Bridge House 'Mayfair'

This £30m, 28 storey office and residential development will be constructed at the western end of Wellington Street, considered to be one of the major 'gateways' into the city. The current Bridge House is being demolished and this tower will have risen in its place by 2008.

Designed by architects Carey Jones this impressive building will feature about 260 designer high quality apartments, three office levels and a cafe/restaurant on the ground floor.

Data

No. of floors - 28
Height - 85m
Building type - Office & Residential
Year of construction - 2006
Architect - Carey Jones
Location - Wellington Street, Leeds City Centre

Old 25 storey rendering
http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Bridge_House.jpg

New 28 storey rendering
http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Mayfair.jpg

On the first rendering, which I always thought looked short, I count 22 storeys... The other looks more like it. There should be more tall buildings- when I say tall I mean 80/90m+ around this area. Although the term gateway is overused, this is a major gateway, and often the main road into the city centre from the west and the south west M621, and so it would give a grand entrance to the city centre. I can see this developing eventually though.

is it being demolished? I know Shepherd have got the contract for building it, but as far as I was aware both Bridge and Compton House are still in situ and shrouded by gurning Howard Brown and HBOS adverts. Bah, hope that isn't the case, but fear I would have heard about it already if work had started.

Yes I wasnt aware it was under demolition. Ill have a look...

is it being demolished? I know Shepherd have got the contract for building it, but as far as I was aware both Bridge and Compton House are still in situ and shrouded by gurning Howard Brown and HBOS adverts. Bah, hope that isn't the case, but fear I would have heard about it already if work had started.


Advertising was taken off Bridge House a couple of months ago, so expect some demolition work to start in the very near future.

Yeah I thought that after noticing it too. I either considered demolition was on its way or the scheme had been abandoned but I dobuted it as it seemed quiet a strong scheme. This area should become quite exciting- Im surpised there are few shops and cafés here as there do seem to be quite a few hotels around there.

Yeah I thought that after noticing it too. I either considered demolition was on its way or the scheme had been abandoned but I dobuted it as it seemed quiet a strong scheme.

Well they've got it designed, submitted, approved, and aquired the site, if they pulled out now they would throw away alot of time, energy, money and future profit!

Looks high quality. Can anyone tell me how close this is to the other biggies in the pipeline and already going up?

Hunters are marketing the apartments (it says 27 storey in their bumph) - 80% pre-sold. However, the fly in the ointment is that the developer's current project plan leaves them making a £3m loss...unless they can reduce costs to make a small profit, then this is unlikely to rise anytime soon.

I blame the extortionate cost of the contractors and subbies!

Hunters are marketing the apartments (it says 27 storey in their bumph) - 80% pre-sold. However, the fly in the ointment is that the developer's current project plan leaves them making a £3m loss...unless they can reduce costs to make a small profit, then this is unlikely to rise anytime soon.

I blame the extortionate cost of the contractors and subbies!

Oh dear. If this is true can we expect more of the proposed Leeds projects to be similarly affected ?

Hunters are marketing the apartments (it says 27 storey in their bumph) - 80% pre-sold. However, the fly in the ointment is that the developer's current project plan leaves them making a £3m loss...unless they can reduce costs to make a small profit, then this is unlikely to rise anytime soon.

I blame the extortionate cost of the contractors and subbies!

Where have you seen Hunters advertising Mayfair ? I haven't seen anything on the internet.

As for the pricing dificulties, let's hope they can make the figures add up soon (but £3m is only about £11500 each apartment).

Hunters are marketing the apartments (it says 27 storey in their bumph) - 80% pre-sold. However, the fly in the ointment is that the developer's current project plan leaves them making a £3m loss...unless they can reduce costs to make a small profit, then this is unlikely to rise anytime soon.

I blame the extortionate cost of the contractors and subbies!

Eeek. Any idea if this is going to be a steel framed building? The rising cost of steel might have had an effect if so.

Where have you seen Hunters advertising Mayfair ? I haven't seen anything on the internet.

As for the pricing dificulties, let's hope they can make the figures add up soon (but £3m is only about £11500 each apartment).

I saw Hunter's advertising as well, but can't quite remember where it was. Its a disaster if the project costs are going to hold this one up. I have no idea whether it is going to be steel framed or a concrete superstructure (like Manc Beetham and BWP), but really hope that City Office.net news....

