Tonights YEP:


Former BBC HQ makes way for state-of-the-art student complex
DEMOLITION work around the famous former BBC headquarters in Leeds started this week to make way for a £35m state-of-the-art student development.
The landmark site on Woodhouse Lane is to be transformed into a plush student complex boasting modern apartments, bars and cafes.
The site will be named Blenheim Park and developers Downing estimate it will be completed by 2007.
The scheme is smaller than was initially proposed and, although most of the former radio and TV studio buildings will be demolished, the grade II-listed Broadcasting House and former Friends' Meeting House will be retained and converted.
The development will see seven blocks of flats, cafes and bars sandwiched between the city's two universities.
There will also be a number of public courtyards and footpaths exclusive to the students and some of the blocks will be in clusters to provide a "secure student environment".
In total the site will boast 554 bedrooms and 1,800 square metres of pub and restaurant space. This leisure space will include Broadcasting House.
The BBC recently moved to new regional headquarters on Quarry Hill alongside West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Ann Lodge, development director of Liverpool-based Downing, said: "This £35m scheme will help to bring new life to the centre of Leeds.
"We have worked hard with the planners to ensure that the character of the existing buildings on the site is retained where possible.
"The 554 study bedrooms, arranged in self-contained apartments, are a perfect base for everything the city has to offer."
26 July 2005


What a quick turnaround on this project. Not sure what the final height on this development will be on the 2 tall buildings proposed. Anyone know?

Hopefully this will bring a new continental student feel into this area of the city, one of the first developments on the north side of the ring road. I could quite easily think that by 2010 Leeds could be a true 24hr city, at least the city centre, thanks to the entertainment developments and the high student population. Residents shouldnt complain- people in the city centre should expect to live a city lifestyle which means fast changing scenes, nightlife (not necesarily bad) and vibrancy.

Leeds needs alot more bars open after 11 and late night shopping before it's considered a 24 hour city. Still this sounds like a good development.

Certainly late night shopping. During the drier summer times, shops should be open til 8 or later- it would keep the city centre alive and keep it busy- it might even get rid of some of the crime, which takes advantage of the quiet streets.

Certainly late night shopping. During the drier summer times, shops should be open til 8 or later- it would keep the city centre alive and keep it busy- it might even get rid of some of the crime, which takes advantage of the quiet streets.


I know the City Council has been trying to promote later opening of shops but it needs their cooperation. Later public transport would help. But which comes first ? - both have to be viable. Shops wont open without any customers and buses won't run without any passengers.

There's buses uptil 11 o clock, and a bit later for certain areas, so opening till 10 o clock should be viable. I know a few bigger stores are open till 8, bu it's still pretty sparce after 6.

Went past the BBC site on Saturday. They are ripping into this very quickly. Should be down in no time. Hope they get the construction under way as quick. This seems to be one of the quickest projects to go from announcement to getting underway.

There appears to be approval for an 18 storey tower on that development, so if demolition work moves onto building work, we could have Leeds' next tall building on the way. They are supposed to be working to quite a tight deadline to meet the Autumn 2007 students requirements, so I expect they won't be hanging around.

There is a good website on this development, I will try to find it some time.

http://www.downing-developments.co.uk/development/shw-development-list.asp?cid=24

http://www.dtruk.com/projects/blenheim.html

Downing Developments are the developers- on that link you can find 3 small images and a bit of information. Ill have a look for a website...
The second link is the architect DTR:UK which also has 2 small images.

Leeds needs alot more bars open after 11 and late night shopping before it's considered a 24 hour city. Still this sounds like a good development.
It looks as there'll be no shortage of bars open after 11pm pretty soon. There seems to be plenty of applications for 2am, 3am, even 3.30am and 4am closing times in many of the bars.

Yes. I read somewhere there were over 200 bars, restuarants and clubs in the city centre...
Quite a few new bars seem to be opening at the moment, alot until about midnight and probably later as this culture starts to develop. Alot of the bars are quite upmarket so hopefully wont attract a binge drinking culture in the city centre.
What I would like though is to see the city centre alive until at least 20:00. It would be good if it were shops, but it doesnt have to be. If it were theatres, cinemas...etc as well as the bars and clubs it would be qutie an exciting place to be! I can see that places like Millennium Square, Quarry Hill and the Riverside might be more alive at night than the core shopping centre, where as the core shopping area will be, like it is now, busier than the rest of the city centre. I say this because some city centres have everything in the same area, where as Leeds tends to split the city into quarters- which I probably think is a good thing.

Yes. I read somewhere there were over 200 bars, restuarants and clubs in the city centre...
Quite a few new bars seem to be opening at the moment, alot until about midnight and probably later as this culture starts to develop. Alot of the bars are quite upmarket so hopefully wont attract a binge drinking culture in the city centre.
What I would like though is to see the city centre alive until at least 20:00. It would be good if it were shops, but it doesnt have to be. If it were theatres, cinemas...etc as well as the bars and clubs it would be qutie an exciting place to be! I can see that places like Millennium Square, Quarry Hill and the Riverside might be more alive at night than the core shopping centre, where as the core shopping area will be, like it is now, busier than the rest of the city centre. I say this because some city centres have everything in the same area, where as Leeds tends to split the city into quarters- which I probably think is a good thing.
Yep, over 200 bars, and it seems as if 85% of them open until 2am at weekends, still it makes for a vibrant city that attracts people, and we know that folks in Sheffield grumble about licensing hours there.

I think this has been mentioned on the official Leeds thread, but I read in Construction News this week that Downing Developments (Liverpool based) are confirmed as the residential developers in the scheme. Confirming what was stated in the first post of this thread, the scheme is still going ahead, with the old BBC studios as the centrepiece of the scheme. I can't imagine they will have ditched the two residential towers, especially as the higher they go, the more students ergo, the more money they can make. Would be a cracking central location to live for students moving to Leeds for the first time.

Anyone got any images of this? I think they were some on the Civic Trust website, shall have a gander.

Have a look at the entry on Skyscrapernews.com (http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=2198)

As mentioned on the othter thread, the area is hoarded with Downing signs on the hoardings, and there are excavators working on the whole site clearing and levelling.

Have a look at the entry on Skyscrapernews.com (http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=2198)

As mentioned on the othter thread, the area is hoarded with Downing signs on the hoardings, and there are excavators working on the whole site clearing and levelling.

those hoarding are indeed up, but it seems fairly quiet at the mill. Not much action in other words....

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/576/img08208bb.jpg

That photo reminds me of a question that bugs me... The bridge in the foreground, currently a carpark, looks very like it was one a road/was intended to carry a road. At the left end of the bridge (just out of shot) is green space and a big juntion where this road could have joined.
Any ideas what this bridge was for? I assume they didn't build it for carparking (too expensive)

It was for a road; dual carriageway out of Leeds. A660 I think; if not A65.

Any ideas why it's now a carpark?

cant remember; there was a reason. I think it was too expensive to build the whole dual carriageway, or the plan didnt go through or something. Not sure tbh.

those hoarding are indeed up, but it seems fairly quiet at the mill. Not much action in other words....

