South Bank could double size of Leeds city centre

Developer CEG said it has submitted a planning application for a £350 million, 3.52 hectare (8.69 acre) site in South Bank, Leeds, close to the new southern entrance to Leeds City Station.

CEG said the South Bank area of Leeds has the potential to double the size of Leeds City Centre, creating 35,000 new jobs and thousands of new homes “as part of a distinctive destination for investment, living, learning, creativity and leisure.”

CEG said: “The application seeks detailed planning permission for two office developments with ground floor retail and leisure totalling up to 26,100 sq m and outline planning permission for mixed-use development of up to 103,900 sq m of offices, retail, leisure, hotel, health, education and community uses, parking and up to 750 new homes, along with new public spaces and landscaping.”

Jon Kenny, development director at CEG, said: “The CEG team has long identified with the truly unique characteristic of the South Bank area of the city, as a place to create an exceptional living and working environment; one rich in history and architectural gems waiting to be reinvigorated.

“This is a derelict site where we can deliver a vibrant mixed-use strategic development of a critical mass and international quality that can enable this regeneration area to become a true gateway into the city, reconnecting local communities.”

CEG is working with architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), which won the coveted International Tall Building of the Year Award in 2010 for Broadcasting Place in Leeds, seeing off competition from some of the world’s most prestigious buildings.

Alex Whitbread, partner at FCBStudios, said: “FCBStudios is proud of its commitment to Leeds.

“It’s a privilege for us to be working with CEG on the wider South Bank proposals, which are truly a once in lifetime opportunity to transform the city for the 21st Century.”