LEEDS SOUTH BANK
A new direction for a new kind of city
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
CONTENTS
PART 3:
DELIVERING INFRASTRUCTURE
AND INVESTMENT, A LIVEABLE
CITY.
PART 1: OUR SHARED VISION FOR LEEDS
SOUTH BANK, OVERVIEW,
SCALE AND AMBITION.
PART 2:
THE OPPORTUNITIES
HOLBECK URBAN VILLAGE,
CENTRAL SOUTH BANK,
LEEDS DOCK.
2
Cover photo: Ghost Peloton at The Tetley
A new direction for a new kind of city
Leeds South Bank presents one of the most exciting
development opportunities in any UK city.
FOREWORD
Leeds has a strong track record as one of the most
successful cities for investment. The city centre’s
South Bank presents one of the most exciting
development opportunities in any UK city. It is key to
delivering our commitment to be the best city in the
UK by 2030.
Retail, leisure, financial and professional services have been the key
economic drivers in Leeds city centre; they continue to perform well
and further multi-million pound investments are already programmed.
In Leeds South Bank, the creative and digital industries, corporate
HQs, the proposed HS2 station, leisure and cultural facilities, as well
as the daily needs of residents, are the economic and social drivers
that will help us to realise our shared ambition for Leeds to have the
best city centre whether you are under five, over 90 or anything in
between.
This document outlines some of the highly rewarding development
opportunities available for investors in Leeds South Bank, explains the
major infrastructure investment being made in the area and outlines
how, in Leeds, different sectors are working together to build a global
city with a better, sustainable future.
Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council
Executive member for transport and the economy
3
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
PART 1: THE VISION
Leeds is determined to be a new kind of city, drawing on its unique assets
to help shape the way global cities will be in the future. Leeds South Bank is
fundamental to realising this goal by becoming an attractive, dynamic and
sustainable place to invest, work, start a business, study and live – for a day, a
week, a year or a lifetime.
4
PART 1: THE VISION
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
Leeds South Bank is one of Europe’s most exciting sustainable growth locations and will
transform Leeds city centre.
The area is already home to:
• a range of UK headquarters including ASDA, aql, True North (the largest independent
television production company in the North), Bloom Media, Flashtalking and Elmwood plus
regional headquarters including Eversheds, Ernst & Young and DWF;
• cultural attractions — the Royal Armouries Museum and The Tetley, a new centre for
contemporary art and learning;
• Leeds City College;
• digital infrastructure including HUVnet and a new digital internet exchange;
• a rapidly growing hub for the city’s creative, digital and tech industries;
• well established city living with a growing market beyond singles and couples to middle
aged empty-nesters and high net worth individuals.
In the future it will be the home of:
• the new HS2 station, which together with the existing station, will be one of the busiest
transport interchanges in the country and an international gateway;
• improved infrastructure including superfast broadband, a major data centre and Leeds New
Generation Transport system which will improve connectivity within Leeds South Bank and
with the rest of the city;
• a new 3.5 hectare park and excellent public realm and connectivity throughout;
• an education hub with Leeds College of Building and the existing Leeds City College
campus, with potential for further new educational provision;
• families across the generations…
Leeds South Bank has
well established city
living and boasts a range
of leisure attractions.
..and Leeds South Bank could be home to your new European HQ, your
next successful housing or office or mixed use development located on
some of the 300,000 sq.m. of development land available.
5
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
OVERVIEW
In Leeds the private, public and third sectors are working together to
transform Leeds South Bank into an attractive, welcoming and safe
environment offering varied and flexible working and residential spaces,
leisure facilities and excellent connectivity with its surrounding areas and
with the rest of the UK and beyond.
HOLBECK URBAN VILLAGE
The area has been transformed into a
national centre for the creative and digital
industries and destination for living and
leisure. After over £250m of investment,
the area offers significant development
potential for high quality residential and
mixed use developments.
SOUTH BANK CENTRAL
Home to ASDA’s UK headquarters, aql,
The Tetley and the proposed HS2 station,
this area has strong potential for a well
connected, sustainable business and
residential community with a new City Park
at its heart. Developments are capitalising
on its close proximity to the retail and
financial quarters, train station, waterfront
and motorway network.
LEEDS DOCK
Leeds Dock, home to the Royal Armouries
Museum, will add a new cultural dimension
to the lives of people in Leeds and
Yorkshire. Creating a vibrant destination
that will adapt to their leisure, work and
social lives, Leeds Dock will enhance
the attractions of the city’s waterfront.
