With a rich history, thriving cultural scene, and a rapidly growing population, there’s no doubt that Leeds is a city on the up. And, in a quite literal sense, this can be applied to the state of its buildings.
For, large amounts of recent investment have meant that there are new developments ascending almost everywhere you look. In some places, the street scene looks unrecognisable from what it was just a few years ago.
So, join us as we explore the top 10+ construction projects in Leeds, featuring everything from new buildings to wide-scale regeneration schemes.
Whether you’re an architecture fan, Leeds native, or simply a casual observer, there’s sure to be a new development that excites you for the future.
1. The Junction
Maximum Height: 70 metres
Developers: Buro Happold
Construction type: New Development
Type of building: Mixed Use
Completion: Summer 2023
First on our picks of the top 10+ construction projects in Leeds is The Junction. Set to be completed in the summer of 2023, this impressive mixed use development will rise 70 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the city.
As the name suggests, The Junction is located next to the Gridstone Viaduct railway junction, close to Leeds Station. The developers behind the project are Buro Happold, who are known for their innovative and sustainable designs.
The Junction is primarily a built-to-rent (BTR) scheme, and will offer 665 new homes in total. Besides this, it will have new cafes, bars and restaurants for residents to enjoy, as well as a striking new linear park, which will sit on top of the viaduct.
2. Live Oasis: Wade Lane
Maximum Height: 65 metres
Developers: Farrans
Construction type: New Development
Type of building: Student Accommodation
Completion: September 2023
With a maximum height of 65 metres, Live Oasis: Wade Lane is sure to make a mark on Leeds’ skyline upon completion in September 2023. It will offer 210 rooms of badly needed student accommodation.
This future tower is the latest project by developers Farrans, who have also built a number of other buildings in the North of England. It is located in a prime spot for students, and is just a matter of minutes away from Leeds University and Leeds Beckett University.
The development replaces red-brick office block Commerce House on the edge of Leeds city centre. Watch out for this addition to the West Yorkshire sky!
3. 44 Merrion Street
Maximum Height: 100 metres
Developers: Scape Living
Construction type: New development
Type of building: Mixed Use
Completion: Late 2023
Number 3 on our list of top 10+ construction projects in Leeds is new development 44 Merrion Street. Developed by Scape Living, it will have a maximum height of 100 metres, making it one of Leeds’ tallest future buildings.
In total, this massive structure will offer 660 beds, spread over 33 floors. Located right in the heart of the city centre, residents will be just a short walk from all of Leeds’ main shopping thoroughfares and nightlife.
That’s not all. The tower itself will boast a variety of other features, with retail and cultural spaces set to be opened at street level. When complete, it is sure to be a modern and dynamic addition to the city’s skyline.
4. Hyatt Hotel, Sovereign Square No.2
Maximum Height: 14 floors
Developers: Marrico Asset Management
Construction type: New development
Type of building: Hotel
Completion: 2024
Construction is well underway at the site of the Hyatt Hotel in Sovereign Square, just next to Leeds Station. Set to be completed in 2024, the building has been let to Hyatt as part of a 25 year agreement.
With a maximum height of 14 floors, the future hotel will contain 305 bedrooms, giving plenty of room for all the guests. The full cost of the development is expected to be around £62.7 million, and it is expected to provide luxurious residence for all who stay.
The Hyatt Hotel forms part of the wider Sovereign Square redevelopment, which includes the modernisation of the entire area. It is bound to be an exciting addition to what is already a dynamic and forward-thinking part of Leeds city centre.
5. Springwell Garden
Maximum Height: 50 metres
Developers: Citylife
Construction type: New Development
Type of building: Residential
Completion: 2024
Rising 50 metres, new residential development Springwell Gardens is a tower that will make a big impression on the Leeds skyline.
Developed by Citylife, the £31 million project has an interesting appearance, with its facade being shaped like a sail. On top of this, the top of the building will include a series of sloping roof terraces, giving residents a stunning view of Leeds.
