Historic railway site in Leeds set for 1000-home resi development

Plans have been revealed for a major new scheme to build more than 1,000 homes near Leeds city centre.

The development, to be known as Leeds City Village, will comprise a mix of residential properties, commercial units and leisure space at the former Marsh Lane Goods Yard between Marsh Lane and Shannon Street.

Outlined in the plans are a series of new buildings set within public realm and landscaped spaces.

Leeds-based real estate investor and developer The Rushbond Group is teaming up with property firm Gold & Amber to bring the regeneration plans forward.

It is part of a masterplan proposing a series of development opportunities east of the city centre, connecting with wider plans for the regeneration of the Kirkgate district and developments around Quarry Hill – including the new Leeds City College campus and the £15m Playhouse project.

Rushbond real estate director Mark Finch said: “This is a massively exciting initiative to help meet the growing needs of an ambitious and dynamic city for quality new homes through a careful and considered masterplan over the full extent of the Goods Yard site – but, most importantly, connecting into and stimulating further investment into the east side of the city centre, supporting the growing creative community at Kirkgate alongside.

“The alliance brings together two companies with a track record of delivering high quality new homes in the city.”

Gold & Amber director Sophie Brown commented: “We have opened up early discussions with the city council and plan to make further announcements on the plans early this year, following discussions with local stakeholders and community groups, prior to the expected submission of a planning application for this hugely significant development in the spring.

“We are proud to be working with Rushbond to lead the regeneration of Leeds City East and create a community which will be home to many people.”

The Marsh Lane Goods Yard was the site of Leeds’ first ever railway station, built in 1834. The City Council has identified it as a prestige development opportunity in its development plan.

Chris Austin, MD of Leeds-based architects Brewster Bye, which is designing the Leeds City Village masterplan, commented: “This is a tremendous and exciting opportunity to expand the city centre eastwards, through the delivery of an exemplar high quality mixed use development, which promotes stronger connections with the existing surrounding communities. It will combine homes, workspaces and amenities on a gateway site, which is seen by so many when travelling into the city centre each day.”