Bridgewater Place wind plans approved
A COMPLEX design scheme to tackle problems with high winds at Yorkshire’s tallest building have been given the go ahead.
The plans were submitted to Leeds City Council by Bridgewater Place’s owners CPPI in a bid to reduce the impact of high winds on pedestrians and traffic in the area.
It involves an intricate system of screens and canopies on the building itself and in the surrounding area, along with a series of perforated “baffles”- described as being similar in design to aircraft wings- at least six metres above the road.
In a detailed report to councillors, the proposed solution is the result of testing of over 30 possible wind mitigation schemes, with measurements being taken at 70 different locations around the building to take into account 16 wind directions.
The report notes that a “considerable” amount of work has taken place in an attempt to produce “the most effective scheme possible, given the physical constraints of the site”.
It goes on to say that the proposed scheme would have a “significant mitigating impact on the wind speeds” which would result in a “much safer” environment for pedestrians and vehicles. The plans have been checked by both the applicant’s own experts and by independent specialists on behalf of the council.
Following councillors’ approval, the owners now have three months to produce a full programme explaining how the scheme will be implemented. They will have to outline their timescale and when the work is expected to be complete, along with an explanation of how they intend to monitor its effectiveness.
Nick Sinfield, spokesperson for CPPI Bridgewater Place, said: “CPPI is delighted with the outcome of the committee meeting and the decision made by Leeds City Council to unanimously approve the wind mitigation scheme for Bridgewater Place.
“Our team of design experts has worked incredibly hard to bring this scheme forward and design a complex and effective scheme. We will now work hard to deliver the scheme as quickly as possible. Construction of the scheme will take approximately 12 months.”
Coun Peter Gruen, Leeds City Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, said: “I’m delighted that members of the city plans panel were satisfied that this scheme offers the best solution to solving the wind issues at Bridgewater Place, since the council has been pressing for a very long time for this to be resolved.
“Now we look forward to the owners bringing back their detailed schedule to us so that work can start as soon as possible on providing permanent protection, whatever the weather, for everyone passing through one of Leeds’ busiest junctions.”
