Plans submitted for mixed-use regeneration development in Leeds city centre

Plans have been submitted for a new mixed-use scheme, comprising a sky bar, restaurant and office space, in the Merrion Street area of Leeds city centre.

Working with businessman Mr Mahmood Mazhar, Stephen George + Partners has submitted a planning application for the regeneration development that will extend and refurbish a vacant former restaurant into a new leisure venue and office space.

The plans include 3,358 sq ft of contemporary bar and restaurant space on the ground floor, with a 2,830 sq ft sky bar and terrace on the new penthouse floor.

In between will be two floors containing 6,028 sq.ft of offices, specifically designed to provide flexible serviced starter unit space for businesses to grow.

Mr Mahmood Mazhar, CEO of Core Telecom Ltd, explained: “This is a significant investment in an underestimated building, which will extend the emerging leisure offer in this part of Leeds.

‘“The sky bar and terrace will provide quality dining with stunning views over Leeds, and the dynamic ground floor restaurant and bar will add to the area’s day and night leisure attractions.

“The whole development links with the nearby entertainment and cultural quarter including the Leeds Grand Theatre.”

Alan Soper, director at Stephen George + Partners LLP, commented: “The scheme was developed through extensive consultation with Leeds Planning and Design Department, through the pre-application process.

“There was a greater ambition beyond that of simply refurbishing the existing fabric and converting the spaces, and our design responds to that aspiration, for the scheme to have a ‘regenerative effect’, not just for the building itself but also potentially for the surrounding area.”