Redevelopment of former Arla Foods site set to get go-ahead

Plans for a development of more than 600 apartments on the former Arla Foods office building in Leeds look set to get the green light later this week (7 January 2021).Avison Young, on behalf of its client Commercial Development Projects Ltd, submitted plans to Leeds City Council in June for the redevelopment of a 5.1-acre brownfield site on the edge of Leeds city centre.The site on Kirkstall Road previously housed Arla Foods and Tiger Bus Company but has been vacant since 2016.Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing buildings and construction of a residential-led development of six blocks of between seven and 16 storeys.A total of 631 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments would be created, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units.About 10,400 sq ft of space suitable for café, food and beverage, and creche uses would be provided, together with 4,800 for retail.The scheme also includes 242 parking spaces, open space and a new riverside walkway.The application will go before the council’s City Plans Panel on 7 January 2021 and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.It added that the proposal would “act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area”.Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher is the architect on the scheme with Curtins providing civils, engineering and transport advice.