The JV acquired the 3.8-acre site in May 2022 with full detailed planning permission for 1,012 apartments across five towers and commercial space on the ground floor.

Following the purchase, Leeds-based DLG Architects and landscape specialists Exterior Architects, were appointed to review the scheme design with a focus on enhanced placemaking.

A Section 73 Minor Material Amendment Application was submitted in December 2023 and the approval will mean wholesale changes to the building’s elevational and public realm design will need to take place.

Wind mitigation measures have also been substantially improved through changes to the towers’ form and massing.

Leeds Urban Village will deliver the apartments across the five towers ranging from 13-23 storeys and will include 478 BTR apartments.

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The ground floor spaces will accommodate retail, food and beverage, as well as a considered range of resident amenities such as a shared pantry, cinema, gym and a ‘library of things’ — appliances and useful equipment for people to borrow. 

The public realm, designed by Exterior Architecture, includes features such as a climbing wall and spaces for active play, while a large central hub offers opportunities for events, markets and gatherings.

A new cycle hub is also proposed with direct platform lift access to basement parking and a range of cycle welfare facilities.

Construction is expected to begin in Q2 of 2024.

Speaking about the scheme, George Smith, planning manager at Cole Waterhouse, commented: “These design enhancements will ensure that Leeds Urban Village is a desirable new urban neighbourhood and a cultural destination in itself designed to meet and exceed people’s expectations.

“Located in the heart of Leeds city centre with both the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Great Northern Ballet nearby, we have looked at how we best build on the surrounding cultural offer to deliver a vibrant and meaningful placemaking strategy, to strengthen further our engagement with the cultural and creative community in Leeds, as our vision for the site develops.”