I thought they might go for Blue next?...
I would have thought they'd want to let Red before commencing the next block...

lovely photos aviator. Needs a bit of green on the canalfront, but starting to look good. presume the blue crane bit is a leftover from Monksbridge Works?

It was reported earlier in the year that Blue was the intended second phase of this development (see #388), though obviously they're entitled to change their minds. It's all rather academic though as, Trinity aside, I can't see anything significant with private-sector funding starting construction in Leeds for some time yet. Developers will get planning permissions and put them in the deep freeze until financial conditions improve.

walked past this today. unfortunately my cameraphone is abysmall so there was no point taking any pics. its looking great though.

Just a couple of shots of the pocket park site. Those of you who are familiar with lateral will recall that this area was full of HBG's portacabins until recently. It's difficult to see how far the park will extend beyond the railway viaduct but, as you can see most clearly in the second picture, there's some clearance taking place at the moment.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/January%202009/January2009001.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/January%202009/January2009002.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4633/lat1nl1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I noticed there is now a spray-painted car park opposite Latitude; parking spaces not equal at all, let alone straight.

I noticed there is now a spray-painted car park opposite Latitude; parking spaces not equal at all, let alone straight.

Is that the old Green Bank site? I thought that it was mentioned on here it has reverted into a surface car park.

As for the picture posted by Evenflow, is there any prospect of the 2nd phase to City Island ever being occupied as it does seem rather ridiculous that it is still completly devoid of tenants (unless somehow people have started moving in and the power's permanently out perhaps)? :ohno:

Just a couple of shots of the pocket park site. Those of you who are familiar with lateral will recall that this area was full of HBG's portacabins until recently. It's difficult to see how far the park will extend beyond the railway viaduct but, as you can see most clearly in the second picture, there's some clearance taking place at the moment.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/January%202009/January2009001.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/January%202009/January2009002.jpg

I thought this little area was going to be turned into a park/green space of some kind???

They're working on it!

I thought this little area was going to be turned into a park/green space of some kind???

I refer you to post #506.

This week's update on progress on the tiny park that's being created between the river and the canal.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/February%202009/February2009007.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/February%202009/February2009008.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/February%202009/February2009011.jpg


The last photo also shows the area at Wellington Place that is destined to become the Beach. The two spaces together should provide a nice green "lung" in an intensively developed area, if of course the credit crunch permits anything more ever to be built here.

Me again!

There's not much new to see from Whitehall Road but there's been some movement at the back of the pocket park site. It looks as though you will be able to enter the park from the main road, walk through it, continue under the old railway viaduct, and then follow a newly-created path which brings you out on the canal towpath.

If you look carefull in the second photo in the post above, you can see where the wall has been breached and some of the accumulated crap cleared away. Below is how the new path looked from the towpath yesterday; it may not look much now but you've got to imagine it in a couple of years when it's been planted up and the plants have had time to bed down and spread a bit.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/February%202009/February2009011-1.jpg



Looking back towards Monk Bridge with the start of the park behind the steel hoardings.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/February%202009/February2009012-1.jpg

thanks for the updates aviator - in the absence of actual buildings going up, the landscaping is certainly worth recording if only for the improvement to the public realm on a site which has historically been fairly derelict and unloved.

The site of the pocket park is pretty quiet at the moment but you can see that the clearance has been done and almost everthing is in place for the planting to begin. The path will lead you from Whitehall Road, under the railway arches then down onto the canal towpath. I think the cardboard boxes are covering some kind of lighting columns.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/March%202009/March2009065.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/March%202009/March2009066.jpg

Is Latitude Red still unoccupied...?

Yes it is.

Yes it is.

Thats bad.

BAM cannot proceed with Blue until at least 60% of red is occupied and this climate it is difficult to see that happening in the near future. The building looks really isolated alone and I feel it needs the second 'pavilion' on the canal to help with the massing of the site.

As for Pocket Park, they were waiting for the correct planting time of year before progressing with the site.

Fair enough about the park though really.

Well what can we expect though; at least the office space is there this time ready for when the economy does start to improve. The problem with Latitude is that it is on the periphery of the financial district at the moment. I don't think it will become an attractive site until Wellington Place is mostly developed.

The pocket park yesterday:


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/April%202009/April2009008.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/April%202009/April2009010.jpg



and how it looked a few weeks ago:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/January%202009/January2009001.jpg



There's also been a bit of work tidying up the riverbank, along with some tree planting. It should look good in a few years time and the rather utilitarian fence won't be so prominent.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/April%202009/April2009011.jpg

Thanks for pics. Does this then link to the City Island development at the other end?...

Just a couple of shots of the pocket park site.

I love the term pocket park! It just sounds so twee, more pocket parkets please! :cheers:

Pocket Parks could be installed in so many locations too- places where there are odd bits of unused land. There are endless places like this around Leeds Met and that part of Woodhouse Lane, as well as places like the paving inbetween the bus stops underneath the mural at the Corn Exchange.

The pocket park's looking quite nice now though it's not yet open. There seems to be some planting to be completed at the far end where it slopes down to the canalside, and the new turf needs to bed in before people walk on it.


http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/April%202009/April2009010-1.jpg



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/April%202009/April2009012.jpg

Hopefully it will not be overun by chavs and mcdonals wrappers in later weeks.

Hopefully it will not be overun by chavs and mcdonals wrappers in later weeks.


i doubt it very much, only the locals are likely to use this as you dont get many travelling down round that part of Leeds.

Thanks for pics. Does this then link to the City Island development at the other end?...

Anyone?

I have wondered the same thing.

Anyone?

No, the river lies between the two. There was meant to be a bridge from City Island over said river but it didn't happen.

Surely not? http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=leeds&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.071054,28.125&ie=UTF8&ll=53.794434,-1.559683&spn=0.002548,0.006866&t=h&z=17

Surely not? http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=leeds&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=11.071054,28.125&ie=UTF8&ll=53.794434,-1.559683&spn=0.002548,0.006866&t=h&z=17


Surely yes, the bridge was meant to cross the River Aire behind the Yorkshire Post complex to connect City Island towards the city centre.

The park and City Island are on the same island, in fact they back onto each other as the pics showed. So why would a river crossing be necessary to link the two?:dunno: Might have time to go and investigate tomorrow.

The park and City Island are on the same island, in fact they back onto each other as the pics showed. So why would a river crossing be necessary to link the two?:dunno: Might have time to go and investigate tomorrow.


Don't bother, unless of course you want to go and enjoy the sunshine :banana:

You and Leedslad are quite right, of course, and I'm an idiot. City Island and the pocket park are indeed connected ( though I am right about the bridge between City Island over the river). I have a feeling, though, that there's a fence between the pocket park and City Island, though I'd be happy for someone to prove me wrong since ther's no earthly reason to block access from the one to the other.