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/576/img08208bb.jpg


Until the BBC moved to Quarry Hill a couple of years ago, it was used by them. It will be interesting to see what will happen with this space once Blenheim Walk is constructed.

double post

A little elevated park too much to hope for?

tbh, if it were to be an elevated park it would need to be lined with trees to get the noise of the ring road away, or more covered over to provide a substantial park. I personally wouldn't choose to go there to relax =/

Lined with trees and hedges/flowers overhanging the edge, with turf it would make an attractive pedestrian walkway, and look good from the ring road.

Alternitively if could be made into a living bridge, with offices on the lower floors, residential above.

It's a tricky site either way, but I hope something is done with it.

It's a bit crude, but something like this would look good, with the elevated area being extended to curve around the corner.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/4897/park0nj.jpg

It's a bit crude, but something like this would look good, with the elevated area being extended to curve around the corner.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/4897/park0nj.jpg

Not crude at all - I think you've done a great job. Your proposal would improve the connexions to the city centre, remove (or disguise) an eyesore, and mitigate some of the effects of the the inner city ring road.

It's a bit crude, but something like this would look good, with the elevated area being extended to curve around the corner.

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/4897/park0nj.jpg

In addition to this wouldn't it be a good idea for the sections of the Leeds Inner Ring Road that are in a cutting to be covered over so that it could turned into attractive parkland and used to construct buildings over the top. This could apply on the sections of the ring road which is in a cutting that is between the LGI and the planned Brunswick Terrace development. Surely a lot of money could be raised by selling off the land above the ring road for development as well as social improvements such as an improved urban space with less noise from the motorways and more public spaces?

Aye, the ideal situation would be to cover all parts of the road that cut into the ground, selling off some of the land, to fund parks on the rest. Aswell as making the areas around the ringroar more attractive, it would vastly improve accesibility.

How long would the ringroad be closed for,for this to actually happen? 6mths? 1 year??
I don't think it's feasible.

How long would the ringroad be closed for,for this to actually happen? 6mths? 1 year??
I don't think it's feasible.

I think similar has already happened as I remember reading in a newspaper a few years ago that in the Paris suburb of Saint Denis a section of the A1 autoroute which was in a cutting has been covered over resulting a new area of parkland, reducing noise pollution and encouraging regeneration of the area. Can't find anything on the internet about this case study though but I presume as that road is the main motorway from Paris to the north of France and CDG Airport I would have guessed it would have been open for most of those works and that example does show that it can potentially be done on the IRR. If you have Google Earth you can see this at: Latitude: 48°54'23.34"N and Longitude: 2°21'30.93"E where you can see this parkland above the autoroute.

Good call giving the LL for GE - looks great.
Given the curve on the Leeds RR this could look as good if not better! Bring it on.

Just got to find an architect/town planner with balls big enough now! :runaway:

Yeah - one of the biggest complaints/wishes/rants on here is that Leeds lacks a major open green space in the centre. This would stretch across the city, be big enough and allow for pedestrian friendly route across the centre. Would be a real landmark for Leeds too - a curved park across the city centre...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v429/Kesaph/SkyScrapers/RingRd.jpg

Edit away! :D

This site's been quiet for a while but now we have this application posted on the city council's website today:

06/05350/FU/C Downing Developments Ltd

Multi level development up to 23 storeys with student residential accommodation comprising 38 studio flats and 76 cluster flats with 369 bedrooms and academic accommodation with teaching facilities, offices, cafe/exhibition space and new church

Land Bounded By Woodhouse Lane, Blackman Lane, Blenheim Walk And The Inner City Ring Road Leeds LS2

Excellant news, two twenty-plus storey towers in two weeks by two reputable developers and in the same vicinity. We knew this scheme was being re-designed, didn't know it was going up in size though.

However, the phase 2 of the Metropolitan University have had to reduce their proposal from a 26 storey down to 12 storey building, due to it's close proximity to the Civic part of the city. Still, that's years away yet anyway.

This was another development discussed at the plans panel meeting, interesting to hear the buildings are to be clad in Corten, could look fantastic if done right!

Corten?? please enlighten the building materials novices like myself...

This was another development discussed at the plans panel meeting, interesting to hear the buildings are to be clad in Corten, could look fantastic if done right!

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cor-ten): Cor-ten, generically known as A242, A588, and A606, are steel alloys which were developed to obviate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance if exposed to the weather for several years.

....

The U.S. Steel Tower in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was constructed by U.S. Steel in part to showcase Cor-ten steel. The initial weathering of the material resulted in a discoloration of the surrounding city sidewalks, as well as other nearby buildings. A cleanup effort was orchestrated by the corporation once weathering was complete to undo this damage, but the sidewalks still have a decidedly rusty tinge. This problem has been reduced in newer formulations of Cor-ten steel.

So similar to this art thing, am I right?

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/2114/rustyuu2.jpg

Apologies, Cor-ten or sometimes corten steel as I usually call it, is what has been explained above. Basically steel with a special coating to enable rusting that gives a nice finish. Very "in" with architects at the moment, I've seen a number of smaller scale buildings with areas of Cor-ten cladding recently, though as was pointed out, it actually has been used on tall towers as well in the past.

What's the chance of approval for these buildings, because the council report states large opposition to the scheme. Much of this is related to the demolition of a Victorian church on the site, but some is due to the size of the developemnt.

What's the chance of approval for these buildings, because the council report states large opposition to the scheme. Much of this is related to the demolition of a Victorian church on the site, but some is due to the size of the developemnt.

Is that the church opposite The Fenton by the traffic lights. Surely would be against such a proposal involving the demolition of that. As for the old BBC building its looking quite nice now its been cleaned. When is the construction due to start and whats occupying what as does the LMU ads on this building suggest that this will part part of Leeds Met Uni or is it just advertising meaning something else going here?

What's the chance of approval for these buildings, because the council report states large opposition to the scheme. Much of this is related to the demolition of a Victorian church on the site, but some is due to the size of the developemnt.

I think the building you're referring to is due to stay. This Victorian former church on Woodhouse Lane has been converted into offices. The Baptists who, presumably, used to worship there have moved into an ugly building behind which looks to have been converted from a church hall. I do recall the new plans would provide new premises for their church.

Just seen a story in todays YEP that there is a load of opposition to this scheme from locals and local councillors (I cannot find it on the website by the way). Blommin Nimbys the early renders to this scheme actually looked quite good and I cannot understand why they are blocking this development as its right on the doorstep of both universities. Whilst it would be better to have a mixed tenure surely this would be one of the best places to have student accomodation and it would be better to be used as opposed to being left derelict. What does anyone think on those developments?

Just seen a story in todays YEP that there is a load of opposition to this scheme from locals and local councillors (I cannot find it on the website by the way). Blommin Nimbys the early renders to this scheme actually looked quite good and I cannot understand why they are blocking this development as its right on the doorstep of both universities. Whilst it would be better to have a mixed tenure surely this would be one of the best places to have student accomodation and it would be better to be used as opposed to being left derelict. What does anyone think on those developments?

Well the point was made that there is already a lot of vacant student accommodation and that what is really needed is more affordable family dwellings. That seems to be the basis of the opposition.

It is actually just within the bounds of the city centre. That may save it.

It's hardly in the residential areas of Woodhouse as the protestors say. Anyway, the YEP could be blowing it out of all proportion, they do that sometimes, I've seen their reporters in action and they carefully pick quotes which tends to really misrepresent what is actually happening.

