Plans for final phase of major Leeds development submitted

Plans for the final phase of a major Leeds development have been lodged, including hundreds of homes, leisure and commercial space, and a multi-storey car park.Vastint UK, the developer behind Aire Park, has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council for the final masterplan phase of the 24-acre mixed-use district on Leeds’ South Bank.The developer’s plans for the second phase include 502 homes, including affordable housing; more than 20,000 sq ft of space for leisure use, including cafes, restaurants and cultural activities; and a 353-space multi storey car park.The application also details the final hectare of the development’s much park, which is set to become the largest new city centre green park in the country.Designed by landscape architects Planit, the whole park will introduce 700 new trees, dedicated areas for residents as well as public exercise routes and flexible spaces for outdoor events, bringing a range of opportunities and benefits to the locals, neighbouring communities and visitors.Alongside the new buildings, plans include the refurbishment of the Crown Pub and Hotel, which was originally built in the late 19th Century and has been closed in the late 20th Century.Situated south of Crown Point Road and bordered by Black Bull Street and the A61, phase two of the masterplan connects the South Bank to the city centre and Leeds Dock.Simon Schofield, head of development North at Vastint UK, said: “We always envisioned and masterplanned Aire Park in its entirety. As work continues on the first phase of this landmark development and we prepare for the completion of 1 & 3 South Brook Street and open of the first pieces of public realm, Tetley Triangle, Tetley Green and Theatre Gardens, we’re pleased to be moving forward with our vision and plan for this second and final phase of Aire Park.”The plans in their entirety aim to breathe new life into the Leeds South Bank and create new opportunities for people to live, work and enjoy this part of the city.”Throughout the delivery of Aire Park, we are focusing on cultivating an accessible and welcoming environment, these plans show how we will use the new public park to not only promote active travel but create much needed new greenspace within this part of the city for everyone to enjoy whilst also providing a boost to biodiversity.”Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects, said: “We have been working on this project since 2016 so submitting the final phase to the masterplan is a fantastic moment for us. Aire Park supports the Southbank vision for Leeds, providing new connections to improve the quality of access through the city centre and the communities to the south. Aire Park is in the process of transforming this former industrial site into an exciting new part of Leeds city centre.”Turley provided planning, strategic communications, EIA and townscape and landscape services. Director Taylor Cherrett added: “We are proud to support Vastint UK in bringing their vision for Aire Park to life, reflecting Leeds’ strategic goals and community aspirations, alongside ensuring the development is truly a part of the fabric of the city.”This development is set to transform Leeds’ South Bank, creating vibrant new spaces for living, working and leisure, whilst enhancing the city’s green infrastructure to deliver a thriving neighbourhood.”Vastint recently submitted its proposals for the iconic Tetley building, with the 92-year-old art deco building set to be refurbished and extended, opening up new areas of the building to the public for the first time and the creation of a retail leisure and event spaces.Once completed Aire Park will include 1,400 homes, and more than one million sq ft of mixed-use office, retail, leisure and commercial space, anchored around an eight-acre public park with the refurbished Tetley at its heart.