A whopping 31-storey tower block, nicknamed 'The Transformer', will be built at the top of Leeds city centre's western getaway.
The impressive building will be erected just off Wellington Street, in between Westgate and Cropper Gate.
The tower block, that is said to include 399 flats within it, has just been given planning permission by the city council.
The investment is part of a number of exciting regeneration schemes materialising in that part of the city centre.
Despite a total of eight objections to the building from members of public, who's main concerns were it's garish appearance, the go-ahead for the building met with no objections at a recent council meeting last Thursday 3 November 2023.
Local Labour councillor Asghar Khan expressed his support for the development, calling it "eye-catching" and "lovely".
Conservative councillor, Dan Cohen, commented on the building: “I think this is a really great building. It’s a proper landmark building. It’s a great design.
Image: LDR
“My colleague here has said it looks like a Transformer. It looks like you’ve pulled its leg out and you’re about to turn it into something. In our never-ending bid of naming buildings, we’re henceforth naming that building ‘The Transformer’.”
Members of the plans panel placed their vote for the building on Thursday with the result being a unanimous yes to allowing the development to move forward.
The application is separate to plans for that of a neighbouring development close to Leeds’ old international pool site, which were criticised last month for their “1970s-style” and design.
'The Transformer' is predicted to be a new Leeds landmark and we're excited for the opportunities it will bring to the already flourishing city centre.
The final go-ahead is expected to be given for work to start on a major new £15million sports hub in Holbeck.
Senior councillors are expected to give the approval next Wednesday 11 March at an executive board meeting.
An agreement will be made on a contractor to complete the work which will bring state-of-the-art sports pitches and a community space to the city.
Holbeck Sports Hub will provide three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a building with changing rooms and a café.
Image: Supplied
Work is expected to begin in August 2026 and is set to be built at the site of the former Matthew Murray High School.
The plan is to also provide a home to a new GP surgery as well as a children’s play area and walking and running routes through the green space which sits off Brown Lane East and Ingram Road.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We look forward to the work starting on the Holbeck Sports Hub, which will be a significant asset to the local community and residents in south Leeds.
“It will provide affordable and accessible quality sports pitches, providing more opportunities for physical activity and play and spaces to meet up and connect.
“We are also working towards an agreement with a GP practice so that the area can benefit from new high-quality healthcare provision to meet the needs of the community.”
The programme is joint funded by the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council capital funding.
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
Clementine Hall -
7th November 2022 
