Planning approval for £80m regeneration of Leeds’ Tower Works

An £80m project to transform a historic former manufacturing site into a mix of new homes, offices shops and restaurants has been approved by the Leeds City Council’s planning chiefs.

The proposals to redevelop part of the Tower Works site in Holbeck were presented to the council’s city plans panel on Thursday (Feb 11th).

The project by developers Carillion will see ten new buildings constructed, including 160 residential units and more than 11,800 sq ms of new office space.

The development will also feature the construction of a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments and 4-bed town houses, transforming the site into a mixed-use, sustainable community.

Additional buildings created as part of the development will include shops, restaurants, cafes, and licensed premises, as well as improvements to the nearby canal towpath to encourage pedestrians to visit.

Carillion, whichsubmitted the planning application in November 2015, was selected by the Homes and Communities Agencyas preferred development partner for the Tower Works site, which is a key link between the city centre and the Holbeck Urban Village (HUV).

Councillor James McKenna, chair of the city plans panel, said: “We are pleased to see plans to regenerate this historic part of Leeds moving forward.

“The redevelopment of the Tower Works site will create a dynamic new hub for businesses, residents, visitors and shoppers which will be a cornerstone in the regeneration of the whole area.

“Above all it is important to us to see this site protected and preserved as well as securing its future and maximising its enormous potential.”

Tower Works was originally a card clothing pin works in the 1860s, which closed in 1978.

As part of the development, the Grade II listed Engine House will be converted into a cinema and boutique brewery and face onto a new public square.

Work on the site is scheduled to begin in June this year.