UK: BTR developer and operator PLATFORM_ has received planning approval for a 1.3 million square foot mixed-use quarter on Sweet Street West in Leeds.
The site is in the South Bank regeneration area, which is extending the city centre to the south.
The development, on a brownfield site which has been vacant since 2009, will feature up to 1,350 BTR apartments and will incorporate refurbishment of The Commercial pub, as well as creation of a neighbourhood hub which will provide additional dining and entertainment options for residents around a newly created public square.
Amenities will include a gym, residents’ lounges, dedicated co-working space, a private dining suite and extensive outdoor space and roof terraces incorporating outdoor exercise space, children’s play areas and pet-friendly facilities.
The masterplan also includes two office buildings of 96,000 square feet and 48,000 square feet respectively. The site, which is owned freehold by PLATFORM_, is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Leeds Railway Station.
PLATFORM_ will now begin enabling works, alongside detailed design and a construction tender process for the first phase of the development to position itself to start on site later in 2023.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “The green light from Leeds City Council is the news that we have been waiting for, and we are incredibly pleased we can now progress with our development which is set to become one of the most desirable residential and office communities in the city. We’re extremely excited about turning this site that has lain derelict for too long into a thriving neighbourhood supporting Leeds City Council’s goals of delivering new homes across the city and continuing the rapid regeneration of the South Bank area of Leeds.
“This will be our largest development yet, taking our portfolio to 4,000 apartments and value of over £1bn as we continue to add further BTR opportunities across the UK,” he added.
Matt Willcock, PLATFORM_ development director, said: “Throughout the planning process, we have positively engaged with Leeds City Council to ensure our vision gives the city what it truly needs, and we are thrilled they share our vision so that we can now, together, make it a reality. As we progress our sustainable community, we’re looking forward to continuing our positive relationships with the local authority, stakeholders and importantly, the local community.”
