McLaren’s mixed use Wellington Square development of build-to-rent homes and commercial space in Leeds’ West End ahs been given the green light by Leeds City Council City Plans Panel.
The new neighbourhood, designed by Howells Architects, will transform a 2.47 acre site into a gateway to Leeds city centre with a landmark tower, high-quality new homes and innovative workspace in the city’s professional core and Innovation Arc, establishing the area as a hub for research and innovation.
Tom Gilman, managing director at McLaren Regeneration, said, “A significant new quarter is taking shape in Leeds’ West End and this scheme is integral to that. The commercial space will set a new benchmark for accommodation across the north of England and will be a landmark for the city. Leeds is already attracting occupiers across all sectors and our development will provide market leading ESG credentials and aspirational workspaces to help them attract and keep the best talent.”
The 45-storey residential tower will be home to households of up to six people in apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms. Residents will have a choice of around 10,000 sq ft of shared amenity spaces, including a concierge, post/parcel storage room and a lounge on the ground floor, a fitness and wellbeing space on the first floor and an exceptional sky lounge with panoramic views from the 45th floor. All 21 car parking spaces will be equipped for electric vehicle charging.
The twin office buildings, totalling around 364,000 sq ft (NIA) over 14 and 15 storeys, accommodate up to 3,500 new jobs and aspire to set new standards for workspace in the region. Workers and visitors will enjoy south facing terraces at various levels, connected to work and event space. Cyclists have a dedicated entrance from the city’s cycle highway to extensive cycle facilities including secure storage, a cycle repair station, studio wellbeing space and shower facilities.
Matthew Biddle, managing director at McLaren Living, said: “Our aim is to bring forward the residential as the first phase of the development. The hexagonal tower will be a new landmark on the Leeds skyline with striking architecture, delivering new homes with wonderful views across Leeds with access to a wide range of amenities on site including an outstanding sky-lounge on the 45th floor set within high quality public realm.”
