Development on site of Leeds’ first rail station to be discussed

A residential-led development of more than 1,000 homes on the central site of Leeds’ first ever railway station is set to be discussed by councillors next week (28 March 2019).Rushbond Group and Gold and Amber are behind the plans for the site at the former Marsh Lane Goods Yard, which sits between Marsh Lane and Shannon Street.The Marsh Lane Goods Yard was the site of the Leeds’ first ever railway station in 1834. It has been identified as a development opportunity in Leeds City Council’s development plan.The developers revealed their initial plans for the site in February 2019 and more details have now been provided ahead of a pre-application presentation at a meeting of the councils’ City Plans Panel on 28 March.The proposed development would comprise five stepped blocks ranging in height from nine to 22 storeys. A total of 1,032 residential units would be provided, with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and live-work units.The scheme would also include commercial units suitable for a range of uses and co-working space for incubator and start-up businesses. A total of 202 car parking spaces would be provided across the five blocks.Leeds-based architectural practice Brewster Bye has been commissioned to design the masterplan.Members of the City Plans Panel will be asked to give their views on whether the principle of the development is appropriate and if they support the emerging scale, massing and design of the proposals.The project is part of a wider masterplan which proposes a series of development opportunities to the East of the City Centre. It connects into the wider plans for the regeneration of the Kirkgate District of the City and developments around Quarry Hill including the new Leeds City College Campus and Leeds Playhouse.Earlier this week, Gold & Amber submitted plans for ten- and 20-storey buildings, featuring 350 apartments, on an adjacent site on Shannon Street.