Once again, apologies for my nitwittedness. Put it down to age :bash:

Seems an obvious thing to do, and would give a good pedestrian link via Whitehall Road and the Whitehall pedestrian bridge also. By no means does that mean a bridge shouldn't be built at City Island, but it would part-satisfy the need for one.

I have a feeling, though, that there's a fence between the pocket park and City Island, though I'd be happy for someone to prove me wrong since ther's no earthly reason to block access from the one to the other.



Yes there is - there will be a gate between the two, accessible by City Island residents only unfortunately.

I had the good fortune to go on a tour of the development last week. A fantastic quality design internally - so much care has been taken on the materials and on pretty much every aspect of sustainability and convenience - whoever occupies it eventually won't be disappointed.

An extract from a piece in Property Week (the whole article is here (http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3147143&c=1)):


....Also in Leeds, Leeds City Council is going ahead with the potential consolidation of all its offices under one roof, by looking for up to 220,000 sq ft of offices.

It appointed DTZ in June 2008 to advise on its property plan, the ‘city centre accommodation strategy’.

The council was originally looking at regeneration sites but its tight timeframe means it is now considering buildings that it would like to buy. It requires 110,000 sq ft initially with space to expand into a further 110,000 sq ft.

It is likely to look at large buildings in the city centre, such as IVG and BAM Properties’ Latitude; Deltalord’s the Mint; Highcross’s Broad Gate; and Kenmore’s City House above Leeds railway station.

A council spokesman said: ‘We are reviewing our current city centre office space to ensure we are getting the best value for money while improving facilities and access.

‘No decision has been made at this stage but we continue to review opportunities in the market, which will help inform our final decision.’

My reading of the article indicates that they need to have a building that's ready to move into so that rules out City House. And if they want the second building to be close to the first, then Broad Gate is out of the running. Lateral Red is the right size for the first phase of the city council's requirements and further phases of the development would accommodate their further needs.

^^
Also isnt The Mint only around 120,000 sq ft so it would be OK for the initial phase but not for further expansion. Could be good news for the whole latitude scheme.

Definitely- seems ideal to have it all based in one development at Latitude. I believe the next phase of Latitude is almost identical to Latitude Red in terms of size too?

So if they're moving, what will happen to the Civic Hall?

I think the move would be to consolidate the various admin functions at places like Merrion House, Belgrave House, Leonardo etc, Adams Court. The Civic Hall would still probably have a role I reckon, just like the Town Hall does now.

So does this mean Merrion House will go.

I will see this building destroyed in my lifetime!... then they give it a re-clad with grey panels. :gaah:

^^
Also isnt The Mint only around 120,000 sq ft so it would be OK for the initial phase but not for further expansion. Could be good news for the whole latitude scheme.

But there are large surface car parks adjacent to the Mint development which could quite easily be developed in a second phase for a possible LCC office development? http://www.google.co.uk/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=53.789903,-1.550102&spn=0,359.84602&t=h&z=13&layer=c&cbll=53.789926,-1.549557&panoid=7-323PqqghQZq8228cHrZQ&cbp=12,162.18,,0,-3.73

So does this mean Merrion House will go.

I will see this building destroyed in my lifetime!... then they give it a re-clad with grey panels. :gaah:

Whilst I agree the present Merrion House is certainly a blot on the landscape I would personally rather if it was recladded personally perhaps in glass similar to what is planned for City House considering it does add a bit of bulk to the top end of town.

Could a possibility be to see a comprehensive redevelopment for Merrion House and the adjacent Morrisons supermarket into something much higher density (considering the Morrisons building is only 2 storeys tall).

So is there any indication of when any move of Leeds City Council offices will take place and presumably the existing offices will be sold off to the private sector for redevelopment or conversion? Still it would be a very nice way of filling up one of the developments in Leeds as well as encouraging further development.

The Mint could be used, but Latitude is better located I think, plus it has planned further phases so expansion would be quicker with the plans already in place.

The Mint could be used, but Latitude is better located I think, plus it has planned further phases so expansion would be quicker with the plans already in place.

In addition, BAM actually own the land around Lateral Red. The land around the Mint is owned by a number of different developers. However, at least one of those sites has plans for office accommodation.

An extract from a piece in Property Week (the whole article is here (http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3147143&c=1)):



My reading of the article indicates that they need to have a building that's ready to move into so that rules out City House. And if they want the second building to be close to the first, then Broad Gate is out of the running. Lateral Red is the right size for the first phase of the city council's requirements and further phases of the development would accommodate their further needs.

BAM were looking at tweeking the masterplan to try and accomodate the city within the site (along with a college).

surely, to spur on development, it would have been better to liase with perhaps whitehall waterfront developers, or wellington place developers, or 1 city house (next to the station and lumiere on city square) who are all waiting for a pre-let before starting any construction. This would have provided a much greater benefit to the city in kickstarting these projects.

surely, to spur on development, it would have been better to liase with perhaps whitehall waterfront developers, or wellington place developers, or 1 city house (next to the station and lumiere on city square) who are all waiting for a pre-let before starting any construction. This would have provided a much greater benefit to the city in kickstarting these projects.

Not really.

From the article in Property Week, it sounds as though the city council needs its new space fairly quickly. Even when the planning permission is in place, as is the case with two of the Wellihgton Place blocks, it would still be a couple of years before there was any office space to move into. In the meantime, you have new office space ready and waiting.

aye true. the impatient buggers. :nuts: I just feel it is a missed oppurtunity. and Leeds City Council HQ at errrm Latitude.. it's a bit meh - it's pretty much an out of town retail park in design and location, with no sense of occasion befitting of a HQ - especially that of LCS who one may expect to have a more central landmark type location and building :dunno:

aye true. the impatient buggers. :nuts: I just feel it is a missed oppurtunity. and Leeds City Council HQ at errrm Latitude.. it's a bit meh - it's pretty much an out of town retail park in design and location, with no sense of occasion befitting of a HQ - especially that of LCS who one may expect to have a more central landmark type location and building :dunno:

I'm not sure I follow you there, old man. You may not be keen on the architecture of the first block at Lateral but you cannot, for one moment, say it looks like a retail park. It looks like what it is, an office block.

As for being out of town, I think you need to look at a map. Lateral is on the edge of the city centre but so what? It's in the middle of a huge regeneration area with Whitehall Riverside, Wellington Place and Holbeck Urban Village as near neighbours. Leeds City Council is very unlikely to have been able to find over 200,000 sq ft of office space within the traditional city centre. Therefore they have to look further afield and Lateral is as good a place to look as anywhere.

