Aparthotel plans set for green light

The proposed development of a new aparthotel and commercial units next to Leeds’ historic Kirkgate Market has moved forward with plans recommended for approval when they go before councillors next week (13 September 2018).Town Centre Securities (TCS), Leeds City Council’s development partner on the project, submitted a full application for development at 4-32 George Street in June.Planning consent is sought for a new six-storey building featuring a 126-room aparthotel with a mix of studios, one- and two-bed units.A total of 9,400 sq ft of new commercial space would be developed on the ground floor, divided into nine retail units, as well as new direct access from George Street into the market.It is estimated that the development could create about 50 new full- and part-time jobs, as well as approximately 80 jobs during construction.The scheme will be discussed by the council’s City Plans Panel on 13 September 2018 and a report prepared for the meeting recommends that members grant planning permission and listed building consent, subject to conditions.The site is located adjacent to the grade I-listed Market building (Leeming House and the former Butcher’s Row) and opposite the new Victoria Gate development.It currently comprises nine lock-up shops fronting George Street, known as the 1930s shops, and a further row of units on Butchers Row.A public consultation on the new scheme was held earlier this year. TCS also made a pre-application presentation to Leeds City Council’s city plans panel in October 2017.