Milestone achieved on works to create new city district
A new district in Leeds city centre, Aire Park, has reached a key milestone with the structure of its first two buildings now complete.
The two properties which range from six to eight storeys are due for practical completion by developer, Vastint UK, in November of this year. Once occupied, the buildings will accommodate up to 2,500 workers.
The ground floor will offer over 20,000 sq ft of flexible retail space across six units.
Vastint UK’s ambition is to offer the space to independent retail businesses, with an expected foot traffic of tens of thousands of workers, residents and visitors per year once Aire Park is complete.
The properties will frame a new, outdoor events space and green area next to The Tetley and the Grade II listed Salem Chapel.
Expected to open to the public in 2024, the 12,000 sq ft of outdoor space will host regular activities and events for neighbours and visitors.
Simon Schofield, construction lead north of Vastint UK, said: “Leeds is highly attractive for major businesses following in the path of Channel 4 and several household-name financial and professional service providers.
“Due to the large-scale, high-quality spaces that we’re providing with these offices, we are already attracting interest from major enterprises looking to move their headquarters to Leeds.
“While the development will be home to approximately 3,000 residents and a working district for over 11,000 workers once complete, we’ve designed Aire Park to be enjoyed by everyone in Leeds.
“These first buildings mark the start of a thriving community within a new unique, urban district.”
Designed by Ryder Architecture, the buildings are expected to achieve impressive accreditations, including BREEAM Excellent, WELL Building Gold and EPC rating A.
Electricity from renewable sources will power the properties. Both are also targeting WiredScore Gold, meaning they have the connectivity capacity for almost any occupier.
Aire Park is intended to breathe new life into the area, acting as a catalyst for reconnecting the South Bank to the city centre.
The district will span 24 acres of the city centre’s South Bank. Upon full completion, it will feature over one million sq ft of Category A office space, 1,400 homes, two hotels, 18 to 23 retail spaces and a multi-use, eight-acre park with 500 trees.
