The UK is starved of outdoor swimming opportunities, but it's looking like a huge new swimming spot might be coming to West Yorkshire.
Plans are in place to turn a disused reservoir just outside Bingley into a natural swimming pool, right in the heart of St.Ives regional park.
If it all goes ahead - and we're praying that it will - the ambitious project will transform the Kettlewell Reservoir.
Yorkshire Swim Works will feature a large lake area for swimming, splashing, dipping and more as well as a six lane 50m pool for more serious swimming and classes.
The body of water used to supply water to Bingley residents, but several years after it was built in 1909 it developed leaks and was abandoned.
Now nature has taken over and a lot of people don't even know it exists.
Yorkshire Swim Works are hoping to put the spot back on the map by turning it into a massive natural swimming pool.
The water-neutral development will allow nature to flourish in what is already a wildlife-rich location.
The natural pool will be just a 30 minute walk from Bingley, which itself is a short train ride from Leeds.
Plans to turn a disused reservoir into a natural swimming pool have been revealed. Credit: Yorkshire Swim Works
Speaking of the impact the plans could have on the local area, director of Yorkshire Swim Works Russell Bowman said: "It’s huge isn’t it. Ambitious is the word that I’ve heard a lot!
"The benefits of swimming and in particular outdoor swimming are now well proven. The boost it gives to mental and physical health and its ability to create social cohesion are documented and building something of this scale that sits so naturally in the environment is a project that deserves support.
"With a young family myself, seeing investment in the area, new opportunities for them and the potential economic boost of tourists coming to the area fills me with excitement.
"I believe that YSW can be (we’re all using this word sorry!) a catalyst for the next stage in Bingley’s evolution and an incredible boost to the St Ives Estate that has struggled in recent times."
You can take part in a survey about the plans for Kettlewell Reservoir here.
Plans have been lodged to transform the former Henderson's Relish factory.
The University of Sheffield wants to turn the iconic building into an events, retail and office space.
The building that stands on the corner of Hanover Way and Leavygreave Road previously secured planning permission to be turned into a cafe and events space, but the development never went forward.
The new plans would see the ground floor being used for events such as open days and career fairs, whilst the first floor would be used as a marketing office.
The space would also include a shop selling university merchandise.
In documents submitted to the council, the plans said: "The proposals will result in no harm to the significance of the building or the surrounding heritage assets and are considered to be of public and heritage benefit as a result of bringing the building back into active use."
The striking building dates all the way back to the 19th century having previously been used as a factory to produce Henderson's Relish from 1959 until 2013 when the company relocated to Sheffield Parkway.
So it's safe to say that it really is part of Sheffield's history.
Planners on behalf of the university said: "Overall, it is considered that the proposal will preserve and enhance the character of the building and maintain its status as a key prominent building within this part of the Conservation Area."
What do you think of this then? Is this a good use of one of Sheffield city centre's most iconic buildings?
Beloved Sheffield pub to enter new era as local beer expert takes ownership
Clementine Hall
One of Sheffield's most beloved boozers is about to get a facelift.
The Albion on London Road is about to reopen like you've never seen it before.
And it's all thanks to a budding new team consisting of Joe, the owner of Pints of Sheffield and Pinstock Fest, and David from Nivek Holdings who take care of a flurry of hospitality businesses across the city.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, the team said: "We’ve just bought a pub!
"As the new and proud owners of The Albion, we've got lots of plans to take London Rd's beloved boozer to the next level! We've got Charles from @barks.wine doing our wine list, Em from @emilycroft_design & @nodc.co.uk renovating our interior and a top secret surprise for our new summer cocktail menu.
"It's all happening down at The Albion and we can't wait to share what we've got in store… Follow @thealbion_sheffield for more exciting updates and follow along to watch all this come to life."
With such a great selection of local indies clubbing together to get involved, we just know that we're in for a right treat as the brand-new Albion starts to resurface.
And it seems like we're not the only ones to be excited about the new venture too, with Sheffield locals and hospitality owners commenting on the post to show their support.
Some claiming the sight has been 'gagging' for this for years and that it's good to see 'a new pub opening at a time when loads are closing'.
We couldn't have put it better ourselves to be honest.
We'll keep you updated with The Albion's reopening as and when we know.
Daisy Jackson -
24th May 2024 
