Templegate to release 400-home second Skelton Gate phase

With infrastructure works completing this summer, joint venture partners Evans Property Group and Keyland Developments are seeking a buyer for 31 acres in Leeds’ Aire Valley.

The Templegate JV has instructed Savills to market the site, which sits five miles south-east of Leeds city centre, off Pontefract Lane.

Simon Douglas, director at Savills, said; “We are pleased to unveil an exceptional opportunity for housebuilders and homebuyers with the listing of an oven ready residential development in Leeds.

“With the potential for 400 new homes, this offering represents a significant milestone in meeting the escalating demand for residential properties in the region.”

Skelton Gate, in its entirety, is a 170-acre former open-cast colliery site to the east of Junction 45 of the M1.

The outline consent for phases one and two covered up to 1,100 homes, a new school, public open space, a local centre and a food store.

The 27-acre first phase was sold in January 2022 to Avant Homes and Evans Homes to bring forward a combined 415 homes.

An application is currently running for phase three, which, if approved, will provide an additional 700 homes and infrastructure.

A £20m Home Building Fund loan from Homes England is funding the delivery of infrastructure and ground preparation works for all phases.

Phase two will be sold fully serviced, with Hall Construction Services on schedule to complete the key infrastructure and groundworks by mid-2024.

Skelton Gate is close to two country parks, the Aire & Calder Navigation and the Temple Green 1,000-space park and ride.

Peter Garrett, managing director of Keyland Developments, said; “Skelton Gate is a prime residential development with huge support from Leeds City Council and Homes England.

“The scheme offers an excellent opportunity to deliver much needed new homes in the Leeds Aire Valley and the successful sale of the first phase demonstrates its appeal to housebuilders.”

Richard Bean, portfolio director at Evans Property Group, said; “With completion nearing on the ground and infrastructure works on Phase 2, it’s an excellent time to launch this next batch of land to market and start engaging with interested parties.

“The site is one of the most significant in the Leeds City Region, and we are proud to be pressing ahead with its delivery.”