Leeds is on the brink of transformation with 5 major announcements – the introduction of a tram network, the Core’s redevelopment, the Wellington Square skyscraper project, South Village residential scheme, and St Johns Centre’s conversion into student accommodation. These projects promise to reshape the city, from enhanced public transport to modern living spaces and vibrant urban landscapes.
What are the 5 big announcements set to change the face of Leeds?
- Introduction of a tram network to improve Leeds’ public transport.
- The Core’s transformation, offering new retail and leisure spaces with student apartments.
- Wellington Square development featuring Leeds’ tallest residential tower and office space.
- South Village, a residential and commercial project aimed to revitalize South Bank.
- St Johns Centre’s refurbishment into high-quality student accommodation with a roof garden.
The Vision for Leeds’ Public Transport
A new era beckons for the city’s public transportation. Leeds, the largest city in Europe without a mass transit system, is poised to embrace a future of improved connectivity. The introduction of a tram network has been a topic of discussion for years, and now, it seems the vision is close to becoming a reality. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, alongside other local leaders, has unveiled the initial phase of a tram network set to redefine urban mobility in the region.
The proposed network promises to bridge districts and cities with newfound efficiency. The first line, anticipated to run from Harehills to South Leeds via the bustling city center, marks a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure development. A subsequent line is expected to forge a direct link between Bradford Forster Square station and Leeds. The routes are subject to a public consultation slated for summer 2024, with construction potentially commencing in 2028.
A New Chapter for The Core
In the heart of Leeds, a transformation is underway. The Core, a familiar landmark, is set to undergo a dramatic metamorphosis. The collaboration between Tri7, Fusion Students, and architects Corstorphine & Wright heralds a new dawn for this central site. The existing structures will make way for three fresh edifices, accompanied by two novel streets bridging King Charles Street with Lands Lane.
This renaissance will see 38,000 square feet of retail and leisure spaces grace The Headrow, Lands Lane, and the newly minted thoroughfares, capped by 809 student apartments. The conceptualization envisages a seamlessly integrated living and shopping experience, enhancing the urban fabric of Leeds’ city center and setting a precedent for modern developments.
Leeds’ Skyline Reimagined
Leeds’ West End is on the cusp of welcoming a new icon—set to be the tallest building in the city. The green light from Leeds City Council propels the Wellington Square development, a brainchild of McLaren and Howells Architects, into the spotlight. The development’s centerpiece, a 45-storey residential tower, will be flanked by office buildings of significant stature, standing at 14 and 15 storeys.
The tower will house a diverse range of apartments, from single-bedroom flats to expansive three-bedroom units, culminating in a sky lounge that offers sweeping views of the city. The office space, amounting to 364,000 square feet, will accommodate up to 3,500 professionals. This addition to the skyline signifies a bold step forward in the city’s architectural evolution and economic growth.
South Bank’s Residential Revolution
South Village, a vision of Caddick Developments, is set to materialize on a prime yet underutilized plot in South Bank. Poised between the historic Holbeck enclave and Meadow Road, this ambitious project aims to inject vitality into the area with its 1,925 flats, a 450-room hotel, and a generous provision of office space.
Three striking tower blocks, with heights reaching up to 45 storeys, will serve as the core of South Village. The development has undergone meticulous refinement, now featuring a central green space that offers a verdant retreat amidst the urban sprawl. This decade-long project represents a significant piece of the South Bank regeneration puzzle, promising a vibrant community and a rejuvenated cityscape.
St Johns Centre’s Modern Makeover
St Johns Centre, a commercial and social hub since 1985, is due for a comprehensive refurbishment. The complex, which has seen its office spaces lie dormant in recent years, is set to be repurposed into high-quality student accommodation. Global Mutual, the current owners, plan to transform the site into a contemporary residential haven for students.
The redevelopment encompasses 287 student bedrooms, ranging from individual studios to shared bedroom clusters. A private roof garden will replace the existing car park, offering an exclusive outdoor space for residents. In addition, 78 cycle parking spots will encourage sustainable transportation choices. The rejuvenation of St Johns Centre is more than an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a strategic repurposing that aligns with the city’s growth and emerging demographics.
- Introduction of a tram network to improve Leeds’ public transport.
- The Core’s transformation, offering new retail and leisure spaces with student apartments.
- Wellington Square development featuring Leeds’ tallest residential tower and office space.
- South Village, a residential and commercial project aimed to revitalize South Bank.
- St Johns Centre’s refurbishment into high-quality student accommodation with a roof garden.