Tower Works is a build-to-rent scheme situated within Leeds’ historic Tower Works canal-side site. Part of the Holbeck Urban Village renovation area, and the ongoing Leeds South Bank regeneration plans, the mixed-use sustainable development sensitively regenerates a former industrial site. 245 city living homes have been created as studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, in two new buildings. The development is owned by Legal & General (L&G) and was built by Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of Ask Real Estate and Richardson, in conjunction with Homes England.
The project began with recognition that greater investment in housing was needed in the city centre of Leeds, one of the UK’s largest cities in terms of population and economic output. However, the city’s supply of housing has been severely constrained over the past decade.
The transformational development was designed around the formerly neglected site’s three landmark Grade-II listed 1860s towers, a prominent feature on the Leeds skyline. The team worked closely with Leeds City Council to evolve and refine the designs, tackling complexities around the listed status of the Victorian towers, the question of uninterrupted views, boundary ownership issues, and adjacency to the canal.
The completed scheme, with commercial/amenity facilities on the ground floor, anchors the wider regeneration of South Bank, bolsters housing availability, and respects the site’s heritage assets. Tower Works has generated £60m of social value.
Three Winning Facts:
- The development sensitively regenerates a long-neglected industrial site, with three new public squares designed around the three Grade II-listed 1860s towers.
- High-quality public realm is incorporated and new pedestrian routes have unlocked a previously inaccessible section of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, connecting the city centre with the Holbeck Urban Village neighbourhood.
- Tower Works boosts housing growth, supporting Homes England’s commitment to deliver new homes in Leeds city centre.