I think it's better to leave more prestiguous buildings in better locations (ie the most central developments) to companies so that the public sector isn't taking up the most prime space in the city.

I'm not sure I follow you there, old man. You may not be keen on the architecture of the first block at Lateral but you cannot, for one moment, say it looks like a retail park. It looks like what it is, an office block.

As for being out of town, I think you need to look at a map. Lateral is on the edge of the city centre but so what? It's in the middle of a huge regeneration area with Whitehall Riverside, Wellington Place and Holbeck Urban Village as near neighbours. Leeds City Council is very unlikely to have been able to find over 200,000 sq ft of office space within the traditional city centre. Therefore they have to look further afield and Lateral is as good a place to look as anywhere.

I agree...but I know what Wiggleyleeds is getting at. I think Red needs some context...certainly Blue would help finish the canal edge and give some context...in this climate that may still be some time off.

I think it's clear that Latitude Red is part of the larger Latitude scheme that is meant to create an office district rather than a landmark building. Probably when that district is more complete it will have more 'context'.

From the recently published Leeds City Living 2010 research:


Monk Bridge: Whilst Crosby Lend Lease is still committed to city centre apartments, the company has no intention of developing Monk Bridge in the foreseeable future.
Martina Collins, Sales and Marketing Director,
Crosby Lend Lease

While this is rather disappointing, it's hardly unexpected. The report's authors comment that a number of the sites under development were not suitable for residential use in the first place and I think this one falls under that heading. In fact it's hard to see any residential developer being interested in this site until more of the office accommodation facing Whitehall Road is completed and Wellington Place starts to come on stream.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3159928

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=39&storycode=3159928

Unfortunately, prospects for the “financial centre” of the north look little better in 2010.

I didn't much like the tone of that article. Southerners love to write off Yorkshire.

I didn't much like the tone of that article. Southerners love to write off Yorkshire.

You are being generous in your assessment of the article which I thought was a pile of badly-thought out wank. The thrust of the piece seemed to be "the Leeds office market has suffered a significant slowdown in take-up during the worst recession we've been through in living memory." Well, no shit Sherlock, I hadn't realised that fact!

I shouldn't have expected anything better through from a property journalist who thinks that having Sainsbury's as a near neighbour to an office block is a bit of a no-no. Try telling that to the crowds of office workers who'll flock there to stock up at lunchtimes.

It is a shit articles that ridicules the low office market emphasizing how bad it is. However is forced to put the fact in that its 10% lower than the 10 year average. Err.. how is that bad then.. given the recession? I'm sure london's office market is 10% lower than the 10 year average.. .proabably more lower.. but I bed they wouldnt write in the same tone for London :dunno:

Its encouraging to see that NHS Leeds may be looking for new space too. My bet will be LCC go for lattitude simply because as their requierments expand, they will be able to build the 2nd building of lattitude right next door. With the other 2, this wouldnt be possible.

I still think LCC are shortsighted in picking one of these 3 buildings. They should be getting wellington place or whitehall waterfront developments to speculatively build offices for them, thus kick starting these shchemes. It would be much more beneficial for the city. However im guessing it wont be as cheap rent. But if they are buying, it shouldnt make much difference.

You are being generous in your assessment of the article which I thought was a pile of badly-thought out wank. The thrust of the piece seemed to be "the Leeds office market has suffered a significant slowdown in take-up during the worst recession we've been through in living memory." Well, no shit Sherlock, I hadn't realised that fact!

I shouldn't have expected anything better through from a property journalist who thinks that having Sainsbury's as a near neighbour to an office block is a bit of a no-no. Try telling that to the crowds of office workers who'll flock there to stock up at lunchtimes.

Yeah i agree, fuck you sherlock ;) they compared the entire Yorkshire region unempoloyment rate with east midlands the other week. they said yorkshire had an higher unempoloyment rate wtf yorkshire is huge with a population of what 5 million? :nuts: and they compared it to somthing like east midlands :lol: is that the best the south can do. :ohno:

I still think LCC are shortsighted in picking one of these 3 buildings. They should be getting wellington place or whitehall waterfront developments to speculatively build offices for them, thus kick starting these shchemes. It would be much more beneficial for the city. However im guessing it wont be as cheap rent. But if they are buying, it shouldnt make much difference.

Email Carter...

Lets hope LCC go ahead with their plans - it will be a nice boost for the office market. I would rather they took Latitude or The Mint as I think its a shame that they are empty and Broagate will be easier to fill because of its location.

Agree totally - a more balanced report would have said how well placed Leeds is to accommodate new office take up when the recession recedes, having several prestigious vacant schemes available - but that would be too much to ask..............

It might be more attractive for a prospective tennant if there was an application in progress or consent granted for phase 2, reassuring them of further development.

I may be completely wrong about this, but I walk past this on a regular basis, and I have to ask, Has the pocket park ever actually opened? I've never seen anyone in it and it seems to be padlocked shut??!!

A reserved matters application has been submitted for the second block, interestingly not the one fronting Whitehall Road but instead the other block fronting the canal. The design is almost identical to the existing block.

I would very much like to see the second built soon. The completed block looks so out of place in the middle of a sea of brownfield land.

I know in one way it may not get built soon because no-one has moved into Latitude Red, but I also believe that its chances are thwarted by appearing to be out of the city centre. A critical mass of buildings would make the building and area far more investable.

I would very much like to see the second built soon. The completed block looks so out of place in the middle of a sea of brownfield land.

I know in one way it may not get built soon because no-one has moved into Latitude Red, but I also believe that its chances are thwarted by appearing to be out of the city centre. A critical mass of buildings would make the building and area far more investable.

Wouldn't it also require development of Whitehall Riverside and Wellington Place to occur to not have the Latitude development so cut off from the established city core which I can not see happening certainly to any great extent any time soon and thus will result in the potential difficulty in attracting occupiers to Latitude Red (wonder if cheaper rents could be explored).

Can't see any further development taking place at Latitude unless someone finally takes space in Latitude Red (more likely to fill it up first before starting on the next building) which is a shame conisdering it is such a nice looking building. Has anyone occupied the former Green Bank sales suite building yet and is Wellington Place Phase Two (pictured below and apologies for not being pedantic with threads) fully occupied yet which would surely increase the chances of some further work taking place on that plot?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2648838121_5a52accd6a_z.jpg

10/04135/RM/C
BAM Properties Ltd - Mr N Mort

Reserved Matters application for the erection of one 8 storey office building with basement car park and rooftop plantroom
Grid Ref:

Former Doncaster Works
Whitehall Road
Lower Wortley
Leeds
LS12 1BT

Allies And Morrison Architects
Ms Yasmeen Shami
85 Southwark Street
London
SE1 0HX
RW

City & Hunslet
07/10/10

Latitude Red is still empty? You're kidding - its been done for over a year at the very least. Lawks.

