Leeds continues to thrive as a powerhouse in the north, becoming even more prosperous thanks to a GBP500m investment in what is one of Europe's largest regeneration projects. Leeds future developments aim to take the city to greater heights of success to match other successful cities around it such as Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle.
What Is South Bank, Leeds?
Leeds is already home to many high-profile corporate headquarters and offices, including Asda’s National HQ, Sky, KPMG, and Call Credit. It is also a renowned location for start-up friendliness, particularly in the growing sectors of Financial Services and Technology. Over 1,350 digital companies are currently located in the region, collectively employing over 10,000 people.
As the city centre continues to grow organically, with many Leeds-based future developments planned for the coming years. Southwards, due to these high-growth industries, the region of South Bank is taking centre stage. A massive GBP500m regeneration initiative has now been approved to double the size of the Leeds city centre by redeveloping this ex-industrial area south of the River Aire. With this record level of investment secured for this Leeds future development, South Bank will soon be transformed into a ‘globally distinctive’ mixed-use and sustainable destination for creativity, learning and leisure.
At the size of 350 football fields, it will be one of the largest Leeds city centre future development regeneration plans in Europe, capturing the growth of Leeds for the coming decades. The proposed activities cover 253 hectares of land where 8,000 additional homes will be provided and over 35,000 jobs created by 2028. It will be the biggest change the city has seen in more than a hundred years, reconnecting the historic suburbs with Leeds City Centre through sensitively restored buildings and better transport links.
What Are The Key South Bank Initiatives Over The Next Decade?
There are lots of plans for the South Bank Leeds future developments, including key developments such as Leeds Dock and Tower Works. All of these development initiatives aim to allow the city to expand and grow exponentially.
The Historic Hunslet and Victoria Mills
Currently, works are progressing on-site to regenerate the historic Hunslet and Victoria flax spinning mills. With phases 1 and 2 of the redevelopment already fully sold and completed, phase 3 is now under construction.
Granary Wharf
One of the first completed initiatives under Leeds future developments was Granary Wharf in 2009. An award-winning development on the canal with over 300 apartments across Waterman’s Place and the iconic Candle House.
Climate Innovation District
Sustainable development company, Citu, has unveiled its vision to create more than 500 new low-carbon homes alongside eco-friendly manufacturing and leisure facilities in a GBP125 million scheme within the climate innovation district.
This 15-acre area was previously home to an abundance of iron, steel, glass and chemical works which played a vital role in the industrial and engineering revolution. Through harnessing the latest technology, this Leeds future development will be a significant catalyst towards the creation of a modern, sustainable city centre.
Vastint
In 2015, Vastint acquired the 22-acre site of the former Tetley Headquarters.
Anchored by proposals for a large city park, Vastint has outlined planning permission for a mixed-use development comprised of residential units, 85,000 sqm of B1 office floorspace and 15,000 sqm of flexible commercial use floor space. Construction for this Leeds future development is yet to commence.
Tower Works
Tower Works is a mixed-use Leeds future development scheme made up of the 3 iconic Italianate Towers planned for commercial, residential and public use.
CEG
CEG is currently redeveloping an 8.69-acre derelict site that will serve as the new gateway to the city centre from the South West. The now-vacant location will become a vibrant mixed-use space for leisure and commercial use with site clearance having commenced in early 2019.
CEG has also acquired the Grade I listed Temple Works and is now developing comprehensive Leeds future development plans for a 20-acre + area.
Leeds Dock
To reinvigorate Leeds Dock, Allied London has contributed significant investment into maintaining their Leeds future developments. Plans include creating a major public realm programme and an upgrade of the retail and leisure offers in the area.
Several notable media companies are located here, including Sky, together with many other businesses in the creative and digital sectors.
Educational Quarter
With approximately 10,000 students studying in the area each day, South Bank is home to the University Technical College, the Ruth Gorse Academy, Leeds City Printworks College and Leeds College of Building making up the Educational Quarter. Although not a development this area is a lucrative addition to the Leeds property market.
What Are The Changes To Infrastructure And Connectivity?
Infrastructure
As the region of the South Bank Leeds future developments become part of the city centre, it will also see better walking routes and more efficient public transportation. Investment into infrastructure has been made to transform the road network and waterfront, improving neighbouring communities through new public parks, flood protection, and super-fast broadband.