We seen these pics? http://www.downing.com/sectors/index.cfm/include/viewDevDetails/devid/99/devstyle/4/map/no/sector/3/img/Leedsb.jpg

Fears 'student ghetto' may be created in city
Protests at plans for complex

By Peter Lazenby
A STORM of protest is brewing over plans for a multi-million-pound student development in the heart of Leeds.
Council officers are studying plans which include a 23-storey tower block, with student accommodation, teaching facilities, offices, cafe and exhibition space in Woodhouse.

more here:
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39&ArticleID=1956976

good find LeedsLad - that looks rather reasonable, though a bit bulky. The finish looks interesting.

Silly oldies, students need to stick together, we don't need them all over the place, and this site is already surrounded by students so building family friendly projects there is even worse. Plus i think this design looks like one of the most modern and sleek designs we've had, better than these samy grey plastic looking ones. This is the city centre not americas suburbia, i hate these bloody oldies who think all of england should be one big garden with rainbows and picnics. :ohno:

I think it's the best student accomodation so far (the render at least).

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsc.jpg

I think it's the best student accomodation so far (the render at least).

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsc.jpg

nice! slab-like but with a funky overhang going on, the long windows stretching over several storeys are great as is the finish. Wood, or a distressed burnished metal?

frickin nimbys!

Quote:
Fears 'student ghetto' may be created in city

What a difference a word can make. Call it a "Vibrant Sustainable Student Community" and who can protest against this?

There are plenty of terrace houses in this area, ALL occupied by students. If they are freed for the families or other local residents sure it will be a good thing? And Woodhouse comminity will get much needed housing (that is, if they can afford to buy or rent it).

I read this story too. On the one hand, you have people in residential Burley/Woodhouse complaining about students ruining former family areas, then you have (probably the same people) complaining that student only developments are "ghettos". What do they want.

And a ghetto? They are only students, they are hardly going to turn it into Compton or Harlem.

The pics look nice, that end of town is going to be studentville what with the Plaza, Brunswick Place and now this. Surely that's better than having them live in and amongst the regular population.

I swear, some people just complain about anything.

Tell these protestors to chain themselves to something on the Opal tower sight so they cant build that monstrosity so they can actually do something usefull and allow this rather sexy development to get cracking!!!

Wow! Those renders are pretty stunning. Looks to me more contemporary than anything in Leeds :)

I just hope, a) it actually gets built, and b) we actually get the design we're promised - a rare thing in Leeds it seems!!

I think it's the best student accomodation so far (the render at least).

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsc.jpg

Here's the rest of the renders

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsb.jpg

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leeds-church.jpg

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/ACF7803.jpg

Who's the architect for the above? Simpson?

These look pretty decent to me - I'm also a bit perplexed why there has been such a stink kicked up about these - as the sight is very central - and quite a lot of it is to be devoted to Uni buildings rather than just all accommodation.

They do look quite Simpson-esque but are actually by architects called Feilden Clegg & Bradley

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/ACF7803.jpg
What's this grey building much further down? A sneak peek at the new Plaza?

Hmm it is a bit wierd isn't it - they look like 2 different sets of renders. There are those Simspon-style copper buildings on most of the renders - then ther is the one above which looks a bit different, and has what might be the Plaza tower appearing to one side - though I can't imagine they'd include it on their renders would they?

I hope someone figures it out soon, it's doing my nut in.

The road seems to be going upwards for one thing, and Woodhouse Lane slopes down into town, doesn't it?

Is that picture showing off the tower or the smaller units? I think it is showing off smaller units and Plaza happens to be in the background. Which would mean it's not an official render of the Plaza?

OK, now this is weird. I did a Google search for Woodhouse Lane so I could figure out my bearings and I got a link here, to the Leeds Building list, which contains this pic.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/p796a9c9f6dfef9320777a3e0ee83f3c5/f660b6c7.jpg

And that pic, which must be quite old, looks like the mysterious grey could-be-Plaza tower which appears on this new pic.
http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/ACF7803.jpg

Oh right, I've figured it out. The grey building is part of this development and is 23 storeys high, it's just a few pages back. It looks quite far away from the other bits mind you. It's not that big a site.

But now this picture is puzzling me.

http://www.leedscivictrust.org.uk/images/BBC1sm.jpg

I guess the thing in the foreground is the grey tower and the background one is the taller of the brown towers.

Oh right, I've figured it out. The grey building is part of this development and is 23 storeys high, it's just a few pages back. It looks quite far away from the other bits mind you. It's not that big a site.

But now this picture is puzzling me.

http://www.leedscivictrust.org.uk/images/BBC1sm.jpg

I guess the thing in the foreground is the grey tower and the background one is the taller of the brown towers.

I think that's correct. Mystery solved.

It's different generations of designs; the one above was the first design, the grey looking towers came later, and the new images with browner cladding is the latest images, but I think that still isn't the latest as it appears to be 18 storeys which was the previous approval, the new application is for 23 stories.

The old ones were for student accommodation, new stuff is for the met to move into. on the list to move in is the art department but don’t know much else.
the student accommodation ideas for this site were dropped.

It's different generations of designs; the one above was the first design, the grey looking towers came later, and the new images with browner cladding is the latest images, but I think that still isn't the latest as it appears to be 18 storeys which was the previous approval, the new application is for 23 stories.

You would know better than me, but the grey tower has been on your "Building List" thread for a bit and is now included in the new renders, along with the copper towers. And the pic above, a render from a long time ago, also has two towers.

This suggests, to me at least, that the scheme has 2 towers, an 18 storey copper tower (with a smaller brother) at the Northern end and a 23 storey closer to Town.

Quite an enigmatic proposal.

Is this development close to the centre and on the renders it dosent look 18 or 23 but a nice development anyways.

The full planning application for this site is to be considered at next Thursday's meeting of the Plans Panel:

Introduction:
The applicant obtained a consent in June 2005 for the former BBC site but has now been in discussions with Leeds Metropolitan University and the Blenheim Baptist church and is seeking to revise the proposals for the site to include the Baptist church site and to provide a significant level of University accommodation and a new church space as well as student housing.

Proposal:
It is proposed to demolish the existing church building and the former Friends Meeting House and provide a mixed use development summarised as follows:
• 7,734m² of student accommodation (comprising 21 studio apartments, 43 x 5-bed cluster flats and 1 x 4-bed cluster flat) providing a total of 240 bedrooms;
• 12,960m² of office/teaching accommodation for Leeds Met University;
• a Baptist Church to replace the existing church (535m²);
• The existing broadcasting house building would provide an additional 1,000 sq. m. of teaching space under the previous consent.

The proposed uses are provided within 2 building blocks separated by a courtyard space. Each building block creates a rising form that snakes around the perimeter of the site and culminates in high points at the opposite northern and southern ends of the site. The principal finishing material would be Cor-Ten (weathered) steel, but with a greater proportion of curtain wall glazing at the lower floors. The building block to the Woodhouse Lane frontage would rise in height from 3 and 4 storeys on Woodhouse Lane to 6 storeys high to the rear of the Unison offices. The building block to the eastern side of the Broadcasting House would rise in height from 8 storeys at the northern end to a 23 storey tower in the south-eastern corner of the site.