Latitude Red is still empty? You're kidding - its been done for over a year at the very least. Lawks.

Well to be fair the location it's in is bad plus half of the site it sits on is a giant mess!! hardly an attractive place for office space at the moment, the only time this will ever do well is when the whole scheme is done!!

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/80212-all-change-for-city-office-development.html?news_section=5
Relaunch for Latitude Red
21st October 2010

Rachel Covill
Business Correspondent

A YORKSHIRE office development has been given a new name and a new agent in a bit to attract tenants.

The Leeds office of property consultants Knight Frank has been appointed as the marketing agents for No.1 Leeds, a 122,000 sq ft office space formerly known as Latitude Red on Whitehall Road.

Knight Frank has replaced previous agents BNP Paribas Real Estate and Jones Lang LaSalle as sole agents on the building.

Knight Frank is now responsible for the letting of the property on behalf of owners IVG.

Matt Mason of IVG said: “We invest across the UK and have holdings in all main UK cities but this is our first purchase in Leeds. We own iconic buildings such The Gherkin and have developed throughout London and the UK.

“We have renamed the building No.1 Leeds, a bold claim, but one which we believe reflects the buildings advanced specification, superior build quality and prominent location fronting Whitehall Road.”

Guy Cooke of Knight Frank added: “We are delighted with this appointment. No.1 Leeds is one of the finest office buildings in the city centre, offering up to 122,000 sq ft in divisible floors of 15,500 sq ft, it is just nine minutes walk from Leeds train station.”

... “We have renamed the building No.1 Leeds,"...

I bet they wanted your name Leeds No.1, but saw it was taken so had to settle for second best :lol: Perhaps you could make them an offer.:colgate:

Would it see other buildings eventually developed as part of the Latitude / Leeds development known as No2 Leeds, No3 Leeds etc. ;)

I guess the main thing though is surely to review the rents of this building considering it has been empty ever since it was completed around 18 months back. How do rents of No1 Leeds compare with offices right in the heart of the city and offices out towards Holbeck which this development as nice as it appears would surely have to compete with if it is going to have any chance of being occupied particularly in a time of austerity and a decline in office take up.

Would it see other buildings eventually developed as part of the Latitude / Leeds development known as No2 Leeds, No3 Leeds etc. ;)

I guess the main thing though is surely to review the rents of this building considering it has been empty ever since it was completed around 18 months back. How do rents of No1 Leeds compare with offices right in the heart of the city and offices out towards Holbeck which this development as nice as it appears would surely have to compete with if it is going to have any chance of being occupied particularly in a time of austerity and a decline in office take up.

The headline rent is £24 per sq ft, which is the same as Broad Gate. The Mint is £23 psf. Developers hate lowering headline rents as this reduces the capital value of the property, but I imagine there are big incentives for prospective occupiers in terms of rent-free periods.

The headline rent is £24 per sq ft, which is the same as Broad Gate. The Mint is £23 psf. Developers hate lowering headline rents as this reduces the capital value of the property, but I imagine there are big incentives for prospective occupiers in terms of rent-free periods.

I would have thought it is odd personally that you would have to pay the same rent right on the fringes of the city in the case of Latitude as opposed to something much more central such as the Lewis's building (Broadgate) unless as you say there are really good incentives such as rent free periods.

I would have thought it is odd personally that you would have to pay the same rent right on the fringes of the city in the case of Latitude as opposed to something much more central such as the Lewis's building (Broadgate) unless as you say there are really good incentives such as rent free periods.

Both Broadgate and Latitude are gambles as they're both outside of the 'core', which is the most desirable place to have an office. The problem is that nowhere in the traditional core can you get there large grade A floorplates that prospective large occupiers might want.

I've viewed Latitude internally - the quality of finish and attention to detail is very impressive, though the location is a bit untested. Don't forget though that the same could once have been said of Whitehall waterfront or anything south of the river. Someone has to take the gamble.

Without wanting to sound rude, Latitude is only a five minute walk from the train station.

Without wanting to sound rude, Latitude is only a five minute walk from the train station.

It's 10 and surrounded by wasteland, a council estate visible in the distance...

Well what about One Park Lane, right next to a council estate and further from City Square than Latitude?

It's 10 and surrounded by wasteland, a council estate visible in the distance...

You must be a slow walker because I've done it in 5 minutes. :lol:

You must be a slow walker because I've done it in 5 minutes. :lol:

Its about 10 minutes. I live very close to the building.

Its not all wasteland either, once Wellington place is completed and Whitehall Waterfront either gets some of the proposed buildings or the temporary car parks turned into permanent parking it will improve the area greatly.

Its about 10 minutes. I live very close to the building.

Its not all wasteland either, once Wellington place is completed and Whitehall Waterfront either gets some of the proposed buildings or the temporary car parks turned into permanent parking it will improve the area greatly.

But the crux of the matter is that Latitude / No 1 is certainly relatively cut off from the rest of the city centre until development at Wellington Place and / or Whitehall Riverside finally takes place (which would certainly be some time off). Certainly the owners of Latitude should lower the rents imo.

As for One Park Lane surely that has the advantage of relatively close access to the likes of the courts, Leeds College and other offices such as Josephs Well and the Westgate Police station which would surely make it more attractive for potential tenants although I remembered that it took some time for that to be occupied after it was developed around 1999ish following a number of years of the land being used for parking / wasteland for around a decade which replaced the GPO's / BT's Telephone House which wasn't that different size wise to the present One Park Lane building and which makes me wonder why that building wasn't refurbished as opposed to demolished.

Then (don't ask why the pictures have been lost from Leodis but with the links in place hopefully the pics should be available whenever Leodis brings back the pictures):

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/95/2008312_166395.jpg

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/32/9532.jpg

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/76/2008430_166676.jpg

Now:

http://www.cityoffices.net/site/images/projectimages/leeds/IMGP0257.JPG

Beautiful Building

According to one source, The next phase of Lattitude is to commence sooner rather than later.

http://www.constructionenquirer.com/wp-content/uploads/ImageHandler_300_184.aspx_-190x130.jpg

'theconstructionindex.co.uk reports today that Latitude Blue has acheived planning permission, with a start as soon as they have an occupier signed up.

But, construction enquirer.com goes one step further and reports today that an occupier has been agreed and work is due to start soon, quoting Michael Smart, BAM property development director - "Construction can commence almost immediately following agreement with a prospective occupier. This flexibility is possible because the design work is being done by BAM Design and the 18-month build will be undertaken by BAM Construction.”

