Plans approved for new £300m SOYO scheme in Leeds city centre

Planning permission has been granted for the first phase of a new £300m mixed-use scheme on the Quarry Hill area of Leeds city centre, called SOYO.

Dubbed New York Square, phase one of the scheme is to be delivered by Moda, a developer and operator of private rented apartments across the UK.

Construction work on the initial phase of 515 homes will start later this year and forms part of wider plans by Caddick Developments for the SOYO district.

These plans include a new hotel, bars, restaurants, further residential, a multi‑storey car park and public realm spaces, which will be delivered over the coming years.

Designed by DLG Architects, the 515 homes will be spread across two 16-storey blocks, and sit alongside new public realm space as well as 9,000 sq. ft. of co-working space within the wider masterplan.

Once completed, the homes will be managed for the long term under the Moda brand, with a 24-hour concierge service and round-the-clock maintenance provided.

Named New York Square after nearby New York Road, the scheme will also include a range of on-site shared facilities free for all residents to use, including a cycle café, communal lounges, roof terraces and fitness centre.

The mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments at New York Square will be targeted at Leeds’ expanding population of professionals. With an economy of £60bn, Leeds is the UK’s fastest growing city region and has the largest workforce outside of London.

To complete the project, the Caddick Group is working with the existing cultural institutions such as the BBC, Leeds City College, Leeds College of Music, the Northern Ballet, Yorkshire Dance, Phoenix Dance, West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Wardrobe and Future Sounds.

SOYO was recently announced a principal capital partner, along with solicitors Irwin Mitchell, for West Yorkshire Playhouse, which will see the developer financially and practically support the Playhouse during its £14m face-lift, which will start in June.

Neighbouring Leeds City College is onsite with a £57m campus.

Johnny Caddick, director at Moda and Caddick Developments, said: “Being right on the doorstep of major cultural institutions, at the heart of a brand new neighbourhood and on the cutting edge of the latest lifestyle trends, New York Square at SOYO will be one of the best places to live in Leeds.

“The focus on service, technology and amenity provision at New York Square will set the Moda offer far above and beyond what is already available in Leeds and help raise the bar locally for renters.”