Its hinterland provides a range of
development opportunities.
6
PART 1: THE VISION
QUARE
YS
IT
C
ER
TRI
NIT Y Q U
L
VA
ST
AT I O : A R RI
N
NC
H
E NTR
A
E
S O UT
BR
ID
Tower
Works
Holbeck Urban
Village
Round
Foundry
T
Existing
bridge
NGT Route and
Stops
Landmark
buildings
Proposed
bridge link
Pedestrian
Connections
Indicative
development
opportunities
River Aire and
Calder Navigation
Railway line
HS2
Green space
Proposed City
Park
Brewery
Wharf
SO
S T AT I
N
AR
Corn Exchange
T.
VER IGN S
E
Leeds
City
Station
O
Uses & Buildings
Transport and Connections
S
GE
aql
Asda House
South Bank
Central
Bridgewater
Place
Marshall
Mills
The
Tetley
Royal
Armouries
Leeds
College of
Building
Proposed
Free
School
Leeds
Dock
Leeds Dock
& Hinterland
Temple
Works
HS2
Crown
Point
Shopping
Park
Leeds
City
College
Discovery
Centre
Braime
Pressings
aql
M621/ M1
7
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
THE LEEDS ECONOMY
Leeds is a major UK business centre and one of the best places in Europe
to locate a business. The city has one of the most diverse economies of
all the UK’s main employment centres, which has enabled it to survive
and recover from economic recessions much better than many other
European cities.
Leeds has the highest
ratio of private to public
sector jobs of all major
UK cities bar London.
Leeds sits at the heart of a wider city region
which has an economy worth over £50 billion
per annum and a workforce of 1.4 million. Circa
£4 billion has been invested in commercial
property development in Leeds over the last ten
years and projects worth a further £5.8 billion
are under construction or in the pipeline.
Today the Leeds economy is worth £18bn and
has grown almost 40% over the last decade.
Leeds is the second largest employer in the
UK. Home to over 25,000 businesses, Leeds
also has the highest ratio of private to public
sector jobs of all major cities bar London.
400-1000
1001-2000
2001-3500
3501-7500
7501-15000
15001-86000
City Centre
Enterprise Zone
Leeds has proved more resilient to the recession
than other northern cities: employment has risen
by 11,000 since 2011, and 2013 saw the opening
of the £350 million Trinity Leeds retail and leisure
development, the award winning 13,500 seat
first direct Arena and the only Everyman Cinema
outside London; 2014 saw the start on site of
Victoria Gate, another multi-million pound retail
development that will be home to John Lewis,
complementing the existing Harvey Nichols,
major chains and independent shops and
Concentration of private sector
restaurants.
employment in Leeds
8
PART 1: THE VISION
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
44,600 Jobs
Total employment in Leeds (2013) stands at 462,000. Over the next decade (2013 – 2023),
Leeds is forecast to generate 32% of employment growth within the Yorkshire and Humber
region, equating to 44,600 out of a total of 138,000 jobs.
32%
About half of these will be located in Leeds city centre where the employment base is
expected to grow by more than 24,000. More than half of these will be in Holbeck Urban
Village, Central South Bank and Leeds Dock.
The three key opportunities for employment growth into the next decade are the City Centre
North, Leeds South Bank and the Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone.
Leeds South Bank forms part of the Aire Valley Leeds, which is also home to the 142 hectare
Enterprise Zone. This is delivering a 4m sq ft development pipeline on key employment sites
adjacent to Junction 45 of the M1. Improved connectivity between Leeds South Bank and the
Enterprise Zone will further strengthen the value of both these areas to investors and the city
region.
Fully developed, Leeds South Bank has the potential to accommodate around 35,000 jobs.
Key areas of employment
growth for Leeds
Total development
floorspace (sq m)
Total projected
employment (2023)
Employment
growth
Leeds South Bank
751,800
34,780
+11,750
Holbeck Urban Village
285,600
13,250
+6,400
South Bank Central
260,400
12,080
+1,040
Leeds Dock
205,800
9,550
+4,310
City Centre – North
882,916
77,250
+12,681
639,000
12,530
+7,000
Enterprise Zone
Note: Employment growth projections for Leeds South Bank assume the following mix of uses:
Offices - 70%; Warehousing - 10%; Industrial - 5%; Retail and leisure: 15%.