Following on from the discussion on the Leeds buildings thread about the next phase of Latitude, I had a look at the planning application submitted last autumn. The key difference between the existing block and the new one is that Latitude Blue will be 20,000 sq ft bigger.

Well it would certainly be good news if an occupier has been agreed for Latitude Blue (I take it this is an actual occupier and not just some investor they are selling it onto) although it is of course a bit of a shame that Latitude Red / No1 Leeds is still empty (I take it no one has been found to occupy that yet) and of course Latitude is still rather cut off from the rest of the city centre until Whitehall Riverside and Wellington Place are finally completed goodness knows how far into the future.

As for occupiers could this be Leeds City Council or has that plan to find a new office to move all council functions into been all but axed now as a result of spending cuts? I guess it could perhaps be a business with an already extensive Leeds presence looking for a new home either consolidating from a number of different offices or taking advantage of an end of lease at their existing premises?

Is Blue facing on to the canal or the road?

I think there's a chance that there's a confusion with the wording here:

"Construction can commence almost immediately following agreement with a prospective occupier"

Depends if he is referring to a specific prospective occupier, or any perspective occupier?

probably deliberately ambiguous.

Having seen plenty of these buildings marketed, I'm pretty sure it is referring to what would happen in the event of an occupier being signed up.

Sorry, yes it is ambiguous and I think I misinterpreted it previously; I expect it is referring to if an occupier is signed up. The news item was just that it had received planning permission, which isn't big news really.

Sorry, yes it is ambiguous and I think I misinterpreted it previously; I expect it is referring to if an occupier is signed up. The news item was just that it had received planning permission, which isn't big news really.

the article posted claims that an occupier has been agreed and work should start shortly. Either they're being cagey as the occupier hasn't actually signed on the dotted line or they have misinterpreted. Who knows.

the article posted claims that an occupier has been agreed and work should start shortly. Either they're being cagey as the occupier hasn't actually signed on the dotted line or they have misinterpreted. Who knows.

I've seen this sort of wording on office/industrial schemes before - pretty certain it's just describing what WOULD happen if a pre-let was agreed.

If an occupier was signed up, they would either keep it secret until it was all formal, or announce it with a big fanfare (even if it was an anonymous occupier).

the article posted claims that an occupier has been agreed and work should start shortly. Either they're being cagey as the occupier hasn't actually signed on the dotted line or they have misinterpreted. Who knows.

Perhaps I was right first time :nuts:

Who knows, we'll wait and see. :dunno: :)

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/business-news/business-headlines/work_ready_to_start_on_offices_1_3087919

Following an agreement with a prospective occupier? So that agreement might take ages for all we know- is anyone lined up for it?

Following an agreement with a prospective occupier? So that agreement might take ages for all we know- is anyone lined up for it?

Quote from the article:

BAM Properties development director Michael Smart said: “Construction can commence almost immediately following agreement with a prospective occupier.”

Seems pretty clear that they can start almost immediately following agreement with a prospective occupier. Unless I've misinterpreted.:)

Yeah I get that, but that agreement could take place today or next year for all we know- and we don't know whether the prospective occupier is someone they've been in talks with or if they're just expecting the market to pick up. In other words, it's not really news. It's as much news as City Square House can start as soon as an occupier is found. It has been put out there to increase confidence, not as news.

It's as much news as City Square House can start as soon as an occupier is found. It has been put out there to increase confidence, not as news.

Correct - it's basically putting a positive slant on saying "we need someone to sign up to this before we'll build it".

Correct - it's basically putting a positive slant on saying "we need someone to sign up to this before we'll build it".

The words and phrasing have been chosen carefully to provide a specific message. By using the phrase 'following agreement' after the phrase 'can commence immediately' implies agreement has already been made and they will start soon. The word 'prospective' is also very suggestive of the deal already having been done, since 'prospective' is defined as 'likely or expected to happen'; an appropriate word if there was no definite occupier would be 'potential'. If they were were waiting for an agreement first they would use a phrase such as 'we will be able to start immediately after an agreement is made with a potential occupier'.

If they are not about to start immediately, then he has deliberately crafted his message to be misleading, which I would never expect of someone in the world of property.

If they are not about to start immediately, then he has deliberately crafted his message to be misleading, which I would never expect of someone in the world of property.

...

Heres what it looks like now

http://i55.tinypic.com/mmal4l.jpg


Pocket park still looks OK

http://i54.tinypic.com/350weat.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/nn5qi9.jpg

This is the site of the second building.

http://i54.tinypic.com/15s5zb5.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/nn5qi9.jpg

Looking backwards (from this view point) - what is the rest of the park like (after going under the viaduct). On google earth it looks quite barren.

Also does the path through the park lead to anywhere - looks like it should take you past City Island to the Inner Ring Road? I remember there were some issues around this though?

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=leeds&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Leeds,+United+Kingdom&ll=53.794206,-1.559313&spn=0.001413,0.003428&t=h&z=18

I take it the first phase of Latitude is still completely vacant. Anyway here is a slightly misleading YEP article which claims that the construction of Latitude Blue is imminent even though the language used by the developers is rather vague as opposed to conclusive. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/business-news/business-headlines/work_ready_to_start_on_offices_1_3087919

Does seem a bit odd to me that the second phase of this development could commence even though the first phase has been completed for over two years now but still lies empty (although that earlier phase is owned by a different company and has less floorspace compared with this second phase). Tigerman did that Pocket Park associated with this development just end at the railway viaduct or does it allow for access through to the City Island development (nice pics by the way although shame about the graffiti on the bridge on Whitehall Road)? Certainly is a nice looking development although a bit of a shame that it is so cut off from the rest of the city centre at present.

The park extends through to the other side of the viaduct and although I did not walk all the way up it looked just as green on the other side - and yes there is a gateway through to City Island and people were using it.

This is a shot in the other direction but you cant really see the other side of the viaduct.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2rf52jc.jpg

The park extends through to the other side of the viaduct and although I did not walk all the way up it looked just as green on the other side - and yes there is a gateway through to River Island and people were using it.

This is a shot in the other direction but you cant really see the other side of the viaduct.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2rf52jc.jpg


As ever, thanks for the pictures. I think this pocket park is a great example of the way that an unprepossessing bit of land can be put to good use. One day (soon, I hope) it will be very well used by grateful office workers on sunny days.

The words and phrasing have been chosen carefully to provide a specific message. By using the phrase 'following agreement' after the phrase 'can commence immediately' implies agreement has already been made and they will start soon. The word 'prospective' is also very suggestive of the deal already having been done, since 'prospective' is defined as 'likely or expected to happen'; an appropriate word if there was no definite occupier would be 'potential'. If they were were waiting for an agreement first they would use a phrase such as 'we will be able to start immediately after an agreement is made with a potential occupier'.

