Plans for second phase of major Leeds regeneration scheme released
PLANS for the second phase of a major regeneration scheme at the north-eastern fringe of Leeds city centre will be on display next week.
Being developed by a consortium of Singapore-listed companies led by Heeton Holdings, the landmark scheme will create a sustainable new urban destination on the 2.45 acre Bridge Street site that was once occupied by British Gas prior to its relocation to Holbeck.
The first phase of development at the site is moving forward following the approval of a planning application last week. Phase one will include the refurbishment and extension of the existing 12 storey office building on the site to form a 182-bed contemporary hotel set within new public realm. Site preparation works are now well underway with construction due to begin in Spring 2017.
The developers has now outlined their vision for the wider site, which they say responds to its ideal location close to the Victoria Gate scheme and the emerging creative quarter centred around Mabgate.
The new neighbourhood, designed by SimpsonHaugh and Partners, will be home to around 780 apartments, cafés and creative workspaces, set within green spaces.
Five buildings, ranging from 11 to 41 storeys, will provide an addition to the city skyline and aim to extend the quality of city centre development beyond the inner ring road.
Edwin Liu, Country Head (UK & Europe) at Heeton Holdings, said: “We’re delighted that we’re able to share our vision for the site and we look forward to hearing the views of local people during this consultation period. This is a major new scheme for Leeds and it is important that people have the opportunity to contribute their views as we look to develop our proposals further.
“We have chosen Leeds for our latest development because of its position at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse economy. It’s strengths across the professional, digital and creative industries mean that there is a sustained demand a high quality urban neighbourhood in a city centre location. We look forward to working closely with key stakeholders across the city as we progress the scheme.”
Roger Marsh, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, added: “Earlier this year, EY reported that Leeds City Region was a growing destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), noting an 87% increase year on year, and that Leeds is now the third top destination in England for investment. This announcement from Heeton Holdings highlights that private sector confidence remains buoyant in our City Region and also that our position at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse continues to be attractive for investors. I look forward to seeing this development take shape and I hope that Heeton Holdings will join the LEP in highlighting the opportunities available to international businesses looking to invest here.”
The development team is hosting a public exhibition at the Leeds College of Music on Quarry Hill from 3:30pm-7:30pm on Wednesday 20th July where there will be opportunity to view the plans and discuss the proposals in more detail.
In addition to SimpsonHaugh and Partners, the development team includes Deloitte Real Estate (planning consultant) and Laand (landscape architect).
