Consultation to start on Bridgewater Place wind scheme

A public consultation is due to begin on measures to address the wind issues around Yorkshire’s tallest building.

The proposals, which have been developed by Chetwood Architects, TP Bennett and engineers Buro Happold on behalf of Bridgewater Place’s owners CPPI, include the erection of four wind baffles across Water Lane, three vertical screens and a glass canopy on the building.

If planning permission is granted, the scheme would help to manage the wind around the building and allow the road around Bridgewater Place to remain open.

Nick Sinfield, of CPPI Bridgewater Place, said: “We are looking forward to discussing our plans with the public. The technology behind the proposals has taken many years to develop and we believe that it is the right scheme to help alleviate the winds surrounding Bridgewater Place.

“The principle of the scheme is based on research that was jointly commissioned by Leeds City Council and the building owner. The technology has been developed to meet or exceed the standards set out in that research.”

He added: “We have appointed Chetwood Architects, Buro Happold and TP Bennett to implement the scheme. The idea is to use a combination of architecture and engineering ideas to manage a number of issues inherited following the purchase of the building and we’re extremely positive about rectifying the area surrounding Bridgewater Place.

“The plans will be unveiled to the public at an exhibition which will take place in the coming weeks. I very much look forward to meeting the local community and discussing our scheme with them.”

CPPI is to present its initial design solution plans to Leeds City Council’s city plans panel for a pre-application presentation on Thursday.  

The public consultation will begin this month and dates for the public exhibition will be announced shortly.

Last October it was announced that CPPI had agreed to take responsibility for a comprehensive scheme to reduce wind issues around the building and in the nearby roadway.

Since early 2008 Leeds City Council has been pushing for a detailed design solution to combat the problem.

Strong winds close to the 32-storey building led to a lorry being blown over in 2011, killing pedestrian Edward Slaney.

In December, a coroner called for the road by the building to be closed when there are strong winds.

At Leeds Coroners’ Court, Melanie Williamson recorded a narrative verdict at the inquest of Dr Slaney, who died of chest injuries.

The inquest heard that wind speeds of between 67mph and 79mph were recorded at the building that day.

Williamson recommended that Leeds City Council should close the road when wind speeds reach around 45mph.

The council took the decision to shut the junction around the building on December 5 last year, due to high winds of up to 75mph that day.