31-storey tower scheme set for green light

Plans for a development of more than 675 apartments across a series of new buildings in Leeds city centre, including a 31-storey tower, are recommended for approval at a meeting next week (8 July 2021).Ease Treasure Holdings Ltd submitted plans to Leeds City Council at the end of 2018 for development on a brownfield site bounded by Bridge Street, Gower Street, New York Road and Regent Street.The site was occupied by British Gas office until 2005 and the majority of the buildings were demolished in 2016.The conversion of a ten-storey tower and four-storey podium running along the southern edge of the site into a hotel began in 2017 and a Hampton by Hilton hotel opened at the end of 2019.Planning permission is sought for the second phase of development on the site, comprising five residential building, the tallest of which would measure 31 storeys.The buildings would comprise 678 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments, with a mix of one-, two- and three bedroom units.The plans also include 10,800 sq ft of space at ground floor level for use as incubator units and 7,000 sq ft for café and ancillary retail space.A total of 288 car and 282 bicycle parking spaces would be provided, and a new pedestrian route and area of public realm created to link Bridge Street and Regent Street.The application will be considered by the council’s City Plans Panel on 8 July and is recommended for approval, subject to the signing of a legal agreement, in an officer’s report prepared for the meeting.Plans were previously approved in 2011 for four buildings of between 23 and 40 storeys on the site, comprising 636 residential units, 99 serviced apartments, a hotel, retail and healthy living facilities.Ease Treasure Holdings was incorporated by Heeton Holdings, a property investment and development business listed on the Singapore Exchange.The project team includes Deloitte Real Estate, SimpsonHaugh and Partners, WSP, MKP, Aspinall Verdi, LAAND and Counter Context.