Actual employment growth will vary according to mix of uses and development density.
Leeds will
generate
32% of
employment
growth in
Yorkshire and
the Humber
The Leeds economy is
worth £18bn and has
grown almost 40% over
the last decade.
Projected employment growth in Leeds
12,681
11,750
7,000
Enterprise
Zone
City Centre
North
Leeds South
Bank
9
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
“South Bank is a major sustainable growth location for the Leeds City Region.
It is providing the room to grow that Leeds now needs, following the outstanding
success of exciting and dynamic developments like the city’s award winning Arena
and Trinity Leeds retail and leisure centre, as well as Hammerson’s forthcoming
Victoria Gate development and MEPC’s Wellington Place. It is ideally located for
access to the major planned rail improvements and Leeds Station, including the
proposed HS2 and HS3 routes. Leeds South Bank is a critical piece in the city’s
jigsaw to consolidate the position of Leeds as one of Europe’s leading cities.”
Nigel Foster, President, Leeds Chamber of Commerce
10
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
HOLBECK URBAN VILLAGE
The 37.5 acre Holbeck Urban Village has seen over £250m of investment
since 1999 and has been transformed into an award winning national
centre for the creative and digital industries.
With over 150 businesses and 2,500 people already working and living there, the vision is to
extend this transformation further and create a high quality sustainable community for city
living, leisure and working that is the catalyst for economic growth for Leeds South Bank
and the city region. Holbeck Urban Village recently won the Academy of Urbanism ‘Great
Neighbourhood’ award in recognition of the significant improvements to its economic, social
and physical environment over the last ten years.
THE OPPORTUNITY
HUV, with its stunning mix of iconic heritage, exceptional modern design and independent
leisure businesses, is a truly distinctive area. With improved connectivity with the city centre
via Leeds Station Southern Entrance and further investment in infrastructure planned, the
award winning transformation is set to continue.
There are a further 20 acres of land now available to support the development of family
homes, apartments, leisure uses and commercial space.
Major development and investment opportunities are being proactively brought forward
to coincide with the construction of Leeds Station Southern Entrance, including one of the
best short term opportunities in the region to develop high quality city living overlooking
the waterfront at Tower Works.
Marshalls Mill and
the Round Foundry
comprise around
130,000 sq.ft. of
commercial space in a
variety of Grade II listed
and new buildings.
11
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
“Recognised as the city’s hub for the creative and digital media sectors, the
Holbeck Urban Village area combines city centre convenience of public transport,
road networks and parking with a village atmosphere and the real soul and
character of Leeds’ heritage.”
Paul Simmons, Development Director, Igloo Regeneration Limited
12
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
1
2
Site
Owner
Development Opportunity
Tower Works
Phase II
HCA and
Leeds City
Council
1.01ha development adjacent to the southern station
entrance. Following a developer competition,
development is expected to start in 2015. Planning
permission for mixed use including residential and
could accommodate over 200 units.
Water Lane/
Globe Road
West
Register
Current permission includes 10,000sqm residential,
20,000sqm office and over 10,000sqm leisure.
Round
Foundry
Phase 2
Igloo
1 acre of development land with opportunites for office
development and high quality leisure uses.
4
Bath Road
Leeds City
Council
4 acres. Earmarked as sites for residential development
and potential redevelopment site.
5
Temple Works
Arndale
Properties
Ltd
A two acre, Grade 1 listed building with unique Egyptian
inspired frontage and home to what was once the
world’s largest room.
3
2
1
3
4
5
13
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
South Bank Central will be home to the new HS2 station, which will be an iconic
centerpiece of an integrated transport network bringing new levels of national
and international connectivity to Leeds and the city region and stimulating
further regeneration of Leeds South Bank, enhancing the area’s competitiveness,
prosperity and opportunities for our citizens and businesses.
14
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
SOUTH BANK CENTRAL
HOME TO HIGH SPEED RAIL 2
Leeds South Bank has genuine potential for
distinctive, well connected sustainable business and
residential communities with a new 3.5 hectare city
centre park at its heart.
