Foundation works in progress at apartments complex scheme

Specialist contractor North Piling has completed a 248-pile design, supply and installation project on behalf of developers Citu at its Climate Innovation District, in Leeds.

North Piling installed 300sq and 250sq pre-cast concrete piles, overseen by director of operations Gary Weir. Its team was on-site for three weeks.

The company said the riverside site, on the edge of Leeds city centre, was “not without its challenges.”

These included unforeseen ground obstructions and poor weather conditions, including lengthy snow periods.

Its foundations work will support Citu’s “Aire Lofts”, consisting of 108 mainly one and two-bedroom apartments, with a handful of penthouses, due to complete in 2022.

The Climate Innovation District is the largest sustainable development currently underway in the UK, with 1,000 homes being built on car-free streets on the former brownfield site which straddles the north and south banks of the River Aire.

These are connected by a bridge, installed by Citu, to serve both sides of the community.

North Piling managing director, Adam Silverwood, said: “Feedback from Citu was that they were delighted with the communications throughout the project and our fast response times meant a streamlined delivery of service.

“I am thrilled we were involved in what is turning into an iconic development for Leeds city centre.

“It is even more personal to me, as this is my home city and where North Piling began its journey. I pass this site regularly and look forward to watching the site progress and deliver a development that is leading the way in sustainable living.”

Citu was set up in 2004 by Chris Thompson, who continues to lead the business today.

It aims to tackle climate change through constructing innovative developments that help create a “ripple effect” in the industry and lead to more widespread adoption of sustainable methodologies.

Thompson added: “We were delighted with the work undertaken by the North Piling team which was delivered on time, despite some challenging conditions.

“The communication was excellent, site inspections were undertaken at very short notice to ensure we could go ahead with the planned date for the piling works, nothing was too much trouble.”