The student accommodation would be restricted to the 23 storey tower element. There will be facilities also for a small management suite for the operation of the buildings and ancillary functions for the students, such as a games room and laundry facilities at the ground level.

The teaching accommodation will provide space for four departments of Leeds
Metropolitan University. These include the Department for Cultural Studies, the Department for Social Science, the Department for Architecture, Landscape and Design, and the Arts and Graphics Department. There would also be an ancillary café/exhibition space.

The new church development will replace the current building in the same location. It will have an internal connection to the adjoining Arts and Crafts Sunday School building which is to be retained. In addition to the main chapel there will also be space for seminar rooms, an office, a kitchen, a creche and several informal meeting areas, all arranged over two floors.

The rest of the cartilage space would be laid out as hard and soft landscaped amenity space providing natural stone aggregate paving around trees and raised and sunken lawned areas, contemporary aluminium and stainless steel bollards, feature lighting, seating and street style bins would also be provided to help order the space and encourage its use as an outdoor amenity area.

It is proposed to fell 7 trees due to the proximity of the proposed buildings, mostly in the south-eastern corner of the site. However the landscaping proposals include planting for 38 new trees (mostly along the site frontages). The main site entrance would be from Woodhouse Lane; this entrance connects Woodhouse Lane with the main courtyard space and the entrance to the eastern building beyond. The main entrance is a double height foyer space. This space will not only provide for a reception to the complex as a whole, but also space for an internet café, display and lounge facilities that will create active frontage deep into the site.

Site and Surroundings:
The site comprises the grade II listed Broadcasting House and adjoining stone finished curtilage building (former Friends Meeting House) and the current Blenheim Baptist Church (former Blenheim Memorial Institute).

It is bounded by the Unison offices to the north side, located in the grade II listed former Blenheim Baptist Church. The surrounding area forms the northern fringe of the city centre and is dominated by a mixture of office, residential and educational uses.

APPRAISAL
Apart from the tower block in the southeastern corner of the site the proposed buildings are no greater in height than the approved buildings for the site. However the layout of the buildings and provision of public realm has changed significantly to provide 2 buildings of larger footprint defining the site edges with a significant new public space and pedestrian corridor created through the centre of the site as opposed to the approved design of 7 generally smaller footprint blocks set within an area of inter-linked public courtyards and pedestrian routes through the site.

It is considered that the proposals are an improvement on the immediate setting of the listed buildings which until 2005 were abutted by 1960’s development on the former BBC site. They create enhanced public space around the listed buildings whilst respecting the scale of development to the Woodhouse Lane frontage and improving upon the design and appearance of the previous 1960s buildings.

The tower block at 23 storeys (69 metres high) will be a prominent feature in the conservation area and would be some 19 metres taller than the approved 18 storey building in this location. The proposed tower rises out of a plinth of six to eight storey high along Blenheim Way whilst the main frontage to Woodhouse Lane is of a similar length of four to five storey high. The southern gable of the proposed tower has been left blank with articulation provided by the shifting triangular cantilevered forms to the tower.

The tall block would be similar in height on the skyline, due to the rise in ground levels, as the Parkinson Tower. The strategic city views submitted by the applicant also demonstrates that it would align with the existing north to south ridge of tall buildings from the Parkinson building to the river Aire.

The proposed Blenheim Way frontage has been broken down into smaller distinct elements through incorporation of greater glazing to the lower floors, a vertical set back of the elevational plane and creation of a double storey high pedestrian route to the cycle stands. This is considered to break down its mass and improve its impact when viewed from areas around Blenheim Square.

Sounds exciting. What is Cor-Ten (weathered) steel?? Might be a fun design: snaking round and rising? sounds like the low rise element of criterion. Ahhhh criterion; where have you gone?

not a fan of having tall buildings here.... The rest of the proposal sounds good though

I wouldn't call 69m tall, that's quite a bit less than Tower North!

"The tall block would be similar in height on the skyline, due to the rise in ground levels, as the Parkinson Tower
You can see that parkinson clock tower from everywhere, this may block the view of it from the motorways

"The tall block would be similar in height on the skyline, due to the rise in ground levels, as the Parkinson Tower
You can see that parkinson clock tower from everywhere, this may block the view of it from the motorways

If it does block it, it'll only be from a few narrow angles - if I remember right, it's quite a slender tower they're proposing here. It's more likely they'll appear next to each other from most views, I reckon - I'd like to see some skyline renders to ascertain that for sure, though.

Here's the rest of the renders

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsb.jpg

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leeds-church.jpg

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/ACF7803.jpg

If its these bad boys then they look far superior to most of what is proposed / under construction at present, especially up this end of town (Opal / Unite)

I think it's the best student accomodation so far (the render at least).

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsc.jpg

...

Those must be the previous design, as there are two towers and the max height is 18 floors.

The new proposal is one at 23 floors and the other much shorter, and are described as 'snaking' round the perimeter of the site.

The minutes of the last city centre panel meeting note this as approved in principle, defering final decision to the chief planning officer. As the recommendation of the planning officers was 'approval', that means it's just a formality now to agree the conditions.

:banana: :) good move, that site is currently a hole and an eyesore in an important developing area that needs filling, and something of this scale and iconic nature will fill it very nicely. It fits in line with the other high rises in the area very well too behind Woodhouse Lane MSCP so continuing the Opal, Plaza (and hopefully Brunswick) line of towers.

..

..

No, the scheme has changed completely, it now has a 6 storey block and a single tower of 23 storeys, described as 'snaking' around the east side of the site. This suggests some curved shpe but not sure, but the cladding is now some kind of rusted steel panels! The images in 75 and 76 are previous schemes.

Seems to be some movement on this development. Passed the site today, and new fencing has been put up around the site. Could this be the start of construction of another 23 storey skyscraper?

It is fully approved, so could start at any time.

This proposal has dragged on and on in it's various forms, it'll be good to see it get going, and is in just the right place to thicken up the rapidly increasing density in this area. It also seems a good scheme and helps out the local church community by provinding them new premises, as well as facilities for the Met Uni.

Fingers crossed that it is about to start at last.

Seems to be some movement on this development. Passed the site today, and new fencing has been put up around the site. Could this be the start of construction of another 23 storey skyscraper?

We've only got two real skyscrapers planned lad. The common nomenclature used for tall buildings on SSC is that 150m+ tips the scales as a proper skyscraper, but even then its only classified as a 'highrise'. A supertall needs to be 300m+ (only one in the UK planned, that be London Bridge Tower - the Shard). I like your enthusiasm, but we've a long while to go till then.

Oh, the two are the tallest two on Lumiere and CP.

Wouldn't mind seeing what this will look like - not the Plaza Mk 3 I hope (Mk 2 was Opal).

We've only got two real skyscrapers planned lad. The common nomenclature used for tall buildings on SSC is that 150m+ tips the scales as a proper skyscraper, but even then its only classified as a 'highrise'. A supertall needs to be 300m+ (only one in the UK planned, that be London Bridge Tower - the Shard). I like your enthusiasm, but we've a long while to go till then.

Oh, the two are the tallest two on Lumiere and CP.

Wouldn't mind seeing what this will look like - not the Plaza Mk 3 I hope (Mk 2 was Opal).