Image: Priestman Goode
Private and public sector partners are working together on HS2 to:
• promote building HS2 from the North;
• finalise the location of the new HS2 station in Leeds:
• investing early to reduce costs, uncertainty and risk;
• address any concerns about the route;
• review compensation arrangements;
• deliver HS2 ahead of schedule and on budget;
• maximize growth in the Leeds City Region through HS2;
• maximise its potential as a catalyst for city development;
• ensure effective connectivity with other networks and the future
HS2 network.
15
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
“The Leeds headquarters of aql houses the best connected datacentre
north of Slough. aql hosts every national carrier and regional ISP, along with
the internet exchange for the north of England. It is one of the three UK mutual
internet exchanges and the only one outside of London. This allows aql to provide
access to unprecedented connectivity for the region and also offer unsurpassed
resilience. This places Leeds as the ideal mirror site for critical London services,
fortifying the digital infrastructure of UK plc.”
Dr Adam Beaumont, CEO and founder, aql
16
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
“HS2 is an enormous undertaking, but it is
not an end in itself. If we do it right, it can be
a catalyst for fundamental change at both
a local and national level, up and down the
country. It is ambitious because it needs to
be, to meet the demands not just of the here
and now, but of the future.”
Sir David Higgins, HS2
HS2 Station
Destinations that could
be served by the existing
HS2-compatible rail network
Core high speed network
(Phase One and Two)
HS2 connection to existing rail
network
Existing HS2-compatible service network
HS2 will provide Leeds with new rail capacity, better
connectivity and quicker journeys. HS2 will connect
half the core cities of England into a single coherent
economic corridor reducing the journey time to
Birmingham to 44 minutes. It will extend high speed lines
north-east from Birmingham to Leeds, with intermediate
stations in the East Midlands and Sheffield and a good
interchange to ensure it also serves the wider city
region. In Leeds, it will provide excellent development
opportunities adjacent to the station.
HS2 will free up capacity on existing rail lines for more
commuter, rural and freight train services, and mean
fewer cars and lorries on our roads, cutting congestion
and carbon emissions, and provide you with an increased
connectivity to employees, clients and suppliers. Detailed
maps and descriptions of the proposed route are
available on the Department for Transport website.
The new proposed HS3 route, connecting cites across
the North, will reduce journey times between Leeds
and Manchester by 40% and significantly increase the
frequency of services.
The potential for high speed trains to run on the existing
rail network to provide services and connections beyond
Leeds is currently being explored.
17
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
“Sometimes that quick trip out of the office isn’t for anything essential. It’s a
chance to grab a quick breath of fresh air, let your subconscious mull over a
problem, come back refreshed with a new idea. Such a trip is infinitely better
in good surroundings. From our sites you can take a walk along the waterfront,
watch the swans, or stroll the street and say ‘Hi’ at the local coffee shop.”
Peter Connolly, Owner, Yorkshire Design Group
18
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
A SOUTHERN GATEWAY TO THE CITY
The area surrounding the site for the HS2 station presents a mixture of
development opportunities and uses, including residential, offices, food
and drink and retail. The framework for South Bank Central is set out in
the Leeds South Bank planning statement.
The conversion of the Grade II listed Alf Cooke Printworks as a campus for Leeds City College
was completed in summer 2013 and Leeds College of Building campus is being built this year,
creating an education hub.
The Tetley, a new centre for contemporary art and learning, recently opened in Leeds South
Bank; it is also a neutral space to facilitate multi-agency meetings and workshops on major
developments and projects in the city.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Our aspiration is for a high quality city park that redefines the southern gateway to the
city centre. We want to create a new place which enhances the waterfront, promotes
sustainable, high technology employment and homes. Leeds is one of the country’s
most important regional internet centres. A new data centre planned for the area has the
potential to attract many of the larger internet service providers, helping the city to deliver
its ambitious digital plans. A new pedestrian and cycle bridge is planned from Leeds South
Bank to the new green space on Sovereign Street to improve connectivity further with the
city centre north of the river.
Our aspiration is for a
high quality city park
that redefines the
southern gateway to the
city centre.
19
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
“The revitalisation of the city’s South Bank over the last decade is nothing short
of remarkable. It is fantastic to see the area developing into a strong community
which blends living, commerce, education and leisure so successfully. Rushbond has
continued to invest in the area, most recently through our partnership with Leeds
City College to redevelop the former Alf Cooke Printworks into a major vocational
educational campus – the potential of Leeds South Bank for further economic
investment and activity as part of a growing city is clearly evident.”
Jonathan Maud, Managing Director, Rushbond Plc.
