New public space opens at Aire Park

A Leeds-based mixed-use development is expanding its green footprint with a new park.

Aire Park, a 24-acre development on Leeds South Bank, has unveiled its largest section of new green space yet, adding 6200sq metres to what will become eight acres of public parkland – the biggest new public park in the UK when complete.

The new area connects the Tetley building with Crown Point Road and features diverse outdoor spaces for play, exercise and relaxation. 

Standout features include open lawns, flowering gardens play mounds and a newly planted woodland belt with 73 trees, including a cherry tree avenue.

Once fully completed, Aire Park will introduce over 700 new trees and 100 plant species, alongside biodiversity features such as bird boxes and pollinator gardens. 

Stephen Lindley, managing director of Vastint UK, the developer behind Aire Park, said: “Bringing this beautiful new green space to the South Bank for the public to enjoy is a real milestone in the creation of Aire Park. 

“Having recently topped out our latest in a series of commercial buildings and having welcomed our first commercial tenants, Aire Park is truly taking shape and placing itself firmly on the map of Leeds.

“As the wider development and the park continues to grow, with the addition of its event space and play area, so too will its sense of community as Aire Park becomes a go-to destination within the city to work, meet and socialise, or simple relax and enjoy nature.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, added: “The opening of this new green space is a really important milestone for both the Aire Park project and the South Bank area as a whole.

“We want Leeds to be a city filled with places that are perfect for work, rest and play, and Aire Park’s lawns and gardens will give people plenty of opportunity for doing all of that and more.

“It’s also great to see the progress being made on the wider development, with a thriving, modern community now truly taking shape at Aire Park and ushering in a bright new era for one of our former industrial heartlands.”

The design and creation of the park has seen collaboration between landscaping experts including Planit Leeds, Moortown and Palmers.

Phillip Porter, principal landscape architect from Planit Leeds, added: “Aire Park is a unique project in the UK. 

“One that provides a once in a generation opportunity to reshape a vast disused industrial part of a city and leave an unparalleled gift to current and future generations. 

“The Landscape Architect vision for the space is a perfect demonstration of Planit’s regenerative commitment and it’s been an enormous privilege to work alongside Vastint and a huge array of consultants to deliver the latest phase. 

“We’re looking forward to building the next.”

The overall development will deliver more than 1 million sq ft of commercial space and 1350 homes, all within easy reach of Leeds city centre.

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