This has already been discussed before on this forum. In the UK we have now agreed the term for skyscraper is over 100m tall, as we simply cannot compete with the American heights for skyscrapers. In that way, we have a chance of seeing a number of skyscrapers being built in this country. Perhaps as we build more and more 150m+ skyscrapers, the terminology could be ammended to raise the name to this height.

That is actually true yes. The agreed height is 100m on this forum.

The media seem to go with 100m (around 30+ floors) being called a skyscraper, ie including BWP and Sheffield's City Lofts Tower.

We can consider it a bit of a colloquial term if it doesn't meet the official designation.

Hello

If someone can tell me how to upload pictures, I can show you a view that you may not have seen before.

what is the development called behind the civic hall/opposite the met university bar called? has this got anything to do with this development?

Upload them on a site like photobucket or imageshack, then get the hyperlink and post it here within . Like put the hyperlink here

Hello

If someone can tell me how to upload pictures, I can show you a view that you may not have seen before.

Hi, here's the standard instructions (which I've saved now),

How to display photos on the forum

1. Host your photo (on Flickr, Imagestaion, photobucket etc).
2. Display your photo on the host site.
3. Right click on the displayed photo, and click on properties.
4. Drag the cursor over the full internet address, when all highlighted, press 'ctrl' 'C' together to copy
5. On your thread post, type then press 'ctrl' 'V' together to paste, and type but without any spaces in between.
6. Post your reply and the image should display

That is actually true yes. The agreed height is 100m on this forum.

Mies van der Rohe's 1921 Friedrichstrasse project was and is referred to as a skyscraper. It had 23 storeys.

I always said over 80m/20 storeys really; probably only because WRH was Leeds' tallest building at 80m/storeys though. 100m is what most people seem to go by so Ill go with that.

I think maybe it reflects time though; a few years ago 80m would be quite significant. 100m is more like it now, even with suggestions of 150m.

Hello

If someone can tell me how to upload pictures, I can show you a view that you may not have seen before.

Hi lank, any chance of the images?
I don't mean to pester, I'm just keen to see images of this scheme.

[http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/th_LEE_A061219a.jpg]

see if this works

obviously not - will try again later !

http://s193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/th_LEE_A061219a.jpg

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/LEE_A061219a.jpg?t=1184850136

Hopefully this will be a bit bigger !

Excellent. Thanks very much lank.

Interesting design, highly blocky, but highly architectural. Could be a good bit of high rise modern architecture for Leeds.

Also, similar in style to the older two tower 18 st scheme;

http://www.downing.com/assets/images/devs/Leedsb.jpg

Pretty much the same. It just lost the tower at the north of the site

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/BPlace.jpg?t=

Shame they didn't go for this 100M+ version

I do rather like that - abstract take on a box, and a little similar in concept to the Civil Justice Centre in Manchester with all those jaunty angles and overhangs. As Rob says, something rather different for the City Centre, a bit of envelope pushing if you will........

The 100m version would probably be a little to overbearing for one of the highest sites in the city. I like the final proposal.

For once i can agree and say yeah maybe a bit too tall (the 100m Scheme) for the site.

The other version is great tho. so is this what they are defo gonna build?

Yes it is and it should be starting very very soon

I drove along the inner ring road (joining at Clay Pit Lane), and although all eyes were on the mass of activity to my left at the Plaza, I thought I saw an excavator on the Blenheim site behind the blue hoarding, it was a very fleeting glimpse, so this would need checking out.

Are SMC DTR:UK still the architects? This project doesn't seem to feature on their new website.

apparently its Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects

Indeed it is FCB, though it's not on their site from what I could see.

The landscape design is Luszczak, theirs a bit about the project on their site (and some hand drawn pics showing the massing of the buildings from a few angles.)

http://www.luszczak.com/main.swf

Found it - its in FCB projects section on their site under Urban Design along with Wellington Place

Thanks for the information chaps.

Here's the other view on their web site, looking the other way (towards the city centre).

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2198BlenheimWalk_pic2.jpg

Loving the way they have made it look like the church will be the main focal point in that last image.

Almost as deceiving as the Lumiere ones that underplay the effect that building will also have on it's surroundings. :sly:

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/BLE_D061220acopy.jpg?t=1184943645

I reckon this one's honest enough

How many metres will this one be? 70M-ish?

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/BLE_D061220acopy.jpg?t=1184943645

I reckon this one's honest enough

I love it. It is a dramtic statement at one of the highest points in Leeds City Centre, and will comliment the other high risers going up at this part of town.

Its also good to see an inovative design, it should look great in the flesh

Nobody has criticised the fact that it is terracota!

We all seem to love it!

Don't think it is terracotta, I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that it's rusted steel like that sculpture at the back of Brewery Wharf.

Subliving.

Looks like wood to me =/

...or could be those earthenware (I'm loathe to say terracotta!) type tiles, as used rather well on the side of City Point.

i thought it was stone but now i see it up close i don't know ??

nah, it was meant to be corten steel

Don't think it is terracotta, I'm sure I remember reading somewhere that it's rusted steel like that sculpture at the back of Brewery Wharf.

Subliving.

The rusted steel or corten steel would probably look a lot more orange than this render shows. I may be wrong but a building in Sheff has a section of it and it looks like this

Heres some I took today. Includes a close up of the rusty cladding but I didn't change the res so its pretty useless. Looks lovely though.

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v107/114/0/279202304/n279202304_885177_3838.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v107/114/0/279202304/n279202304_885178_8802.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v107/114/0/279202304/n279202304_885179_9185.jpg

I can't make my mind up about the material, don't think it looks good here, so not sure it would work on a project the scale of Blenhiem Walk?

It is Cor-ten steel. The architects have been carrying out tests on the material to ensure it will look good; and I believe they used it on a project of similar scale in London.

Using it for such a large single wall is a risk, but I'm optomistic.

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/DSC00931.jpg?t=1185195051

I think it depends how long its been on the wall for - this is one in London that was finished a year or so back

I quite like it in that image above, it's a really rich and natural colour with a hint of variance across the surface.

It'd be a bit overpowering if it was on too many buildings, but on one landmark building could be quite good.

Well that above pic certainly gives me more hope. I agree with Rob, it does look good but it needs to be used in moderation.

I like this project, its different. Viewed from the city centre it will look like a sculpture although I hope it doesn't detract from the view towards Leeds Uni.

we have a start on site. the old meeting house is half way demolished

Thanks lank.

I thought I saw new demolition going on a couple of days ago, and assumed it must be the old Friends Meeting House.

Can you tell us if construction will follow on directly after clearing the site? If so, is it in phases or one build, and who the main contractor is?

Thanks, we always appreciate inside information. :D

Should be going straight through and its Downing Developments based in Liverpool also doing ATS Manchester and Gallowgate Newcastle

Thanks lank. Downing are the developers, I was wondering who the main (principle) contractor will be, perhaps they are not appointed yet.

..

Downing are both Developer & Main Contractor

http://img475.imageshack.us/img475/8256/1000836ua8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

UPDATE

The Meeting House behind Broadcasting House is now completely demolished.

The Baptist Church is covered in scaffolding and in the process of demolition.

Lots of diggers etc on site.

One very large piling drill is at the corner of the site by the Broadcasting House entrance

Good, thanks for the update AIRP.

