Leeds picks Glenbrook for South Bank development

With McLaren, Vastint and Caddick all advancing projects in the area, the council has named Glenbrook as preferred bidder for a half-acre plot at Meadow Lane.

Described as a key gateway site in the heart of the South Bank regeneration zone, LCC made the vacant plot available for purchase last year.

Subject to consent and the sale’s conclusion, it will be brought forward by Glenbrook as a residential scheme that will include affordable housing.

The site was created as part of a recent transformation of Meadow Lane by the council that involved the reconfiguration of the highway, the removal of the old Hunslet Lane surface car park and the laying out of green space.

The new building would, it is anticipated, complement existing landmarks such as the David Oluwale Bridge and the Hibiscus Rising sculpture, and also act as an impressive linking point between the nearby Aire Park development and the rest of the city centre.

The sale would also generate a “substantial capital receipt” for the council.

Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re determined to do whatever we can to help unlock major residential and commercial developments, including new affordable housing, across the South Bank and the rest of the city centre.

“The value of such an approach is underlined by the new use planned for this prime piece of land, which was opened up for potential purchase and development as part of our work to regenerate Meadow Lane and the surrounding area.”

The site was marketed for the council by the Leeds office of global real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield.

Daniel Roberts, development director at Glenbrook, said: “We are pleased that Leeds City Council has chosen to partner with us on this significant project, which forms part of the ongoing transformation of the South Bank area.

“The opportunity at Meadow Lane builds on our existing development pipeline in the city and we look forward to collaborating with our public sector partners to deliver more high-quality housing in the city centre.”

Running along the southern side of the River Aire, Leeds’s South Bank covers the equivalent of 250 football pitches.

Ongoing regeneration activity in the area spearheaded by the council should, when complete, deliver 35,000 jobs and 8,000 new homes.