Contractor appointed on Mayfair
A main contractor has been appointed to build Sterling Capitol’s Mayfair development on Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1. The 27-storey £36m mixed-used scheme is mainly residential but will provide 5,574 sq m (60,000 sq ft) of speculative office on the lower floors. Work is expected to begin by the end of 2005 and complete during 2008.

......is correct. Construction News also said that Shepherd had got it, thus answering the question left hanging in the statement above. Does still say not expected to begin till end of year...... so we may still be on track.

The Northern Ballet has gone to redesign to reduce costs and if this happens here I'll utter several loud expletives. Arse!

The 27-storey £36m mixed-used scheme is mainly residential but will provide 5,574 sq m (60,000 sq ft) of speculative office on the lower floors

If this space was fully leased at a rent of say, £20 per square foot which is hardly an exceptional rate, they could recoup £3 million within 3 years.

Where have you seen Hunters advertising Mayfair ? I haven't seen anything on the internet.

As for the pricing dificulties, let's hope they can make the figures add up soon (but £3m is only about £11500 each apartment).
I had cause to visit their offices on Park Place to do some work. They had lots of boards with large images of Mayfair looking very striking indeed.

If you come for a pint on Friday Rob, I'll tell you all about it!

Sorry boys and girls, I can't make it Friday because i'm working nights. So i'll have the pleasure of happy punters jetting off to the sun to contend with, deep joy!!

Have fun and have a pint for me anyway, cheers!!

I had cause to visit their offices on Park Place to do some work. They had lots of boards with large images of Mayfair looking very striking indeed.

If you come for a pint on Friday Rob, I'll tell you all about it!

That'd be good, what time are you meeting up and where ? Cross Keys in HUV ?

Anyway, Yorkshire Post Business paper included this in a report on 19 July 05 - exactly two weeks ago -

'And in the west of the city construction work is about to begin on Mayfair, a prestigious £50m office and residential development by property developers Sterling Capitol, which will transform one of the most famous gateways to the city centre.
Leeds based Sterling Capitol has been granted planning permission to demolish the old Bridge House on the junction of Wellington Street and Westgate at the western entrance to the city centre and replace it with an iconic 27 storey building.
Mayfair will feature 266 high quality designer one and two bedroom apartments and three state of the art penthouses, 36,000 sq ft of offices on three floors, a cafe/restaurant on the ground floor and basement car parking.
Martin Croxen, chief executive of Sterling Capitol commented: "Mayfair is a prestigious gateway site, which is an easy 10 minute walk into Leeds city centre. We are delighted to be able to provide much needed quality residential and office space so close to the centre of Leeds.
We have worked extremely closely with Leeds City Council planners to create a development of which the city can be justifiably proud. Located at one of Leeds's major gateways, our high quality and prominent development wil substantially enhance such an important strategic location for Leeds"

This recent write up leaves me fairly confident that things are still on track (unless something has gone suddenly wrong in the past two weeks, which I very much doubt). A shortfall in revenue would also explain the recent planning application for a few extra apartments, which I believe is still awaiting a decision, that would bring in some of the extra money needed (this happened with BWP, which probably helped balance their books and clear their shortfall).

I would also be 90% sure that this will be an all reinforced concrete construction, which is totally dominating the high rise market now.

That'd be good, what time are you meeting up and where ? Cross Keys in HUV ?

Anyway, Yorkshire Post Business paper included this in a report on 19 July 05 - exactly two weeks ago -

'And in the west of the city construction work is about to begin on Mayfair, a prestigious £50m office and residential development by property developers Sterling Capitol, which will transform one of the most famous gateways to the city centre.
Leeds based Sterling Capitol has been granted planning permission to demolish the old Bridge House on the junction of Wellington Street and Westgate at the western entrance to the city centre and replace it with an iconic 27 storey building.
Mayfair will feature 266 high quality designer one and two bedroom apartments and three state of the art penthouses, 36,000 sq ft of offices on three floors, a cafe/restaurant on the ground floor and basement car parking.
Martin Croxen, chief executive of Sterling Capitol commented: "Mayfair is a prestigious gateway site, which is an easy 10 minute walk into Leeds city centre. We are delighted to be able to provide much needed quality residential and office space so close to the centre of Leeds.
We have worked extremely closely with Leeds City Council planners to create a development of which the city can be justifiably proud. Located at one of Leeds's major gateways, our high quality and prominent development wil substantially enhance such an important strategic location for Leeds"

This recent write up leaves me fairly confident that things are still on track (unless something has gone suddenly wrong in the past two weeks, which I very much doubt). A shortfall in revenue would also explain the recent planning application for a few extra apartments, which I believe is still awaiting a decision, that would bring in some of the extra money needed (this happened with BWP, which probably helped balance their books and clear their shortfall).

