Mixed-use scheme on the cards for Leeds city centre

Planners have submitted blueprints for a mixed-use scheme in the Merrion Street area in Leeds city centre.

Stephen George + Partners have teamed up with local businessman Mahmood Mazhar, the entrepreneur behind Core Telecommunications and Norman Bar on Call Lane for the development.

The planners have submitted the concept to Leeds City Council, which, if approved, will see a vacant former restaurant into a new leisure venue and office space.

The Merrion Street plans include 3,358 sq ft contemporary bar and restaurant space on the ground floor and a 2,830 sq ft Sky Bar and terrace at the penthouse.

In between will be two floors containing 6,028 sq ft office space, designed for fledgling businesses.

Mahmood Mazhar, CEO, Core Telecom, said: “This is a significant investment in an underestimated building, which will extend the emerging leisure offer in this part of Leeds. The sky bar and terrace will provide quality dining with stunning views over Leeds, and the dynamic ground floor restaurant and bar will add to the area’s day and night leisure attractions.

“The whole development links with the nearby entertainment and cultural quarter including the Leeds Grand Theatre.”

Alan Soper, director, Stephen George + Partners LLP said: “The scheme was developed through extensive consultation with Leeds Planning and Design Department, through the pre-application process.

“There was a greater ambition beyond that of simply refurbishing the existing fabric and converting the spaces, and our design responds to that aspiration, for the scheme to have a ‘regenerative effect’, not just for the building itself but also potentially for the surrounding area.”