Bouverie Square, currently used as a bus station.

Images show a large central path surrounded by gardens and trees, as well as a plaza area and fountains.

As well as seating areas and bike stands, future plans also include a kids play park as well.

Councillor Clive Goddard (Con) said of the plans: “To me, this is the up-and-coming part of Folkestone.

“Yards to the left, you’ve got Guildhall Street, with all the fine development happening down there. This seems to give the businesses a new lease of life.”

The current bus stops would move closer to the entrance of the Bouverie Place shopping centre.

Works on the park plan to start next week, and finish by next summer.

It isn’t the only improvements coming to Folkestone in the next few years.

The Lower Leas Coastal Park, which opened in the town in 2000, has one of the largest free adventure parks in the UK.

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And the playground is set to undergo a huge renovation, although little else is known about it yet.

Most of the works will include improving the aging equipment with hopes for a new play area added.

Folkestone’s funicular is also set to reopen, after closing nearly 10 years ago.

The Leas Lift restoration is currently underway, with the carriages to restart, connecting the cliff to the lower beach area.

Along with a new cafe, the works are set to cost £6.6milllion, and plan to be finished by early 2026.

Also part of the £20million Levelling Up fund are updated traffic systems across Folkestone as well as more pedestrian crossings.

It’s not the only seaside town planning a huge multi-million renovation.

Weston-super-Mare – often named one of the UK’s worst seaside towns – has revealed plans for a £20million face lift.

This includes reopening its Birnbeck Pier, which closed back in 1994, as well as opening more shops and markets in town.

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The town has its own unique art trail, including a 2014 Banksy, as well as the Antony Gormley cast iron statues and ‘Folkestone Mermaid,’ similar to the one in Copenhagen.

An oversized pigeon unit, the ‘Folkestone Lightbulb’ street art and Richard Woods holiday homes are also spotted in the town.

Make sure to walk along the seafront from Folkestone to Sandgate too, to spot the brightly coloured beach houses, also part of the art trails.

I often spend my weekends having exploring the multicoloured Artist’s Quarter, stopping for a coffee in Steep Street (a bookshop-cum-cafe) and picking up some local artwork.

And the Harbour Arm is the best spot when the weather improves.

This is where you will find the Lighthouse, an amazing champagne bar, as well it’s sister restaurant Tasting Rooms (visit on Fridays for three-courses, complimentary fizz and Jazz music for £29).

I understand it’s comparison to Brighton – they are both less than an hour from London (Folkestone is just 54 minutes to St Pancras) and both have an amazing art scene.

Folkestone does beat Brighton in one way, however – the average house price in Folkestone is £311,673 according to Rightmove, while Brighton’s is £484,154.

Paignton in Devon is getting an upgraded £14million seafront.

And also in Kent, Dover has a £500million project to transform the Port of Dover by 2025.

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SICILIAN Avenue, known for its independent boutiques and location for huge blockbusters, will soon reopen.

The street in Holborn has undergone a huge £22million transformation and will be open for business this summer after being closed for five years.

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The pedestrian shopping arcade has been closed to customers for years while the street has been undergoing major refurbishment.

The street runs diagonally between Southampton Row and Bloomsbury Way and is right next to Holborn tube station.

The pedestrian shopping arcade in London‘s West End was initially designed by architect Robert Worley in 1906 and opened in 1910.

Inspired by Italy, hence the name ‘Sicilian’, the street has colonnades, turrets, and large bay windows which are being preserved throughout.

In 2020, the businesses on Sicilian Avenue closed with the Triangle Investment Group entering the refurbishment phase.

A spokesperson for Alchemy Asset Management, which has also been working on the project, said: “We have dealt with many challenges.

“However, due to its rich history and architectural elegance, the structural adaptation has been hugely worthwhile in terms of the fantastic product we have been able to create.”

Designs by MICA Architects reveal there will be a new tiled surface on the road and adds they will “reinstate the grandeur of the avenue”.

Illustrative designs show a busy Sicilian street with a new look, including a brand new floor and lots of retail spots.

For any fans of the old Sicilian Avenue, sadly none of the boutiques and restaurants that were originally there are returning, including the Holborn Whippet pub.

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There are 12 commercial units available for lease on Sicilian Avenue but at the moment there’s no insight into which businesses will be filling them.

Currently, you can still walk through Sicilian Avenue, but it does appear very empty with work still underway.

The pedestrian street hasn’t just been home to boutiques and pubs, it’s also been used as a filming location for some iconic movies.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society starring Lily James Glen Powell filmed several scenes on Sicilian Avenue in 2018.

Being a period drama, they transformed the street to look like it was the 1940s.

Actress Gal Gadot and co-star Chris Pine also filmed on Sicilian Avenue for London scenes in the 2017 remake of Wonder Woman.

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Five Filming Locations Across The UK

Here are more locations in the UK that starred in some of the most famous movies…

Found in Cheshire, Lyme offers some of the most iconic scenes in film history. If I say Pride and Prejudice, you probably know already. Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice was filmed in various locations across the UK. But for that very famous moment where Lizzie Bennet sees Mr Darcy emerge from the lake in what became a very see-through shirt.

The Eden Project is home to one of the biggest indoor rainforests and is known for its tropical climates – but not when it transformed into an ice palace. For Pierce Brosnan‘s Die Another Day in 2002, the Eden Project became a frozen landscape.

For any fan of the classic movies, Saltram House in Plymouth is like stepping into a Jane Austen story. And it was in fact used to film the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet. Saltram House in Devon became Norland Park, the estate that the Dashwood family had to give up.

This incredibly grand Georgian house in Buckingham has more than 300 years of history behind it, and it’s been the backdrop for plenty of movies. With sprawling gardens it’s no wonder movies picked it as the perfect spot. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, which was the third instalment, saw Indiana head to Stowe, which was dressed as the Reichstag.

Another trip to save for a sunny day is to the Glencoe National Nature Reserve in Scotland – especially for Harry Potter fans. Not only is the landscape beautiful, but it was also transformed to be part of the wizarding world for almost all of the Harry Potter films. Most famously, it was the location for Hagrid’s hut which was specially built for filming.

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