20
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
Name
Owner
Comments
1a
1b
Carlsberg land east of
Crown Point Road
Carlsberg
Tetley
No planning application proposals.
2
Carlsberg
Carlsberg
Tetley
Total size of Carlsberg land holdings is 8.5 ha.
All sites would suit a variety of uses; some land
will be allocated for the new city centre park.
3
Asda Merchandising Centre
of Excellence (MCE)
Carlsberg
Tetley
Temporary permission granted for 5 years
from 2013 (ref. 13/00737/FU – occupied).
4
West of Black Bull Street
Yorkshire
Design
Services
No current planning application proposals but
would suit variety of uses.
McLeer &
Rushe
3.1 hectares HS2 terminal and associated
development. (Apart from HS2, no planning
application proposals).
5
6
New Lane
Bridge End/Meadow Lane
Various
6
2
3
HS2
5
1a
4
1b
Leeds College
of Building
Gateway area in need of enhancement
containing four Grade II listed buildings.
21
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
“Leeds Dock will deliver an original, powerful cultural dimension to the lives of
people in Leeds and Yorkshire, creating a vibrant, self-sustaining destination that
will adapt to their leisure, work and social needs. Leeds Dock will energise Leeds
South Bank and give the city back the waterfront it deserves.”
Michael Ingall, Allied London, Leeds Dock
22
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
LEEDS DOCK AND
HINTERLAND
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS CLARENCE DOCK)
Allied London acquired the commercial units around Leeds Dock in
2012. Its strategy for Leeds Dock is to revitalise the area as a major
commercial, tourist and visitor attraction, in a manner which will
complement the city’s aspirations for the city centre park on Leeds
South Bank. Leeds Dock is a destination for start-up digital and creative
businesses, a place to live, and a place for leisure for residents, workers
and visitors alike.
Leeds Dock is a
destination for start-up
digital and creative
businesses, a place to
live, and a place for
leisure for residents,
workers and visitors alike.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The opportunity at Leeds Dock is the promise of an outstanding location that mixes
shopping, high quality, family friendly dining with a workspace hub for today’s emerging
and enlarging industries, as well as space for concerts, comedy, theatre and art, in
an attractive public realm environment. Home to the Royal Armouries museum and
a conference centre, Leeds Dock contains over 1,100 luxury one and two bedroom
apartments spread over six stunning buildings, located around moorings with views across
the River Aire.
23
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
The opportunity at Leeds Dock is the promise of an outstanding location that
mixes shopping, high quality, family friendly dining with a workspace hub for
today’s emerging and enlarging industries.
24
PART 2: THE OPPORTUNITIES
1
Name
Owner
Comments
Leeds Dock
Allied London
Various planning permissions granted
for office workspace, convenience retail,
food, drink and event space uses to
complement existing residential uses,
restaurants and the Royal Armouries.
2a
2b
Former Hydro
Aluminium site,
Clarence Road
Hydro Aluminium
and Hydro Motorcast
Leeds (Property) Ltd
Sites cleared in readiness for potential
development. There are plans for a new
bridge link to the East Bank.
3
Carlisle Road land
Various including LCC
Currently no planning applications or
proposals.
4
LCC sites Carlisle
Road/Sayner Lane/
Clarence Road
LCC
Currently no planning applications
submitted. Has potential for a mix of
uses.
5
East of Black Bull
Street
Yorkshire Design
Services Ltd
No current planning application. Previous
approvals for residential and offices; may
also suit educational uses.
1
5
3
2b
4
2a
25
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE,
INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
26
PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
CONNECTIVITY
26 mins to City
Centre (NGT)
Holt Park
Bodington
Park & Ride
120
NEW GENERATION TRANSPORT
19 mins to City
Centre (NGT)
(850)
A6
r
ute
s O ad
o
ed
Le g R
Rin
New Generation Transport (NGT) represents a major
investment in the city, providing a high quality
transport system that will help support the Leeds
economy and improve the local environment by
helping to address congestion.