If they are not about to start immediately, then he has deliberately crafted his message to be misleading, which I would never expect of someone in the world of property.

I'm sorry but that is simply not correct. I do, however, admire your optimism and I'll eat my words if we see a pre-let announced in the next 6 months :)

this is almost as good as the 'warm review' debate, so i'll weigh in.

The key part of the statement is 'following agreement', as oppose to 'following an agreement'. The latter refers to a specific agreement which would suggest construction is about to commence. The former is ambiguous and is therefore referring to 'agreements' generally.

There i'm with Suburban Knight, nothing will be happening here any time soon. They'll build the second when they lease out the first.

I wonder if they have plans to do anything with the viaduct similar to what has been done in church walk. Would be a good to have amenities to cater for the office workers once a tenant is found for the 1st building and the second building has a tenant. Would work well in the long term if the viaduct links into wellington place as was planned and would also offer something to the residents of the beauty that is city island!

I wonder if they have plans to do anything with the viaduct similar to what has been done in church walk. Would be a good to have amenities to cater for the office workers once a tenant is found for the 1st building and the second building has a tenant. Would work well in the long term if the viaduct links into wellington place as was planned and would also offer something to the residents of the beauty that is city island!

aren't there plans around to put something on top of the viaduct? i'm sure it was mentioned several pages back on the Wellington Place thread. little kiosks and the like.

does the viaduct lead anywhere these days... or more importantly, what COULD it be connected to so that it has more of a purpose as a thoroughfare :)

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/171177-first-letting-at-no-1-leeds.html
First letting at No 1 Leeds

25th May 2011
By Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire

ONE of Yorkshire's most high profile office buildings - which has been marketed to prospective occupiers for more than two years - has agreed its first tenant, TheBusinessDesk.com can reveal.

i2 Office has taken a lease for 14,647 sq ft of space at No 1 Leeds.

The move further expands i2 Office’s network of business centres and represents the firm’s first presence in Yorkshire.

The company provides serviced offices, virtual offices, meeting rooms and disaster recovery services to companies across the UK and is planning to launch a cafe as well as commercial space within the building.

Philip Grace, chief executive of i2 Office, said: “Leeds represents an important step for i2 Office, expanding our network and increasing our UK geographic coverage.

“No 1 Leeds fits the i2 Office mould perfectly, offering prestigious premises in a prime city centre location. We are delighted to be working with IVG and are confident that this new centre will be popular with Leeds’ businesses.”

Elizabeth Ridler, partner with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who market No 1 Leeds, said: “i2 chose this special building above all others in Leeds because it contains so many desirable, hi-spec features in a bright working environment."

Richard Thornton, partner with King Sturge in Leeds, co-marketing agents with Knight Frank, said: “i2’s move is a fabulous endorsement of No 1 Leeds and will provide an invaluable resource with its cafe to future occupiers of the building."

The 122,000 sq ft No 1 Leeds, formerly Latitude Red, on Whitehall Road, was sold by its developer BAM Properties to IVG in 2007.

It has been empty since its completion, despite a rebrand and change of agent.

When completed, it was seen as perfect accomodation for large occupiers, including public sector organisations, but the recession led to relocations being abandoned as austerity measures took effect.

Knight Frank and King Sturge represented owners IVG while Jones Lang LaSalle advised i2 Office.

BAM recently secured planning permission for a 115,000 sq ft seven-storey office development near No 1 Leeds.

The building will be known as Latitude Blue but construction work won't start on site until an agreement with an occupier has been made.

Beat me to it Number 1! Good news that a couple of floors are becoming serviced office space - the Regus centres at Wellington Place and Princes Exchange are popular, and the presence of occupiers and a cafe should help increase the attractiveness of the other floorplates for a location that still feels a bit 'fringe'.

I'd noticed the partitions have been installed in the lower floors over the last few weeks and wondered what was going on there...

Presume this application in this month relates to the viaduct next to this site:
11/03758/LI/C Lend Lease Listed Building Application to carry
out alterations, repairs and
restoration to disused railway viaduct
to form new public realm and links to
adjoining proposed residential
development
Grid Ref: 429017433202
Land Between Railway
And Canal
Whitehall Road
Leeds
LS12
P J Planning
Heath House
125 Heath Lane
Stourbridge
West Midlands
DY8 1BB
RW City & Hunslet 05/09/11

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/220901-no-1-leeds-move-for-iod.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Yorkshire_16th_Sep_2011_-_Daily_E-mail
No 1 Leeds move for IoD

16th September 2011
By Ian Briggs - Editor, Yorkshire

THE Institute of Directors in Yorkshire is to move to a new headquarters as part of a strategy to refresh its approach and work more closely with its members.

The member-led business support organisation is to relocate to office building No 1 Leeds from 3 Albion Place.

Regional director Kenton Robbins, who recently took over the position from John Thompson, who has retired, said he wanted to create a business 'Hub' and give improved services to its members.

IoD members will be able to use the venue to conduct business and meetings.

Mr Robbins, owner of The Alternative Board (TAB) franchise based in Leeds, said: “It will offer our members improved services so that they can continue to do business. For those who have not yet taken advantage of the 'Hub' they can start to tap into more benefits of membership to boost their opportunities aided by the IoD.

"It's an impressive facility that we are keen to continually improve on. A city location with parking and accessabilty to the business centre is a real asset for the members and one that we can be really proud of.

"It signifies a positive change in the way the IoD supports and does business in the region. I'm keen to listen more to our members to help formulate a clearer voice and vision that give real benefit for the members, our joint vision with i2 office is to develop an IoD Hub giving first class lounge style business facilities that are unrivalled."

The IoD has signed a lease with serviced office provider i2 to move into the space, which offers a full catering service and conference suites.

There are plans to include a library that members can use. The move will take place at the beginning of October.

It is hoped the move to No 1 Leeds will encourage more tenants to move into the landmark building.

This is good news for the development. Does anybody know who moved into the first floor (I think)? There's a few desks set up and people moving around inside

i2 Office- see post #608.

I think with this building it was just a case of who was going to take the first step. Once someone has, others will follow.

Dated Sept 2011... Interesting... https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/files/4661BCFB6E516AB2B447B6E2D93F20A4/pdf/11_03758_LI-LOCATION_PLAN-485502.pdf

I believe the building to the far left is a small multi-storey car park... Wonder if they have to tart up the bridge to get the MSCP planning through, which would then serve the offices, since it looks like the road leads to Latitude...

Further docs: https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LR3E8FJB0FM00

An MSCP would be good here- would reduce the need for all those surface car parks. I remember there was talk of closing one (council led?) to much uproar.

