Stimulating development for prominent South Bank site

Development plans for a key gateway site in the heart of Leeds’ South Bank have taken a significant step forward.

Leeds City Council made the 0.18 hectare vacant site at Meadow Lane available last year as part of its efforts to boost regeneration activity in the South Bank.

The council can now confirm that Glenbrook Property Company has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the site.

Subject to planning permission being granted and the sale being completed in full, Glenbrook will be presented as a high quality residential scheme which will include affordable housing.

The site was created as part of a recent transformation of Meadow Lane by the council, which involved reconfiguring the motorway, removing the old Hunslet Lane surface car park and creating an attractive green space.

The new building would, it is anticipated, complement existing landmarks such as the David Oluwale Bridge and the Hibiscus Rising sculpture, and also act as an impressive link between the nearby Aire Park development and the rest of the city centre.

The sale would generate a substantial capital inflow for the council, which is currently facing unprecedented budget pressures.

Councilor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“We are determined to do all we can to help unlock major residential and commercial developments, including new affordable housing, in the South Bank and the rest of the city centre.

“The value of such an approach is underlined by the new planned use for this prime piece of land, which has been opened up for potential acquisition and development as part of our work to regenerate Meadow Lane and the surrounding area.”

The site was marketed for the council by the Leeds office of global real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield.

Daniel Roberts, Development Director at Glenbrook, said:

“We are delighted that Leeds City Council has chosen to work with us on this significant project, which is part of the ongoing transformation of the South Bank area.

“The opportunity at Meadow Lane builds on our existing development pipeline in the city and we look forward to working with our public sector partners to deliver more high quality homes in the city centre.”

Running along the south bank of the River Aire, Leeds’ South Bank covers the equivalent of 350 football pitches.

Regeneration work underway in the council-led area should, when completed, provide 35,000 jobs and 8,000 new homes.

This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council

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