With a large pile drilling rig on site, that means this 23 storey piece of landmark architecture will be under construction very soon .. it must now be on the critical path.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pad2224acc7a9194375cd4f425dcc69c0/e802a771.jpg

Woah, what an addition this will be to the Leed's Cityscape.. I just wish I had a better understanding of where all these developments where located, lol.. I've been in Leeds for 3 weeks now and so far the only development I can definately locate is the Opal, n that took 3 weeks to understand and its got a great soddin core pokin up in the skyline!!

Is there any map on the Leeds forum that shows the location of all these new developments and current u/c? sorry if there is and I'm askin dumb questions.. but would be really nice to see and get a sense of what is goin where.

If you know where Opal is (with the core and tall red crane), you will see another tall red crane almost identical height just 1/4 mile further west along the A58M, that is the Plaza tower site. This Blenheim project is between the two.

This will be a striking building when it's completed, quite brutalist in design but without the concrete!

Good, thanks for the update AIRP.

With a large pile drilling rig on site, that means this 23 storey piece of landmark architecture will be under construction very soon .. it must now be on the critical path.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pad2224acc7a9194375cd4f425dcc69c0/e802a771.jpg

Wow, I don't think I've seen a render of this before. What a beauty!

Given that it's student accomodation and likely built to a tight budget, it backs up my oft quoted mantra that good architecture need not be expensive!

Is there any map on the Leeds forum that shows the location of all these new developments and current u/c? sorry if there is and I'm askin dumb questions.. but would be really nice to see and get a sense of what is goin where.

Ive put all the talls on there. Or I think all the talls anyway. Someone could map all projects- would take a while.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/249/leedsproposalsya9.jpg
Whoops forgot to put it on. been a long day- been up since 0530!

Ive put all the talls on there. Or I think all the talls anyway. Someone could map all projects- would take a while.

Whoops forgot to put it on. been a long day- been up since 0530!

If City One is supposed to be Jan Fletcher's development it should be placed a bit further south and not on the site of Lateral which is where you have put it.

Nice job Leeds No 1, if you are making changes, it would be worth adding a blue square for Park Plaza Hotel (20 storeys) at City Square .

The site on Friday:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010124.jpg?t=1188227903



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010127.jpg?t=1188227951



This is the Baptist chapel to be replaced as part of the scheme, now almost completely demolished
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/24%20August%202007/P1010125.jpg?t=1188228033

Im going to look forward to going past this on the bus every morning on my way to uni :)

Thanks for the update photos aviator, they are progressing well on site even though that is the site of the small building, hopefully it is all to be built in one go.

Presumably the scaffold around the church tower is for essential repair and maintenance.

Two rigs have now moved to the front of the site, where the tower is to be located. I guess we can therefore call this one under construction. I will alter the thread title in due course.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa783be1eb57101e38158d247975087e1/e7cc2671.jpg

Hallelujah, not this will hopefully fly up due to its size!!! Then it will have a massive impact on the skyline due to its prominent location!!!

And a welcome addition to the overall Leeds Inner Ring Road corridor that is seeing Opal, The Plaza and now Blenheim Walk being built.

There was piling going on today, and the site was a hive of activity. However, I made the mistake of attempting to walk round the 'other' side of the site i.e where the fake bridge thing is, and ended up in the most confusing area of paths/not really paths I could ever imagine. I nearly got stranded in the middle of the dual carriageway...

Good to see this one moving along. It is like a bonus etra tower that's sneaked up while we've been watching Opal and Plaza, although this one will be the most striking design by a long way.

It'll be good to see three towers going up in the north of the city centre in such close proximity, all in the 20s or 30s of stories, something we couldn't have even imagined just a couple of years ago.

well said rob totally agree i remember when i started coming on this site the thought of 3 20+ buildings i9n this area was unbelievable we would have laughed it off crazy talk

So will this be 69m? skyscrapernews is quoting it as that. Plus how many metres up is it on the hill compared to bridgewater place?

It's elevation above Bridgewater Place will be about 30m, about the highest point in the city centre (that is the figure for the Plaza, and this is in a similar location). All three new towers will, together, transform the skyline from the south.

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd319/whitbread_01/WFront.jpg?t=1189683367

You can see it in brown - the thing thats blocking it is Bridgewater Place. Lumiere / Kissing Towers etc also in there for comparison

impressive skyline render lank. Probably the best i have seen!

Wow, i think that's the first proper future skyline render of leeds i've seen! Is Plaza tower on that?

scratch that, ive found it!

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd319/whitbread_01/WLeft.jpg?t=1189687967

Taken from the west

Some of the action on site yesterday, two piling rigs still, but the site is looking very much ready for construction to begin proper!!! I noticed two large concrete mixers behind that mound in the middle. The site pile rig team are Simplex I remember the chap in the pic saying, the sign saying Simplex also suggests this..ha!!!

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/larsseelig69/BleinheimWalk002.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/larsseelig69/BleinheimWalk001.jpg

Has anyone seen how this one, Leeds' third 'University Quarter' tower currently underway, is getting on?

Presumably they'll be drilling piles for a while yet.

I drove past last night and had a millisecond peak but i didnt see any sign of construction... i may be wrong though

I'll go and take a few pictures again, the contractors who will start the building proper should be on site within the next few weeks!!!

Have these been posted before? And is this design really going to make this woeful area more pleasing on the eye.


http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2198BroadcastingPlace_pic2.jpg




http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2198BroadcastingPlace_pic1.jpg




http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/2198BroadcastingPlace_pic3.jpg

You think this area is woeful? I think from broadcasting place to parkinson is quite clearly stunning.

Syaing that, from broadcasting house to the bottom of the merrion centre is the worste!! They could do to nock down the cemement blocks at the uni to start the ball rolling.

magnificent! Not seen those renders and liking the big assed sky and dark clouds. Its a bonkers shape, and really out of kilter with what's around the north part of the city (60s blocks).

This could (and should) prove to be one of the finer new builds of Leeds once completed.. facade dependant. I just love the way it seems to effortlessly wrap around the church and the old broadcasting house without overbearing, it should be a great beacon to this side of woodhouse lane (it is woodhouse lane aint it?? :S) with its great collection of church spires and of course, Parkinson building.. its a nice development to ease you in from atypical terraced housed street into the thick of inner-city density.

I agree with everything thats been said really. Nothing wrong with it that I can point out! Except maybe why is there no traffic in the renders of it! It takes you hours to move a few metres in this part of the city!

This could (and should) prove to be one of the finer new builds of Leeds once completed.. facade dependant. I just love the way it seems to effortlessly wrap around the church and the old broadcasting house without overbearing, it should be a great beacon to this side of woodhouse lane (it is woodhouse lane aint it?? :S) with its great collection of church spires and of course, Parkinson building.. its a nice development to ease you in from atypical terraced housed street into the thick of inner-city density.

Yup, with the equally pleasant Rose Bowl, there are signs that this austere, part of town will liven up a bit. The architects are Feilden Clegg Bradley.

http://www.feildenclegg.com/framepage.asp

First time I've seen those renders. I think it looks fantastic. As has already been said, though, a lot will depend on the quaility of the finish.

this is one of my favourite developments in leeds, and if the finish matches the renders it will be an awesome development great shape 9/10 IMO

Its still Cor-Ten steel as far as I know

You think this area is woeful? I think from broadcasting place to parkinson is quite clearly stunning.

