Approval granted for phase one of transformation of former Yorkshire Post site in Leeds

The first phase of the residential development that will be housed on the former Yorkshire Post site in Leeds has taken a major step forward.

Reserved matters planning has been approved by the council for the delivery of a completely bespoke block of 242 ‘Build-to-Rent Apartment’ units which have been forward sold to Grainger plc.

The council’s planning committee resolved to grant planning consent for this brick and glazed block, stepping up from 11 storeys on the Riverside to 18 floors fronting Wellington Street.

The scheme will incorporate a full basement parking level, as well as a ground floor commercial unit. The building also has resident lounge spaces at ground and 12th floor levels.

The building, which will occupy a south-facing riverside plot, is the first phase of the scheme on the five acre site, where outline planning consent exists for three further large blocks for office or residential use totalling 360,000 sq ft.

The overall development will comprise a mixed-use community with a variety of retail and leisure spaces at ground floor to exploit the previously unexplored riverside position.

Paul Fox of Fox Lloyd Jones, acting as agents and development managers for landowner Stirling Investments said: “This is a key milestone in the new story being created for the iconic Yorkshire Post site.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard to make this new vision come to life and securing such a high calibre operator as Grainger and jointly designing a bespoke first phase building has set the quality benchmark at a very high level.

“After two years of detailed dialogue we are delighted to bring Grainger to Leeds for their first build to rent scheme.

“We are now targeting an on-site start in early Summer 2017 with an approximate two year delivery programme, given the size of the scheme. This phase of works will also include extensive public realm and infrastructure works to create the further three serviced plots, and offer them ready for delivery to the market.”

Nick Jopling, executive property director of Grainger Plc, added: “We are delighted with today’s decision by Leeds Planning Committee in favour of this PRS development, in particular the recognition by the council that this high quality, purpose built and professionally rented offer has a place in the city.

“We will continue to work closely with our development partners at FLJ and Stirling Investments so that we can bring the Grainger rental product to Leeds city centre as soon as we can.”

Tim Waring at planning consultants, Quod, also commented: ‘Today’s resolution by Leeds City Council to grant planning permission represents a major step for the regeneration of this key site, and this part of the City. It will breathe new life into the area, and I would expect it to catalyse further investment.“