Hundreds of apartments planned for former office site

Plans have been unveiled to replace offices with 391 apartments in Holbeck, Leeds.
The application, which would involve knocking down Morgan Sindall’s old offices at Evolution House, off Springwell Road, has been submitted by Scotland-based developer Drum Property Group.
Its scheme, called Whitehall Sidings, comprises two brick built buildings in an L-shape configuration.
One warehouse-style building will be 12-storeys high and will feature a rooftop terrace. An abutting tower will rise to 27 storeys.
The site intended for the development is next to Morgan Sindall’s recently completed residential block known as Springwell Gardens phase one and the site of phase two – a 30-storey glazed tower. The tower has secured planning consent but work has not yet started on site.
Drum Property Group says it hopes to begin work on its project early next year, subject to gaining planning permission.
A detailed statement accompanying the group’s application explains: “Whitehall Sidings can form the latest piece of the emerging residential neighbourhood along Springwell Road, whilst helping provide much-needed residential accommodation within wider Holbeck.
“A key benefit of the site is its location and links to transportation connection which can promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.”
The statement also notes the existing two-storey Evolution House office property is largely vacant and is of poor quality compared to other available office space.
It adds: “The majority of the site is hard-landscaped car parking providing no ecological value, amenity or character to the area.”