West Park
12 mins to City
Centre (NGT)
Headingley
Centre
Hyde Park
Corner
NGT Stop
Arena
NGT Route
City Centre
Leeds Rail
Station
New Dock
Sept 2013
Submision of
Transport and
Works Act
Order
Spring 2014
Public inquiry
commenced
2015
Secretary
of State for
Transport
decision
expected
A64
Penny Hill
(Hunslet)
Aire
Valle
y
Leed
s
Arena
M621
Civic
Belle Isle
14 mins to City
Centre (NGT)
Leeds Rail
Station
Stourton
Park & Ride
M1
(1500)
y
May 2013
Consultation
and design
review
completed
A64M
A58
City Square
July 2012
Initial
Department
for Transport
approval
granted
St James
Hospital
A58M
NGT Proposed
Extension
NGT will mean modern, accessible vehicles providing reliable,
comfortable and frequent journeys into the city centre from park
& ride sites located on the outskirts of Leeds. It will help to reduce
congestion and carbon emissions whilst improving connectivity. There
is also scope for future extensions to the east, south east and west of
the city. For further up-to-date information and the full Leeds route,
visit: www.ngtmetro.com
A new water taxi and shuttle bus services from the train station, two
new bridges and improvements to cycle and pedestrian networks
both within Leeds South Bank and to surrounding communities will
help create a more pleasant, sustainable environment and give local
people better access to places of employment and leisure facilities.
5 mins to City
Centre (NGT)
Leeds
University
it
Trin
M621
Junc7
Brewery Wharf
2016
Select
preferred
bidders for
construction
2017
Begin
construction
2019
Testing and
commissioning
Feb 2020
Start of
operation
27
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
Leeds railway station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The on-going
development of Leeds South Bank has created demand for a new southern
entrance allowing more direct access to its expanding development areas.
28
PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
LEEDS STATION’S NEW SOUTHERN ENTRANCE
Leeds railway station is the busiest station in the North of England: it
hosts over 36 million passengers per annum (or 100,000 per day). The
on-going regeneration of Leeds South Bank has created demand for
a new southern entrance allowing more direct access to its expanding
development areas.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
There can be few areas of modern life which are not touched somehow
by broadband connectivity – whether it’s supporting how we work,
how we learn, how we communicate with friends and family, or how we
entertain ourselves. Leeds and the wider city region has a critical mass of
systems, infrastructure, software capability and entrepreneurial activity
related to digital industries that has the potential to drive growth and
position the region globally as the UK’s northern digital and information
hub.
Recognising the importance of digital connectivity, Leeds is embarking on ambitious plans
to roll out high speed broadband to become the best digital city outside London. This will
provide improved download and upload speeds, as well as a more reliable service. It will enable
your workforce to work remotely which can lead to increased productivity, greater employee
satisfaction, reduced travel and reduced costs.
There can be few
areas of modern life
which are not touched
somehow by broadband
connectivity.
Local company aql is investing in a new data centre on Leeds South Bank which will act as
a catalyst for internet growth and help the city to deliver its ambitious digital plans. High
speed broadband is crucial for increasing economic growth, supporting innovation, improving
productivity and unleashing investment opportunities.
29
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
The commitment to the new park echoes the historical development of
green space in the city, bringing leisure space in a high quality environment
and making a huge contribution to the transformation of the whole of
Leeds South Bank.
30
PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
A LIVEABLE CITY
LEEDS NEW CITY PARK
The council and landowners in Leeds South Bank have agreed to the creation of a new
city centre park as an integral part of the expansion of the city centre business district. It is
anticipated that the park will be designed in a number of separate phases to create a park
of approximately 3.5 hectares.
31
LEEDS SOUTH BANK
“I moved to Leeds from London for a lifestyle change, Leeds has a good
design and creative community but doesn’t have the congestion, pollution, high
prices and stress that come with a daily commute to London. I enjoy the vibrant
cosmopolitan qualities that Leeds centre has to offer… my quality of life has
already improved greatly.”
The Creative and Digital Industries Survey
32
PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
Leeds has one of the safest city centres in the UK.
A strong multi-agency partnership and regular
engagement with young people has ensured that this
extends to the whole of the waterfront area.
WALKING & WAY-FINDING
Leeds has the only solar powered way-finding
system in the UK, providing on-street maps
and signposts. The first phase of the system
has already been installed in part of the city
centre to widespread praise. The feasibility
of extending the way-finding system to the
whole of Leeds South Bank is being explored.
Footway improvements and two new bridges
will make Leeds South Bank even more
pedestrian friendly and accessible.
WATERFRONT FESTIVAL
The annual Waterfront Festival includes a
fantastic range of events, stretching all along
the Leeds Waterfront from Thwaite Mills, via
Leeds Dock and Brewery Wharf to Granary
Wharf in Holbeck Urban Village.