Any idea as to how much space the IOD will occupy at Latitude? Still nice to see someone finally occupying some space in this attractive albiet almost completely empty building.

Shame the IOD letting is just within the i2 floor ,rather than a whole new letting.

This came up on the planning portal this week (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LR3F1KJB0FM00). It relates to LeedsLad's post (post #614). No docs yet but is an application for a midrise 29 block of flats. I'm guessing (or hoping) this is the block that links to the disused viaduct - as mentioned in the heritage assessment in the application above. If so, then very exciting....

edit. Please advise if this is the wrong thread

This came up on the planning portal this week (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LR3F1KJB0FM00). It relates to LeedsLad's post (post #614). No docs yet but is an application for a midrise 29 block of flats. I'm guessing (or hoping) this is the block that links to the disused viaduct - as mentioned in the heritage assessment in the application above. If so, then very exciting....

edit. Please advise if this is the wrong thread

Sounds very interesting. This is not the old Green Bank (Globe Road) proposal is it?

I think it is the Latitude site; which did have some nice looking tall towers proposed originally. The application is an RM, which I believe is reserved matters, so may be renewing and agreeing some of the details and finishing.

I hope this is good news (but won't believe it is until seeing further evidence as my faith has been shaken), but with all the publicity of the strong rental market and short supply of new city housing, surely it is only a matter of time before someone jumps on board and gets something started.

You do realise you can just look at the documents online don't you? Just click on 'documents' then 'view associated documents' to get a list of plans. It appears to be 88.5m tall and a fairly decent shape. Interestingly the first document is listed as an outline application for up to 33 stories:

"Outline application to layout access and erect multi level mixed use development for residential and office use up to 33 storeys high, with ancillary class A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,
D1 and D2 uses and associated car parking and landscaping areas"

I once saw a render for monkbridge forge a while back, but i can't seem to find it anymore :(

From the planning documents, this looks like it is one of four similarly shaped (from the ground floor plan) buildings. Could be quite a cluster is they are similar in height. I would imagine that would stagger the height away from the river (starting low by the river).
That/s my guess anyway.

Materials used:
01 Porcelain/ ceramic composite cladding panel colour: white
02 Double glazed ceramic backed Mimic Panel in curtain wall cladding
03 Silver satin anodised aluminium curtain walling
04 Doubled glazed top hung opening light
05 Double glazed fixed light
06 Double glazed framed door
07 Exposed insitu concrete column
08 Silver satin anodised perforated louvre glazed into curtain walling
10 Glazed balustrade with S/S handrail
11 PPC metal parapet flashing
13 Insulated aluminium standing seam roof

White, Grey, and Glass?

Looks good, with quite a nice mix of apartment sizes, and good landscaping tieing in with viaduct. From what I remember of seeing the original proposal images, the small group of towers and their layout did look striking and impressive. If (IF) the whole lot was to go ahead, this would be a massive addition to the Leeds urban landscape, and what would appear to be nice addition of quality if the cladding material is of appropriately good finish; this is mostly to be porceilein/ceramic composite panels in white.

Designed by Aedas, a prestigious architectural firm who's previous work in Leeds includes Bridgewater Place.

The applicant is Lend Lease, which looking back was Crosby Lend Lease, presumable linked with Bovis Lend Lease, which hopefully has suitable backing to obtain the required finance. With the current rental market and high competition in construction firms pushing costs down, hopefully this is a viable project now.

Do you not get the impression that this application was forced by conditions of the approval of the initial outline? They need to launch a full application within a certain time period lest the approval lapses. In other words, they are keeping the application alive without necessarily intending to actually build anything. I must admit being surprised to see an application for something so large at this time. Rental prices are not high right now - there are loads of apartments for under £500pm.

I don't agree about the quality. The form is good, but the building materials - more panel cladding - are disappointing. Looking through the documents, this application appears to be specific for building 3, which is the 3rd tallest of the four. Presumably the 4th tower would be 33 floors and approximately 100m tall

Do you not get the impression that this application was forced by conditions of the approval of the initial outline? They need to launch a full application within a certain time period lest the approval lapses. In other words, they are keeping the application alive without necessarily intending to actually build anything. I must admit being surprised to see an application for something so large at this time. Rental prices are not high right now - there are loads of apartments for under £500pm.

I don't agree about the quality. The form is good, but the building materials - more panel cladding - are disappointing. Looking through the documents, this application appears to be specific for building 3, which is the 3rd tallest of the four. Presumably the 4th tower would be 33 floors and approximately 100m tall


If it's a re-application then why haven't they handed in applications for all elements of the scheme?
Agree with you on the materials, You would think Aedas would only lend their name to quality builds, i hope they pull it off and haven't gone for it because they need the work.

No, it's not a re-application, but rather the next stage of the planning process. The first application in 2007 was a general vision of the site with information on heights, massing etc. The planning rules state that they must submit a full application within a certain time frame, followed by proper construction at a later date. If they didn't submit a detailed application then the outline approval would lapse. Although the first page does state 'outline' the plans are detailed and for a specific building, rather than the whole thing. It's difficult to tell, but here's a clue from the new application:

The original outline planning permission (OPP), reference
P/06/02880/OT, was granted 10th September 2007 subject to the
following time limit conditions:
Condition 2a.
• Application for approval of reserved matters for the first and
second residential phase to be made within three years of OPP.
To be begun either before the expiration of five years from OPP
or before the expiration of two years from approval of the last of
the reserved matters to be agreed for that phase, whichever is
the later.
Approval of reserved matters for Phase 1 was granted on the 25
June 2008. Commencement should therefore take place by 10th
September 2012 (five years from OPP).
• Application for approval of reserved matters for the third
residential phase (this application) to be made within two years
of the approval of reserved matters for the previous phase. To
be begun either before the expiration of seven years from OPP
or before the expiration of two years from approval of the last of
the reserved matters to be agreed for that phase, whichever is
the later.
The condition allows for a different timescale to be agreed in
writing with the Local Planning Authority. Such confirmation
was received from Leeds City Council dated 8th March 2011,
requiring reserved matters for this phase, to be submitted by the
10th September 2011.
Listed Building application to carry out works to the listed
railway viaduct to form new public realm and links to proposed
residential development was granted 5 September 2008
(reference P/07/06133/LI), requiring commencement within three
years of approval.
Work in accordance with that consent has not yet begun and a
new application has therefore

Dare we get excited??

I think not; like the re-application for City Square House this looks like a neccessary step to avoid losing the overall planning permission and thus seeing a dramatic drop in the value of their asset/piece of land.

Hopefully I'm wrong, but I think it suggests that if granted they have until 2014 to start on site?

