Not a fan of Leeds’ current skyscraper binge? More bad news I’m afraid.
Early plans for two residential skyscrapers in the west end of the city centre are planned to go before council planning chiefs next week.
That plan is to mount two giant 26 and 31 storey buildings to go up on the former Doncaster Monk Bridge Works in Whitehall Road. They will include around 498 flats.
According to a report by LCC into the plans, the two towers would be linked via a “double-storey height podium”, and would include rooftop amenity space for residents. On top of that (or below) would be parking for 22 cars and 372 bicycles.
They’re also saying that, between the two towers, a tree-lined area of public realm would be built.
Around 60 of the flats are set to be studios, with 175 one-bed, 225 two-bed and 38 three-bed properties.
The council document said the applicant proposes to meet the requirement for affordable housing provision in the area — meaning around 34 of the flats would be available for 20 per cent under local market rates. Feeling a bit better now, non-skyscraper fans?
Some aren’t. One commenter wrote, “If you haven’t been to Manchester recently, do take a look. The centre is destroyed by high rise flats. Leeds is just following limply behind and what we are building is inferior in quality. Leeds is repeating the mistakes it’s made in the past. Lessons not learned.”
Another added, “Yeah just keep building and building. We dont need any green spaces do we. Just concrete the entire island and be done with it.”
Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel is set to discuss the application on Thursday, August 5.
What do you reckon? Worth it? Or another ill-thought out eyesore on a perfectly fine cityscape?
