Build-to-rent (BtR) developer and operator, PLATFORM_, has formed a £150 million joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), the Lloyds-backed equity investor, to deliver a 451-apartment BtR scheme in Leeds.
It represents the first phase of PLATFORM_’s transformative 1.3 million sq ft mixed-use development on Sweet Street, in the South Bank regeneration area of Leeds.
Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor, marking its third collaboration with PLATFORM_, following the successful delivery of BtR developments in Cardiff and Sheffield.
PLATFORM_, HGP and Winvic were joined by James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of the development. Securing consent from Leeds City Council in 2023, PLATFORM_’s latest neighbourhood will include 1,351 BtR homes and 150,000 sq ft of commercial space, representing more than £500 million of investment.
Scheduled for completion at the start of 2027, the previously vacant site will become a mixed-use community, featuring a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by extensive amenities including a gym, residents’ lounges, co-working spaces, extensive roof terraces and curated green spaces.
Alongside the residential offering, the first phase includes the refurbishment of historic pub, The Commercial Inn, and creation of a 4,000 sq ft convenience grocery store. A new public square will serve as the focal point of the new neighbourhood, designed to foster community interaction and create an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
The homes will all be rated EPC B or above and feature renewable energy sources, energy-efficient heating and lighting systems, and smart in-home technologies.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Our new joint venture with HGP will accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes in Leeds, bringing an important city centre site that has been vacant for over 15 years back into use.
“This latest addition to the PLATFORM_ development pipeline embodies our long-term commitment to the city’s growth, creating a sustainable, inclusive community. This project will not only provide new homes but will also contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the South Bank area, supporting Leeds’ economic growth and inward investment goals.”
Colin Bennett, Investment Director at Housing Growth Partnership, said: “Our partnership with PLATFORM_ will deliver a landmark development in Leeds, which will contribute to the regeneration of the South Bank, providing new homes, and enhancing the local economy.
“It extends what has been a transformative year for HGP’s Living platform, which has seen us significantly scale our funding into the PBSA and multi-family sectors. We look forward to working with PLATFORM_, and seeing this vibrant community come to life and the positive social impact it will deliver.”
Winvic’s Managing Director for Multi-room, Mark Jones, added: “We are looking forward to working with PLATFORM_ once again on this significant scheme, which will set new standards for sustainable urban living in Leeds. Our shared focus on quality and community-centred design ensures we will deliver a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood that future generations can be proud of.
“This development will play a key role in transforming the Leeds skyline, and we are proud to be part of it. With our collaborative approach and focus on quality and excellence, we’re confident in the successful delivery of this development, and we look forward to progressing through the construction phases toward completion.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s really pleasing to see this prominent brownfield site in Holbeck, the former industrial heartland of our city, being transformed from its current derelict state by a scheme that has such an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and quality of life.
“The development promises to be a landmark addition to the already-thriving South Bank and will also, by creating new homes and jobs, complement our wider efforts to ensure Leeds is a place with opportunities for all.”
The Sweet Street development will create approximately 360 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the construction phase and support more than 1,000 FTE jobs once completed across the residential, commercial and leisure uses within the scheme.
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