Springwell Gardens is located just a 10 minute walk from both the city centre and Leeds Station, which will make it an attractive option for young professionals. It is set to complete in 2024.
6. Latitude Purple
Maximum Height: 65 metres
Developers: Hub Residential
Construction type: New development
Type of building: Mixed-use development
Completion: Late 2023
Latitude Purple is the intriguingly named new development taking shape just a stone’s throw away from Leeds Station. Developers Hub Residential have begun work on the scheme, which will provide 463 new homes.
The 65-metre tall new building is a mixed-use development, meaning it will also feature offices and retail spaces. Not only this, the roof of the building will contain a sky park, which will offer panoramic views across the city.
It replaces the Monkbridge Iron and Steelworks, and will have walking access to Leeds Station via a new public realm viaduct. The building will rise 20 storeys high and have a keen focus on sustainability, making it an environmentally friendly addition to the city.
7. City Square House
Maximum Height: 53 metres
Developers: McAleer Rushe
Construction type: New development
Type of building: Office
Completion: Late 2023
Late 2023 will see the addition of City Square House to the Leeds urban landscape. This high-quality office space development will have a maximum height of 53 metres, and is being developed by McAleer Rushe.
Situated right in the centre of Leeds, it promises 140,000 square feet of commercial space for businesses to utilise. Construction on the structure began in May 2020, shortly after the Covid pandemic began.
As well as all of its commercial offerings, City Square House will also have other features, such as electric vehicle, e-bike and cycling facilities. When finished, it is sure to make a big impression on visitors to Leeds city centre.
8. Phoenix
Maximum Height: 68 metres
Developers: Torsion Group
Construction type: New development
Type of building: Residential
Completion: Autumn 2023
Phoenix is a new development by Torsion Group that will see two conjoined buildings of 68 and 58 metres tall being built. Both will be residential blocks, with 367 luxury apartments going up for sale upon completion.
When it opens it’s doors in Autumn 2023, Phoenix will be the fourth tallest residential building in Leeds. With all of these features, it promises to be one of the most sought-after residential developments in the city.
The apartments will be located just East of the city centre, meaning it will be perfect for workers or young families.
9. Points Cross
Maximum Height: 12 floors
Developers: Guinness Partnerships
Construction type: New development
Type of building: Residential
Completion: Spring 2023
Completing in spring 2023, Points Cross is another one of Leeds’ top construction projects. It involves the regeneration of a brownfield site, with 928 new homes consisting of 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments.
Points Cross forms part of the wider South Bank regeneration scheme, which over its duration will create 35,000 jobs in the area. On its own, it represents developer Guinness Partnerships biggest project to date.
With a prime location close to Leeds City College, it will have excellent transport links and will be easily walkable from the city centre. All in all, it will be a project that will be attractive to a wide range of potential buyers.
10. Kirkstall Road
Maximum Height: N/A
Developers: Latimer
Construction type: Area regeneration
Type of building: Mixed-use Developments
Completion: 2024
Lastly on our list of top 10 construction projects in Leeds is the Kirkstall Road regeneration project. This vast-scale building scheme will comprise over 1,400 new homes, as well as 4,000 square metres of commercial space.
Developed by Latimer, it replaces the previously vacant 13-acre former Yorkshire Chemicals site. The mammoth project will be built over two phases, and is expected to complete sometime in 2024.
In total, the Kirkstall Road development will include a set of three three-bedroom townhouses with private gardens. As part of this, there will be a dedicated student accommodation block, a new square, and a riverside park. For architecture fans, it’s one not to miss!
Thanks for reading our guide to the current top 10+ construction projects in Leeds. There’s no doubt that the West Yorkshire city is on the move, and, judging by this list, there are going to be plenty more projects to keep an eye out for in the next few years.
For more compilations, building news and architectural discussion, explore our latest articles, including our exploration of what makes civil engineering and architecture different.
Or, for more general definitions of building terms, head on over to our selection of building wikis. They include a guide to what tuned mass dampers are.
Last Updated on 5 March 2023 by Michael