Syaing that, from broadcasting house to the bottom of the merrion centre is the worste!! They could do to nock down the cemement blocks at the uni to start the ball rolling.

Couldn't agree more. I think the collection of spires heading up to the Parkinson is one of the finest parts of the Leeds skyline. This development will only add to that: I think this is one of the better proposals at present and shows what a little imagination can do to a fairly simple design. The view of this should be superb as you take the bend on the inner ring road (after passing the new hotel at Quarry Hill and the Eastgate Quarters in a few years). Maybe it will draw the eye away from Woodhouse Lane car park.

The bit down to the Merrion looks like it may also begin to get the treatment such a gateway deserves.

Crane going up as we speak. Leeds university + Met = Dubai

What, a tower crane? going up on the Broadcasting Place site? That's fast progress, this one is sneaking up on us rapidly now.

Indeed, I was surprised to see it rising above Leeds this morning.
Tis fairly large, and also a new colour for Leeds, a strange yellowy green affair!

Indeed, I was surprised to see it rising above Leeds this morning.
Tis fairly large, and also a new colour for Leeds, a strange yellowy green affair!

Reckon its going to be one of at least 3 on this site. Can't wait to see all this crane activity in this area of the city. There will be no fewer than 7 or 8 cranes around this Northern part of the City Centre.

Despite the difference in quality, I hope the new builds in the north of the city centre will have the same catalyst regeneration effect that has been seen in the south. Theres Holbeck Urban Village- next thing; Sheepscar Urban Village :S Or City of Mabgate...

I watched them lower the upper section into place today. It's about 20 storey's tall at the moment but doesn't have the cabin or anything on top.

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2850/1000915fm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

There are a few hitherto unseen pictures of this project on the new FCB website.

http://www.feildencleggbradleystudios.co.uk/project.asp?p=1326&s=13&st=&img=4

There are also a few supposedly of Wellington Place, but unless I'm looking at them incorrectly I'm not sure they are actually meant to be under Wellington Place at all as they have no relation to anything around the site.......

This so called woeful area will look amazing in a few years time what with Plaza, Opal, Bleinheim Walk, LMU Rosebowland the Arnold and Marjorie Ziff building too!!! North Leeds will be a respectable gateway to the city soon, its often been neglectd over its Southern counterpart, however, i think it will soon look great!!! I think a recald of the Merrion Centre and Woodhouse Lane Car Park would just top off the area and create a pretty amazing area!!! :)

How likely is it that Woodhouse Lane car park will get a reclad though? Pretty unlikely I would say.

they should it would be great, a reclad to make it look like criteron car park, would be class and improvements in security would be great IMO

I absolutely hate the cladding on the Criterion car park, it's already stained and all dented around the bottom. At least Woodhouse Lane is cladded in something that doesn't stain and lasts! All it needs is some nice clear glass putting in the staircases, and getting rid of that awful yellow box on the side.

Am I the only one who likes Woodhouse Lane car park?, I think it looks good from the Inner Ring Road, In fact I love that 60's vision of the future that is the sunken part of the Inner Ring Road.

It does it's job well which it was it was intended for. Like the ring road it's a peice of civil engineering and wasn't intended to look nice

Am I the only one who likes Woodhouse Lane car park?, I think it looks good from the Inner Ring Road, In fact I love that 60's vision of the future that is the sunken part of the Inner Ring Road.

No, you're not alone. I rather like it too. But don't tell anyone.

Subliving.

How likely is it that Woodhouse Lane car park will get a reclad though? Pretty unlikely I would say.

There was a supposed to be a multi-million pound reclad and refurbishment for the Woodhouse Lane car park, mentioned in the minutes of a city council meeting a couple of years ago, but nothing has come of it so far. A reclad in the style of St. Paul's Place Sheffield or Clarence Dock would be a huge boost for the area alongside the Rose bowl.


http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/4590StPaulsPlaceCarPark_pic1.jpg



http://www.careyjones.co.uk/images/upload/arch_tran_lrg/clarence_410_01.jpg

But why would someone pay out to reclad something that would date very quickly anyway, when the building they already have is of sound quality. It's not exciting. It's a car park. But it's a good solid car park that has aged as much as it is going to age.

Subliving.

But why would someone pay out to reclad something that would date very quickly anyway, when the building they already have is of sound quality. It's not exciting. It's a car park. But it's a good solid car park that has aged as much as it is going to age.

Subliving.


Yes, but tis butt ugly. And they might be able to raise the charges if it becomes a spanking new enterprise.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_M22STINYw

Nice as the idea is, I'm sure the wouldn't be funding for an external re-clad of an old car park on it's own like that one.

http://www.fcbstudios.com/websiteImages.aspx?projNo=1326&rank=3&type=1
http://www.fcbstudios.com/websiteImages.aspx?projNo=1326&rank=4&type=1

i hadn't realised that the low-rise elements 'zig zagged' upwards in a sloping effect.. all the more reason to like the development :D

Those renders are amazing, it hints at the fact that this will be a quality developement!!! Does anyone know who the architect and contractor are for this build???

Those renders are amazing, it hints at the fact that this will be a quality developement!!! Does anyone know who the architect and contractor are for this build???

The architects are Feilden Clegg Bradley.

http://www.fcbstudios.com/

not a huge amount to see, but give it time. Bit of an elevated view:

loving the zigzagging effect. What a completely bonkers and architecturally effusive building we've got on the way. Mwwwah.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2268/img1615sk8.jpg

I've never understood why that carpark was put there. Did the council build an extra flyover by accident? It looks like a road should run along it.

It was meant to be one carriageway of the dual carriageway A660. That was scrapped and now the road splits at the Parkinson building as you'll know.

I'd love to see it demolished it's awful.

Great pics Jimbo.

Not sure why I thought the crane was green, I blame the gloomy weather that day...........

They were busy excavating this morning when I walked past.

not a huge amount to see, but give it time. Bit of an elevated view:

loving the zigzagging effect. What a completely bonkers and architecturally effusive building we've got on the way. Mwwwah.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2268/img1615sk8.jpg


"Completey bonkers" maybe but I've never heard of a building being described as "effusive" - keep it coming

Here's a picture of the site today... It was very muddy, but still there was activity going on, but nothing yet protruding out above ground level!!!

The Somme...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/larsseelig69/ConstructionPics9-11-07007.jpg

and Ypres...

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/larsseelig69/ConstructionPics9-11-07006.jpg

There was something poking over the fence yesterday, with flood lights round it. It looked like the start of the core. Could be wrong though.

I think you can just about see the rebar i think within the foundation hole... You can see something i reckon, but the pics i take dont shed much light on what exactly... I think within a week or so we should start to see it gain height!!!

I went past on the bus today and there is already a core starting to rise. It's right in the corner of the site and looks more like 2 cores rather than one.

brilliant, don't fancy working in that mudbath, but seeing a core coming up already is great news. This northern sector with the Leeds Met development, this and the Plaza is really coming on leaps and bounds.

Someone else will have to confirm about the core, but there was definately concrete rising above the boundary fence.

check this http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=1224
Look familiar? i know its not totally the same but looks very similar?

sorry just had a closer look and nothing like it. however form a distance on a foggy day..... :)

Ha. It looks very similar.
I fear this development will be mocked for being a lump of rust.