The strong partnership that enables the
waterfront festival to be so successful was
recognised when we won the Canal & River
Trust’s Waterways Renaissance Award in 2012.
In future years it is intended to extend the
festival to a three day event from Friday to
Sunday, involving more local businesses and
residents.
THE ‘HUNSLET STRAY’
Leeds Sustainable Development Group, in
partnership with Sustrans, is working with a
group of landowners to create the Hunslet
Stray, a cycle and pedestrian route that will
provide an early contribution to the creation
of a City Centre Park, a key part of the city’s
vision for Leeds South Bank. The Stray
will also help to better connect adjacent
communities to Leeds South Bank.
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LEEDS SOUTH BANK
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme has been created to protect Leeds city
centre and critical infrastructure from flooding along 3.5km of the River Aire.
A proposed weir at Crown Point Bridge will be lowered when the river is in danger
of flooding.
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PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
FLOOD ALLEVIATION
Flood risk is increasing throughout the UK and Leeds is no exception. To
protect businesses, homes, buildings, the transportation network and the
city economy in the future, we are putting flood defences in place. Over
£50m is being invested in flood defences for Leeds to protect homes
and businesses and maintain investor confidence.
The Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme has been created to protect Leeds city centre and critical
infrastructure from flooding along 3.5 kilometres of the River Aire. It includes the installation of
two innovative moveable weirs.
The scheme has been designed to be sensitive to the heritage waterfront setting and
to maintain accessibility to waterfront areas. Construction works are programmed to be
completed by March 2016.
Visualisation of the proposed new moveable
weir at Crown Point Bridge, which will
be lowered when the river is in danger of
flooding, enabling the height of the water to
reduce and lower flood risk.
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LEEDS SOUTH BANK
INVESTING IN WORKFORCE AND SKILLS
Leeds is home to four internationally acclaimed universities with over
60,000 degree students, Leeds City College and the Leeds College of
Building. Not surprising then that over 35% of the working population
are qualified to at least degree level.
In 2012 the Council and Leeds City College established the Apprenticeship Training Agency
to offer businesses an affordable and low risk route to recruiting apprentices. Learning and
training providers work collaboratively to offer sector support and to engage with students in
high schools across the city.
Leeds is determined to
be a new kind of city,
drawing on its unique
assets to help shape the
way global cities will be
in the future.
Leeds South Bank is home to one of Leeds City College’s campuses, will soon be home to
Leeds College of Building and could be the home of other educational establishments in
the near future. As an employer, you will have access to Leeds Enterprise Exchange, a free
networking forum which brings together local employers, high schools and others who wish to
see enterprise and employability flourish in the city. It is also close to communities with active
workforces and potential supplies of committed employees.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Leeds is determined to be a new kind of city, drawing on its unique assets to help shape the
way global cities will be in the future. Stakeholders share this ambition and are committed to
working together to achieve it for the benefit of all.
Many of the businesses already located in Leeds South Bank have placed sustainability at
the heart of their operations and the area is destined to a beacon of high quality design and
low impact living. For example, Leeds City College has recently refurbished the Alf Cooke
Printworks to high environmental standards in line with their aim to reduce carbon emissions
by 35%. Major transport improvements are due to take place with the arrival of NGT and the
cycle superhighway and canal towpath upgrade. The planned city centre park will turn derelict
land into valuable green space for residents and businesses alike to enjoy.
The development sites in the area provide a great opportunity to think even more ambitiously
about all aspects of sustainable development. These can look to the Council’s Building for
Tomorrow Today Supplementary Planning Guide for practical advice and inspiration.
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PART 3: INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT AND ASSETS
THE DIVERSITY OF LEEDS IS ONE OF ITS MAJOR
STRENGTHS WITH SPECIALISMS IN KEY SECTORS
Financial and business services
Leeds is the largest financial and business
services hub outside London.
The visitor economy
As the home of Opera North, the Northern
Ballet, the Royal Armouries museum, the
Henry Moore Museum, the first direct
Arena, four theatres, an international
concert venue and the host of world class
events like the renowned 2014 Tour de
France Grand Depart, Leeds is an exciting
tourist destination and a great place to live.
Health and innovation
Building on its cluster of highly innovative
companies, nationally significant public
sector institutions and world-leading
research by our universities, Leeds is
becoming the UK’s leading city in this sector.
