Council to mull Bridgewater Place "wind reduction" scheme

DETAILED designs for a scheme aimed at tackling problems with high winds at Bridgewater Place, in Leeds, will be considered by councillors next week.

Leeds City Council’s “city plans panel” will examine the scheme submitted by the building’s owners CPPI Bridgewater Place to reduce the impact of high winds on pedestrians and traffic in the area.

They are seeking approval for a solution that combines screens and canopies – on the building itself and in the surrounding area – and a series of perforated “baffles” which are described as being similar in design to aircraft wings, at least six metres above the road.

It is revealed in the detailed report to councillors that the proposed solution is the result of testing of over 30 possible wind mitigation schemes, with measurements being taken at 70 different locations around the building to take into account 16 wind directions.

The report notes that a “considerable” amount of work has taken place in an attempt to produce “the most effective scheme possible, given the physical constraints of the site”.

It goes on to say that the proposed scheme would have a “significant mitigating impact on the wind speeds” which would result in a “much safer” environment for pedestrians and vehicles.

The plans have been checked by both the applicant’s own experts and by independent specialists on behalf of the council.

Councillor Peter Gruen, Leeds City Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods, planning and personnel, said: “Leeds City Council has worked extremely hard to ensure that a credible and comprehensive design solution to the Bridgewater Place wind issues is brought before our plans panel as soon as possible.

“Officers have worked alongside the building’s owners to ensure their proposed scheme is as technically sound and thoroughly tested as it can be so it is ready for councillors to make an informed decision on the day.”