Leeds City Council has granted planning at the Tower Works site to create 245 new homes on Globe Road in the South Bank area of the city centre
The Tower Works development, by Richardson and Ask Real Estate Ltd and in conjunction with Homes England, will bolster the availability of housing in the Leeds area.
Once complete it will provide two new residential buildings with 1, 2 and 3-bedroom build to rent apartments and duplexes to the south of the railway station.
As well as creating new homes, the approved plans include ground-floor commercial uses and extensive new areas of public realm which will create a pedestrian route through from the city centre to the Holbeck Urban Village neighbourhood.
Sir Robert McAlpine was appointed as lead contractor and site enabling works have already begun ahead of an immediate start on site. McAlpine is currently developing in Leeds on the adjacent Mustard Wharf scheme employing skilled local workers.
The delivery team also includes engineering firm WSP, Ryder Architecture which has designed the scheme and project managers and QS Faithful and Gould.
Engine House at Tower Works
Leeds City Council is also planning to redevelop the Grade II listed Engine House at Tower Works as a post-production facility following Channel 4’s move to the city.
The original Victorian buildings, designed by Thomas Shaw, are famous for their Italianate influence which is most obvious in the three prominent towers: Verona; Giotto and Little Chimney, a much-loved element of the Leeds skyline and which will be a focal point of the scheme.
John Hughes, managing director, Ask Real Estate, said: “Tower Works is in a superb location; it is one of the most distinctive sites you see as you travel into Leeds city centre.
“It has been neglected for many years and we are delighted to be able to now bring it back into active use.”
“The existing creative hub at Tower Works is already home to many media, tech and digital companies and the residential element will further complement the thriving community on site.”
Ben Holmes, real estate director for Richardson, added: “We have been working closely with the City Council to evolve and refine the designs in recent months and are delighted that the scheme is approved.
“The South Bank area of the city is being totally transformed and is one of the most desirable residential locations in Leeds. We have received a great deal of interest in Tower Works and are looking forward to bringing it forward this year.”
