Principal constructor announced for major regeneration project
Construction group Esh has been chosen to work on a new residential scheme at Leeds South Bank.
The Ironworks development, in Holbeck Urban Village, will constructed by Esh Build, a division of Esh Construction. Archaeological and enabling works have already started with the PfP igloo scheme expected to be complete by autumn 2021.
Ironworks will be a key part of Holbeck Urban Village in the emerging South Bank of Leeds. Once the crucible of the Industrial Revolution in the city, the area features significant landmarks of heritage architecture. Now a hub for Leeds’s creative and digital businesses, as well as an established scene of independent food and drink businesses, Ironworks is designed to mark a new phase in the area as a place to live, as well as to work and play.
The mixed-use development will see waste land off David Street transformed into 53 apartments, 15 town houses, two commercial units, complete with an under-croft car park. It will cost about £12m to build, partially funded by Homes England.
Stuart Leslie, Divisional Director of Esh Build in Yorkshire, said: “We are very proud to have been appointed as principal contractor to deliver such an exciting scheme. Esh Construction, Igloo Regeneration and Places for People hope this scheme will encourage further residential developments and unlock the area’s potential.”
Designed by Leeds company Nick Brown Architects, the Ironworks project covers a 0.35 hectare site. The apartments and townhouses will be arranged within a mill-style building, with “chimneys” concealing lift shafts and ventilation.
The homes will be clustered around a private landscaped garden and courtyard, which will be used to hide the car parking beneath and ensure there is active frontage on all sides.
The already award-winning scheme sees a return for Igloo to Holbeck Urban Village, which was crowned the UK and Ireland’s ‘Best Neighbourhood’ at the 2015 Urbanism Awards. The Ironworks is located within Leeds’s South Bank, one of the largest city centre regeneration initiatives in Europe, which is set to double the size of Leeds city centre.
Honor Massarella, Development Director at Igloo Regeneration, said: “This project will breathe new life into a fantastic part of the city and will provide Places for People with an outstanding space.
“We know this area is already loved by the creative and tech workforce and now it’s going to be a place where more people can put down roots, building an attractive community and neighbourhood in an important area of Leeds.”
As part of the scheme, Esh is placing emphasis on social value, including STEM sessions within local schools, work experience placements, local employment and procurement. An extensive archaeological dig took place before works began.
Leslie added: “We understand that when we undertake major redevelopments in an urban environment, we must focus on ensuring minimal disruption for both residents and businesses.
However, we know we can also provide a lot of social value as part of the work and are pleased to be able to support the local economy and give back to the community in more ways than simply the end build product.”
