Weekender: New event space launches this month

Developer CEG has created an event space in the heart of the new Temple District of Leeds City Centre.

For its inaugural event, Temple Arches on Globe Road will host the Oktoberfest Bavarian extravaganza from 10 – 12 October and 18 – 19 October. Since its launch in 2016, Oktoberfest Leeds has welcomed more than 10,000 beer festival revellers. This year’s event will take place in a German themed marquee within the brand-new blank canvas space, just a few minutes’ walk from Leeds Railway Station.

CEG, supported by its partners Faithful + Gould, Sirius and Reed Smith, are also sponsoring the launch of the “Temple Zone” as part of the free Light Night Leeds festivities on 10 and 11 October along with Legal & General, Richardson and Ask.

Transforming the area with spectacular artworks and a large-scale sculpture of sounds, colour, light, rhythm, steel and air supported by a robot orchestra and video projections, the Temple Zone will come to life under the theme of ‘Mind, Body and Spirit’.

Emma Clarkson, Placemaking Manager at CEG, said: “Our £350m Temple development will kick-start the regeneration of almost nine acres around Globe Road and Water Lane, bringing offices, retail, leisure, homes and community uses set amongst innovative outdoor spaces.

“As we prepare to start work on the first office developments, we have identified space at Temple Arches to enable residents, local businesses, neighbouring communities and visitors to participate in a variety of creative, cultural and social events.

“Being able to launch Temple as a distinct zone within the Light Night project is fantastic. It really puts the district on the map, highlights its proximity to the city centre and brings the community onto site to experience its transformation with captivating performances and spectacular artworks. We look forward to seeing the city come together, grow and transform through works of art.”

CEG announced last month that preferred contractor BAM had been selected to deliver the first phase of its Temple development.

The company has detailed planning permission for two office developments with ground floor retail and leisure totalling up to 26,100 sq m and outline planning permission for mixed-use development of up to 103,900 sq m of offices, retail, leisure, hotel, health, education and community uses, parking and up to 750 new homes.