Leeds targets 16,500 new homes in city centre

Leeds City Council representatives, appearing at MIPIM as part of a wider delegation from Leeds City Region, outlined their ambitious plans for housing growth in the city, which include the expansion of Leeds city centre and the country�s largest sustainable housing development.

Key to the city�s housing growth will be the regeneration of South Bank Leeds � where 235 hectares of land have been earmarked for development � with the potential to double both the size and economic output of the city centre. Home to the proposed HS2 integrated station, South Bank Leeds alone will accommodate some 8,000 new homes, creating more than 35,000 local jobs.

The city centre�s skyline will be redrawn, as Leeds embraces a high-rise approach to urban living with a new wave of residential towers. CEG is bringing forward proposals for a �350million vibrant mixed-use redevelopment at the heart of the South Bank with a mix of up to 750 new homes, offices, shops, caf�s, bars and restaurants and plans for Yorkshire�s tallest residential building.

Jon Kenny, development director at CEG said:�This is a derelict site where we can deliver a vibrant mixed-use strategic development of a critical mass and international quality that can enable this regeneration area to become a true gateway into the city, reconnecting local communities.�

�CEG has a long legacy of investing in Leeds and is on site delivering a ground breaking �400million development at Kirkstall Forge. Here, a new railway station has already opened, paving the way for 1,050 new homes and 400,000 sq ft of commercial, retail, leisure and community space in this unique wooded, riverside site.�

In Leeds� cultural quarter, Caddick Group�s� 6 acre mixed-use scheme, will provide more than 700 new homes alongside office space, leisure, including a hotel, retail units, and enhanced open public realm, with West Yorkshire Playhouse and new Leeds City College developments on its doorstep.

The first residential units, just south of York Road, will comprise 515 rent-only apartments from build to rent developer, Moda; offering a modern, co-living environment built around shared amenities and leisure opportunities. Split across two 16-storey blocks, the twin buildings will include some 9,000 sq ft of commercial space, to improve dwell times in the new neighbourhood.

Leeds City Council is also prioritising environmental sustainability as part of its ambitious residential proposals for the city. Citu�s Climate Innovation District is the UK�s largest sustainable development and will see the first houses built in Leeds city centre in nearly a century. The houses will be built to exacting, scandinavian-inspired design standards, offering long-term environmental benefits both for residents and the city.

A ground-breaking District Heating network installed by Vital Energi will see heat produced by the council�s Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) providing a sustainable source of heating and hot water for local households and businesses, through a network of underground pipes. The scheme aims to reduce the fuel bills of Leeds� most vulnerable residents by approximately 10 per cent, through more efficient and controllable heating.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:�This is an exciting time for residential development in Leeds, as we progress with more than 40 diverse residential projects, with 60 sites identified for future growth � as we target the delivery of 16,500 new homes across the city centre.

�Leeds has always enjoyed its reputation as an innovator in the region, and the residential market is no exception. Through pioneering partnerships, Leeds is likely to become home to Yorkshire�s tallest residential building and the UK�s largest sustainable housing development in the coming years.

�As a city, Leeds is committed to putting the needs of its residents at the heart of our ambitious plans. That�s why in addition to a diverse pipeline of new homes, we are also aiming for 20% to be affordable - through key worker, shared ownership and affordability schemes.�

Jonathan Morgan, Managing Director at Morgans City Living, who are investing in Leeds� residential market said:�Leeds is currently experiencing a long-overdue boom in all sectors of the residential market, and responding to increased demand as the city continues to grow and mature. Whilst young professionals and students are well catered for across the city, we�re also seeing a timely focus on urban housing that meets the needs of couples and growing families too. Some of the proposals we are seeing are at befitting of a city full of ambition and vision and the years ahead are beginning to look very exciting.