A planning application has been submitted for the final masterplan phase of Aire Park.
Transforming the former brownfield site into a vibrant new destination, the plans for the second phase feature 502 homes, including affordable housing, over 20,000 sq ft of flexible, ground floor space for leisure use, including cafes, restaurants and cultural activities, and a new 353-space multi storey car park.
The application also details the final hectare of Aire Park’s park, set to become the largest new city centre green park in the country. Designed by landscape architects Planit, the whole park will introduce 700 new trees, dedicated areas for residents as well as public exercise routes and flexible spaces for outdoor events, bringing a range of opportunities and benefits to the locals, neighbouring communities and visitors.
Situated south of Crown Point Road and bordered by Black Bull Street and the A61, phase two of the masterplan strategically connects the South Bank to the city centre and Leeds Dock, creating an accessible and safe route for pedestrians and cyclists whilst reducing traffic flows through the site.
Alongside the new buildings will be a refurbished and revitalised Crown Pub and Hotel, which was originally built in the late 19th Century and been closed in the late 20th Century. The venue, now owned by Vastint UK, was granted planning permission for a change of use and extension to create new commercial space in 2019, alongside the reinstatement of the pub.
Simon Schofield, Head of Development North at Vastint UK, commented on the second phase of the development: “We always envisioned and masterplanned Aire Park in its entirety.
“As work continues on the first phase of this landmark development and we prepare for the completion of 1 & 3 South Brook Street and opening of the first pieces of the public realm, Tetley Triangle, Tetley Green and Theatre Gardens, we’re pleased to be moving forward with our vision and plan for this second and final phase of Aire Park.
“The plans in their entirety aim to breathe new life into the Leeds South Bank and create new opportunities for people to live, work and enjoy this part of the city.
“Throughout the delivery of Aire Park, we are focusing on cultivating an accessible and welcoming environment, these plans show how we will use the new public park to not only promote active travel but create much needed new greenspace within this part of the city for everyone to enjoy whilst also providing a boost to biodiversity.”
Michael Westlake, director at Supervene Architects, added: “We have been working on this project since 2016 so submitting the final phase to the masterplan is a fantastic moment for us.
“Aire Park supports the Southbank vision for Leeds, providing new connections to improve the quality of access through the city centre and the communities to the south. Aire Park is in the process of transforming this former industrial site into an exciting new part of Leeds City Centre.
“The conceptual masterplan was designed as a balanced neighbourhood with an expansive city park at its centre that makes new connections across the site whilst embedding itself in the city’s heritage. Leeds Southbank strategy sought to introduce a 20% contribution to create a city centre park.
“The conceptual masterplan introduced a larger, more meaningful contribution creating a green corridor that with other sites connects all the way to the River Aire in the North and allows for future connections to the South of Aire Park.”
Independent advisors, Turley provided planning, strategic communications, EIA and townscape and landscape services. Director, Taylor Cherrett added: “We are proud to support Vastint UK in bringing their vision for Aire Park to life, reflecting Leeds’ strategic goals and community aspirations, alongside ensuring the development is truly a part of the fabric of the city.
“This development is set to transform Leeds’ South Bank, creating vibrant new spaces for living, working and leisure, whilst enhancing the city’s green infrastructure to deliver a thriving neighbourhood.”
Once completed Aire Park will include 1,400 modern homes and over 1 million sq ft of mixed-use office, retail, leisure and commercial space, anchored around an 8-acre public park with the refurbished Tetley at its heart.
