The non-stop evolution of Leeds is continuing with five major projects moving forward in the future.
There’s development happening all over Leeds, but this is our pick of five schemes to keep an eye on. From the next phase of the grand Aire Park project to new life being breathed into a landmark listed church, our city is as restless as ever. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s coming next….
A new lease of life for Mount St Mary’s Church
Credit: Aspen Woolf
Mount St Mary’s Church in Richmond Hill was built in 1851, and after over a century of serving the local community, was closed in 1989. It was subsequently taken over by a housing trust but has been lying vacant for decades, and the Grade-II listed building is in need of work.
Permission has been granted to Aspen Woolf to develop the site, which will see the demolition of the nave and aisles, while other existing elements will be restored or extended. The plans – which saw Historic England and Leeds Civic Trust consulted – aim to create 175 apartments in total, along with cycle and parking spaces.
Terracotta towers are set for Wellington Square
Credit: Howells
A trio of new towers are set to be added to the Leeds skyline after McLaren Living received planning permission for a development in Wellington Square. They’re the same people building Beck Yard on the South Bank, and this site, occupying a corner surrounded by Lisbon and Wellington Streets, will be bringing both flats and office space to the city.
The three towers will all be built with terracotta facades. The taller residential building, which will soar 45 storeys into the air, will be hexagonal and will use white terracotta. They’re planning a sky lounge on the top floor. The two smaller office buildings, 14 and 15 storeys respectively, will wear a more traditional colour.
South Village is set to start building
Credit: Caddick Developments
The redevelopment of the South Bank continues apace in Leeds, with news that approval has just been granted for a huge mixed-use development in the city. The project was previously known as City One, but will now be called South Village, and the aim is build up to 1,925 homes, along with plenty of landscaped areas and some 650,000 square feet of commercial space.
The 2 million square foot proposal includes a central hub in the form of a ‘village green’ for use by all residents and the wider community. With major new housing targets being set by the new government, it’s hoped that South Village will go some way towards meeting them, while also regenerating a large chunk of the city and providing thousands of employment opportunities.
Springfield House gets the green light
Credit: McLaren Property
Another Grade II-listed Leeds building, Springfield House, has received the Leeds City Council nod for redevelopment. McLaren Property submitted plans to refurbish the existing building while adding two new wings. The end result? Accommodation for 334 students, landscaped grounds and more.
Inside the revitalised 1792 building there’ll be 140 studios and 194 cluster bedrooms, built around private landscaped courtyards. There’ll also be cycle parking, a wellness area and gym, as well as spaces for dining, games, study and entertaining. The next stage sees the plans being referred to the Secretary of State due to to an objection from Historic England.
Aire Park Phase 2 moves closer
Credit: Aire Park
Another big South Bank development has moved towards its next stage after the submission of a planning application for the masterplan phase of Aire Park. The plans are comprehensive, comprising 502 homes, a multi-storey car park, cafes, restaurants and more besides.
The plans don’t stop there, also including the next stage of the green park with the planting of 700 new trees, the refurbishment of the Crown Pub and Hotel, plus work to link the development to both Leeds Dock and the city centre. If it all goes ahead, the finished site will have added over 1,400 new homes and 1 million square feet of mixed-use space. Phew.
Cover image credit: Aire Park
