Green light for £135m city centre build-to-rent development

Leeds City Council planners have approved Glenbrook’s proposals for 500 build-to-rent apartments development at Whitehall Riverside.

This forms part of a wider £280m masterplan which is being brought forward with Leeds-based property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS).

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the residential element comprises two blocks of 16 and 19 storeys.

The scheme offers terrace gardens overlooking the River Aire and includes amenities for residents across the ground and first floors with 4,500 sq ft commercial accommodation at ground floor level.

Danny Roberts, senior development manager at Glenbrook, said: “This decision to grant planning consent for the residential element of Whitehall Riverside will unlock the delivery of the wider masterplan.

“Whitehall Riverside will be a premier, highly sustainable development where people will want to come and spend time both now and in decades to come.

“The design has been carefully considered to create a resilient scheme which is embedded in its surroundings and will encourage an active community. We look forward to starting construction in the New Year with completion expected in late 2025.”

A landscaping and public realm proposal designed by re-form will deliver a new riverside park.

The design includes outdoor seating overlooking the river and an open lawned space with opportunities for children’s play to create a welcoming destination.

A series of interlinked green streets and cycling routes will improve connectivity and access.

Craig Burrow, development director at TCS, said: “High quality residential accommodation is a key component to the delivery of this mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood and we are hopeful of securing further planning consents for the commercial elements and wider masterplan in the coming months.”

Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson, added: “While designing this new residential community, wellness was a priority.

“Green spaces provide areas to relax in the form of terraced gardens within the buildings or through the surrounding new public riverside park, which provides a new active ground floor to the River Aire.

“Sustainability, through its drive for reduced carbon emissions, has also been at the forefront of the design through its thermal performance, heating and low carbon energy approach.”