But other buildings use this and it looks good, and remember that landmarks like the Angel of the North were mocked at first, and right through the designing of it, but its now a well-loved symbol of pride for the NE. It might be a grower for those who dont like it; I like it personally anyway.

Had a look at this today, there is diffenately a core, it is two linked but slim cores and is about two floors out of the ground now. here are also a line of rebar columns along the front row of the building looking ready to be cast some time soon.

Here's another two pics of the site, which was busy again today!!! there are seemingly foundation sites for two more cores on the other side of the site to the other one!!! I think you can just about see them on the photo, but the quality's not good, so maybe not!!

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/larsseelig69/ConstructionPics9-11-07117.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k6/larsseelig69/ConstructionPics9-11-07116.jpg

theres now a second crane on the site about half as tall as the other one. They soon put that up as it wasnt there yesterday evening when i went past.

Thought it wouldn't be too long before number 2 was up. Maybe a third?

yeah wouldnt surprise me if we saw a third crane appear within the next few weeks

There was a mobile crane about on Tuesday night, so they must have popped this smaller crane up quickly on Wednesday afternoon, they must have taken a leaf out of Shepher'd construction bible, ha!

There is a second crane now on site. It's a fairly standing looking crane and about 10 storeys tall.
It's a saddle jibbed crane I think the same style as the one at the Plaza but obviously alot shorter.

Today, looking soggy but showing progress.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008034.jpg?t=1200863636




http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008035.jpg?t=1200863702



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008036.jpg?t=1200863736



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008037.jpg?t=1200863768



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008040.jpg?t=1200863798



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008041.jpg?t=1200863856

:cheers: Aviator for photo update.

Today, looking soggy but showing progress.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008034.jpg?t=1200863636




http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008035.jpg?t=1200863702



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008036.jpg?t=1200863736



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008037.jpg?t=1200863768



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008040.jpg?t=1200863798



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/20%20Jan%202008/20Jan2008041.jpg?t=1200863856

Compared to The Plaza and Opel Tower, this core seems to be taking for ages to go up. Any reason?

A third crane has gone up here.

The core on the corner of the site has slowly been rising with the floors closely behind aswell.

Taken Today

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/P2110036.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/P2110037.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/P2110038.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/P2110039.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/P2110040.jpg

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/P2110041.jpg

:cheers1: for update stefan88

Hard to picture this ones layout, but buildings starting to take shape as it wraps round the old Woodlane building doesen't it.

It would have bee nice if they of built it in a similar manor to the Plaza and Opal to give us an idea of how big it'll be.
The site must still be saturated aswell because there's always a street cleaning lorry cleaning the pavement and road outside the entrance.

From Woodhouse MSCP, Sat:

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5355/img1898xx9.jpg

Anyone know what is to become of the unused bridge as part of this development?

good to see its on the rise, a nifty addition..

that view really confused me then though, lol.. its a while since i was walkin up n down woodhouse lane and for a minute i didnt know which way I was looking at this development, but I do now.. so no worries

The other day



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008016.jpg?t=1204795981



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008020.jpg?t=1204796010



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008021.jpg?t=1204796038



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008023.jpg?t=1204796072



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008025.jpg?t=1204796102



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008028.jpg?t=1204796132

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z158/AlexW01/LEE_A061219a.jpg?t=1184850136

Hopefully this will be a bit bigger !

so have got the first angle part of the tower forming?

I guess the picture may be deceptive, but surely this is the most exciting piece of contemporary architecture under construction in Leeds right now?

Let's just hope the build quality does it justice.

I guess the picture may be deceptive, but surely this is the most exciting piece of contemporary architecture under construction in Leeds right now?

Let's just hope the build quality does it justice.

Agreed it should be something really interesting and would surely help draw the city centre over the Inner Ring Road and it shows you can create genuine quality student residential developments. So does anyone know what sort of cladding will be used and has anyone seen a sample of how it may look in real life?

You can see the shape of the faceted surface appearing in the structure, on Aviators last picture, the upper two floors are canting out at an angle, as per the final artists impression image.

There seems to be a hefty looking beam above the slab along the edge, to maintain its rigidity over the overhang.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008028.jpg?t=1204796132

Let's just hope the build quality does it justice.

I've a hunch the renders make the cor-ten cladding much more appealing to the eye than it really is. It could look a bit rusty.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1207/1463615692_a586c29426.jpg?v=0

Yeah but I think the angular arrangement of the building will help break this up, and the glass and finer detailing will add to this, and I think give it a unique look.

Cor-ten is pre rusted steel, is it not ?

Its pre pattinated, like green copper or anodised aluminium, as its treated to Oxidize it at a controlled rate, by the addition of variouse elements to create a slightly different alloy from normal steel, but not create a Stainless steel grade as the large amounts of Nickle and Chromium in SS make it expensive.

It been used on the front of the new Home Office buildings in Sheffield, and was first used for bridges to save painting costs in sum situations.

It been used on the front of the new Home Office buildings in Sheffield, and was first used for bridges to save painting costs in sum situations.

Sorry about the size.

http://www.neepsendarchitectural.co.uk/images/projects/homeoffice4.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/5%20March%202008/5March2008028.jpg?t=1204796132

I love ths view, particularly the way it will loom over the road swooping down below it.

With regards to the corten, I'll imagine it will look darker than the renders make it appear. A bit of artistic licence there methinks.

Still think it will look excellent, especially as it's student accom.

Having seen the pic above am not sure how this will turn out. The renders look fine but that pic - patchy rusty orange!! :|

Have a look at this:-

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3103388


So what do we all think?

I just love the shape of it - compared to the uniformity and blocky dullness of Opal, it just goes to show that you can get an architecturally stunning design for student accommodation which is no doubt on a tight budget.

Look like defensive positions for world war 3 ther Tigerman

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/468xAny/k/w/v/Cremorne_1_IM_ready.jpg

From BD online article refereed to by tigerman above.

Taking the concept of recycling to extreme, they should have just dumped an old Barge on the side, and cut windows in it. :ohno:
Not one of Wigglesworths best designs.

new information boards on the side of the development... didn't realise the baptist church was going back into the new building, though I suppose that makes sense.

Looking at the new renders, the shape has changed. There is a block to the north of the tallest block.

http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg2.pdf

It hasnt changed. The coloured view from above is the one under construction. The other sketches are just design development

http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg2.pdf

Good find, interesting to see the make-up of the place. I wonder what bars are going into it, could increase the length of the Otley Run by even more!

Good find, interesting to see the make-up of the place. I wonder what bars are going into it, could increase the length of the Otley Run by even more!

If you like that one, try the other pages:

http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg1.pdf
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg3.pdf
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg4.pdf
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg5.pdf
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg6.pdf
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg7.pdf
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/as/ald/documents/Fielden_Clegg8.pdf

^^

That document is a great find - full of useful info.

This has to be the most interesting project u/c in Leeds right now. The shape of the buildings, their relationship with the existing buildings and the finish are all intriuging.

Page6 of that doc shows some examples of the weathered steel finish on some existing buildings - some look OK but some look just like the rusty steel boxes shown above by Wigglesworth and are just horrendus. Suppose we will just have to hope for the best.