Advanced manufacturing
As the third largest manufacturing centre
in the UK, Leeds is home to around 1700
manufacturing companies employing over
30,000 people.
Digital and information
Our critical mass of companies, a major
internet exchange and data centre, the
evolving superfast and ultrafast broadband
and excellent research facilities are making our
digital infrastructure the envy of other cities.
Housing construction and infrastructure
A third of the wider city region’s
employment in this sector is concentrated
in the city.
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LEEDS SOUTH BANK
PARTNERS AND DELIVERY
Development progress in Leeds South Bank is now becoming a reality: landowners, developers, Leeds
City Council and other key stakeholders are working together to bring together positive proposals
for improvements such as a new Leeds Station Southern Entrance, new campuses for both Leeds City
College and Leeds College of Building, a national data centre and new digital and creative media start-up
opportunities in Holbeck Urban Village and at Leeds Dock.
Allied London is a property development
and investment company with a combined
total of more than 180 years experience in UK
commercial and residential property markets.
Asda. The Leeds headquarters of Asda
really is the heart of Asda, with 3,000 people
working here.
aql is a Regulated Telecommunications
Operator and has the heart of its operations
in Leeds. The company’s main datacentre is
also the main data hub for the city and the
company is the largest wholesale IP telephony
provider in the UK, with over 80 million
numbers on its network.
Carlsberg Tetley. The Carlsberg Group is the
fourth largest brewer in the world. It owns
one of the largest sites in Leeds South Bank,
formerly the Tetley brewery and HQ where
beer has been brewed since 1822.
Creative Space Management is a leading
national property management company
that was founded in Leeds and now operates
0.5 million square feet of commercial space
across the UK. It is the largest property
manager and agent operating in Holbeck
Urban Village.
Homes & Communities Agency. Working
with our local partners, the HCA creates new
affordable homes and thriving places to meet
the needs of local communities.
Igloo invests in UK mixed-use real estate
through sustainable place-making, in
partnership with the public sector and local
communities, and has been investing in
Holbeck Urban Village for more than a decade.
Leeds City College is the UK’s third largest FE
establishment, offering a diverse curriculum to
more than 40,000 students.
Leeds College Of Building delivers a
comprehensive range of courses related to
building, construction and engineering, across
Leeds and nationally.
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Leeds Chamber of Commerce is a
membership organisation providing business
support and international services. It provides
information, events, training, and signposting
to relevant services for business enabling
members to develop and prosper and to provide
a collective voice taking its members views and
concerns to policy and decision makers.
Leeds City Council is both a land owner and
developer. We facilitate development on
many levels: through the coordination of the
physical and green infrastructure investment,
to supplying a skilled workforce and enhancing
cultural facilities.
Leeds and Partners is the strategic agency
responsible for attracting inward investment,
promoting tourism, and raising the profile of the
city. It works in partnership to drive sustainable
economic and jobs growth.
Leeds Sustainable Development Group is a
network of individuals who share a commitment
to their city and want to work together to make
it better. Their objective is to create a selfsustaining, open and inclusive forum.
A new direction for a new kind of city
Network Rail owns, operates and maintains
Britain’s rail infrastructure, including spaces
underneath bridges, and viaducts. They are
a key partner, particularly in Holbeck Urban
Village.
The Tetley - Project Space Leeds. A new
centre for contemporary art and learning
located in the historic setting of the former
Tetley brewery headquarters.
For further information contact:
Martin Farrington,
Director of City Development,
Leeds City Council
Tel: +44 (0)113 247 4456
Leeds and Partners
Tel: +44 (0)113 378 1555
Email: enquiries@leedsandpartners.com
Rushbond plc delivers high quality and
imaginative developments. Their philosophy is
to create distinctive buildings and places such
the BBC Headquarters in Leeds and, within
the South Bank, the new Leeds City College
at The Printworks and Brewery Wharf, a
vibrant mix of shops, hotel, restaurants,
apartments and businesses.
Yorkshire Design Group headquarters
are located at 46 The Calls. These award
winning premises, refurbished from a
former warehouse by YDG, kick-started the
regeneration of the Leeds waterfront in the
1990s.
Published November 2014
Design by inspiredby:creative solutions.
Photography by Ollievision
and Carl McCreddin. Ghost Peloton photograpy
courtesy of Sharpshutter Photography.
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