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9137/18909038.png

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2893/79221867.png

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7923/96051719.png

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2798/33549698.png

Materials used

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/6602/54925803.png

Can't really understand why they would have chosen to construct one of the taller blocks in these tough times. You would have thought they would have started with the mid rise and then look at the highrise once the market improves. Still, if this does happen, would be great news

The plan states that building R1 and R2 (lower rise) are part of phase 1, and this building R3 is part of a phase 2.

Looking at the reasoning and timing, it looks like it is just to keep the application from expiring, so probably means little at the moment. Still, it could be seen as good that they are keeping the application live, if nothing else. I had previously thought the residential part of the Latitude development had been completely abandoned.

The third block of flats have been approved....

Reference 11/03759/RM
Address Land Between Railway And Canal Whitehall Road Leeds LS12
Proposal 29 storey block of 194 flats and use of 2 railway arches for commercial purposes
Status Application Approved
Appeal Status No data

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LR3F1KJB0FM00

EDIT
Also approved is creating a walkway onto the viaduct....

Reference 11/03758/LI
Address Land Between Railway And Canal Whitehall Road Leeds LS12
Proposal Listed Building Application to carry out alterations, repairs and restoration to disused railway viaduct to form new public realm and links to adjoining proposed residential development
Status Application Approved
Appeal Status No data

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage (https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage)

Good news, now we want to see how serious the developer is in taking this project forward. If they are, then Leeds will be well and truly back on the highrise map of top UK cities. We wait, hope and see.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9137/18909038.png

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2893/79221867.png

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7923/96051719.png

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2798/33549698.png

Materials used

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/6602/54925803.png


Wow!! Havn't heard about this project but looks AMAZING!!!!

Would make up for the 'Kissing Towers' project being mothballed!!! Really reminds me of those glittering skyscrapers in Dubai!!

Where is the application for the fourth and tallest (and therefore best) tower though?...

Certainly a nice big scale project for this end of the city although il only believe it when I see some extensive construction on site, which I personally believe would be rather a long time away considering it's fringe location and the fact the first phase of Latitude is still largely empty.

Certainly a nice big scale project for this end of the city although il only believe it when I see some extensive construction on site, which I personally believe would be rather a long time away considering it's fringe location and the fact the first phase of Latitude is still largely empty.

Latitude is a office block neighbouring brown field sites untill more developments and amenities happen latitude will remain to look unattractive from a tenants point of view, these towers if built will help latitude along the way to success and vice versa.

Latitude is a office block neighbouring brown field sites untill more developments and amenities happen latitude will remain to look unattractive from a tenants point of view, these towers if built will help latitude along the way to success and vice versa.

Really it's chicken and egg, though, isn't it old sport? Nobody is going to open up any amenities until they are convinced the trade is there to sustain them.

However, let's look on the bright side. When the office developments began to go up south of the station, there was diddly squat for the poor bloody office workers who had to trek into town for everything. And bear in mind that it's a ten-minute walk from Lateral just to the city station.

Just look at what is on offer down there now though, especially in terms of places to eat and drink. But it has taken some years to achieve. Latitude had the misfortune to be completed at the start of the recession and I believe that is the only reason it hasn't attracted tenants more quickly.

Really it's chicken and egg, though, isn't it old sport? Nobody is going to open up any amenities until they are convinced the trade is there to sustain them.

Like i said if developments happening in this location aminities will follow boosting the area and making it a more attractive location to live and work which will result in it being more successful and attracting tenants



However, let's look on the bright side. When the office developments began to go up south of the station, there was diddly squat for the poor bloody office workers who had to trek into town for everything. And bear in mind that it's a ten-minute walk from Lateral just to the city station.
Just look at what is on offer down there now though, especially in terms of places to eat and drink. But it has taken some years to achieve. Latitude had the misfortune to be completed at the start of the recession and I believe that is the only reason it hasn't attracted tenants more quickly.

I agree but i don't for one second think its just the reccession holding latitude back from being a success.

Is this the one that's already built (this is Latitude Blue)?


http://www.bamlatitudeleeds.co.uk/

http://www.bamlatitudeleeds.co.uk/images/latitude_riverside_offices_leeds.jpg

No - the one thats built is Latitude Red. Blue is the second building which is to be built between Red and the railway as you can see.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=72816093&postcount=599

Some welcome news for Latitude today:

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/new_chapter_for_gratterpalm_as_agency_moves_hq_into_city_1_4294240

New chapter for Gratterpalm as agency moves HQ into city
Published on Wednesday 29 February 2012 06:00


Advertising agency Gratterpalm is moving its headquarters for the first time in 20 years.


The Leeds-based firm, which is currently based in Kirkstall, is relocating to the city centre in the summer after securing a lease on the second floor of No.1 Leeds, Whitehall.

The company, which works with some of the biggest names in retail and employs 145 staff, said it had outgrown its current building.

It said the move to the new premises means it will have more space for its employees and there is also an option to take on additional space in the building.

It added that the new central location, which was closer to the motorway network and public transport links, would be more convenient for staff and clients.

Gordon Bethell, managing partner of Gratterpalm, said: “We have been looking for a centrally-located, easily-accessible building which could be occupied cost-effectively.

“We have been very impressed with the running costs of No.1 Leeds, which has undoubtedly justified the relocation. We have access to our new office from May 1, but as we don’t have to leave our current premises straight away, we can ensure there is minimal disruption to our colleagues and clients alike.”

Gareth Healey, managing partner at Gratterpalm, added: “We unveiled our new home at No.1 Leeds to our staff on January 30 and we couldn’t have hoped for a better response.

“This move is very significant to the company and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Gratterpalm’s history.

“The next 12 months and beyond promise to be momentous for the company and we’re looking forward to building a bigger and brighter future for our company, our colleagues and our clients.”

Established in 1978, Gratterpalm focuses on brands and retailers and counts Asda, DFS, Greggs and Morphy Richards among its clients.

Last year, Asda hired the company to target the student market by providing artwork to promote the company’s in-store Student Shop.

Gratterpalm was also behind a campaign to re-launch office supplies brand, Viking, which is the direct mail and e-commerce channel of Office Depot.

In addition, it won the brief to develop a social media campaign for the Butterkist brand. Manufacturer Tangerine Confectionery updated its TV commercial based around the strapline, ‘You can’t resist Butterkist’.

Good news for the City, but where in Kirkstall were they based? It'll obviously result in an empty building somewhere. Could be converted into apartments, especially if near to Kirkstall Forge.

Good news for the City, but where in Kirkstall were they based? It'll obviously result in an empty building somewhere. Could be converted into apartments, especially if near to Kirkstall Forge.

They're right next to the BHS just before the bridge.

Yeah the old offices could make a nice location for some waterside flats!