This month, planning consent was granted by Leeds City Council for 28,000m2 of commercial space at Aire Park. Set across two buildings ranging from six to eight storeys. The space forms part of the first phase of the development to be delivered alongside the new city centre park.
Unusually, the new offices will be built speculatively, with ground floor flexible space available for shops, gyms, restaurants, and cafes. Designed by international design practice Ryder Architecture, the buildings will frame a new, outdoor events space; a hard and soft landscaped yard bounded by the iconic Tetley building and the Grade II listed Salem Chapel and connected to the main park area of Aire Park.
Andrew Cobden, MD of Vastint UK, said: “By planning and building for the long term, we have included these key commercial spaces within our plans for Aire Park to be used by businesses and the local community for years to come as a place to work, shop, eat and relax. The staff and visitors who will use these spaces will help to establish a thriving community within Aire Park, creating a unique, urban district.”
Ronnie Graham, Partner at Ryder Architecture, said: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for the first phase of development at Aire Park. The mixed-use development sits alongside and complements the historic Tetley building along with redefining the Hunslet Lane. It also forms the backdrop to an exciting, flexible outdoor space which promises to be the centrepiece of this new urban district in the heart of Leeds city centre.”
The news follows recent successes for the detailed design of the park and the restoration and expansion of the former Crown Hotel which will house a pub and restaurant within the original Victorian building and new commercial space in the upper floors.
Construction of the two buildings is due to begin in spring 2021 and will complete in 2022.