I would also be 90% sure that this will be an all reinforced concrete construction, which is totally dominating the high rise market now.


I'm sure I have read this same statement some months ago in the YEP/YP, so not sure how recent this is. Where did the info regarding a potential £3m loss come from?

I'm sure I have read this same statement some months ago in the YEP/YP, so not sure how recent this is. Where did the info regarding a potential £3m loss come from?
Well, I wasn't exactly told in confidence but you know...basically Hunters know the developer because they are selling the apartments on their behalf. It has gone back to planning a few times - prob for the reasons Rob mentioned - and all this delay and planning re-submissions keeps putting the costs up. It was mentioned that the developer is a little wet-behind-the-ears if you get me (as Science would say!!)

I'm pretty sure it will happen, but what is a little concerning is that such a prestgious development is struggling to break even or make a small profit in the current market. I guess you need more robust financial planning vehicles than Mayfair currently has.

Something like Criterion Place I suspect will be different - a development of a completely different order £100m+ as opposed to £35-40m. The financiers will make a watertight plan before a bore hoile is even drilled!

It was mentioned that the developer is a little wet-behind-the-ears if you get me (as Science would say!!)

I don't believe that for a minute. Sterling Capitol have undertaken many large scale developments including the massive business park near the M62 at Tingley.

It was mentioned that the developer is a little wet-behind-the-ears if you get me (as Science would say!!)

I don't believe that for a minute. Sterling Capitol have undertaken many large scale developments including the massive business park near the M62 at Tingley.
I am only stating what I was told Mikey - I have no reason to disbelieve him esp seeing as they are the ones who will be most keen for it to happen! Actually, he said £3.5m loss in it's present state. I'm sure people much cleverer than myself will be able to work out a way of accounting for it such that it turns into a profit-of-some-kind at some-point-in-the-future! Let's hope so anyway, but until we see piling work on site it's fingers crossed time.

I think it will be profit making eventually, if not straight away, taking advantage of Leeds' growing economy. Hopefully all the developments will be able to support each other in a growing economy.

Well, I suppose BWP had a £5m deficit, and they managed to sort that out to make the figures add up. I wonder when this came about with Mayfair, and if the revised planning will sort it out. The revised application was submitted towards the end of May so should be due a decision soon.

The Yorkshire Post article was published just two weeks ago, so if there was a major problem, I would have thought Sterling Capitol would not have authorised their cheif executives interview (even if the text is older).

(Oh, and M-Realist, if you get chance to bump into your Hunters contact again, you'll have to try to squeeze a little more information out of them, that would be useful, I have asked them by e-mail but have had no response yet).

Well they've got it designed, submitted, approved, and aquired the site, if they pulled out now they would throw away alot of time, energy, money and future profit!

Looks high quality. Can anyone tell me how close this is to the other biggies in the pipeline and already going up?

caw123 - have a look at this baby already posted on a couple of the other threads, but shows the city centre and the proposed towers. Mayfair is the 28 storey affair (pretty much the most Northern - by this image, but actually west!). The 40 storey on Wellington Street next to West Central we now know to be 52 and 27. The 30 storey mid way along Whitehall Road (between West Central and Globe Road) is the mooted Whitehall Road Tower, although the recent updated renderings of the entire scheme seem to put it at 20 storeys. The 38 storey is Monksbridge Forge and will have a mid 20 storey baby brother, the 31 Globe Road tower (next to Monksbridge) is alledgedly starting early 2006. BWP is the 32 on the far left, and Criterion is also fairly self explanatory. The 40 storey next to Mayfair (on top of international pool) was the Kite Tower which is apparently only 20 storeys or so and wasn't chosen in the design competition, so is currently without a home.

This image doesn't show Clarence House, the Plaza, the Gateway, Quarry Hill, Harewood/Eastgate, Portland Gate, Woodhouse Lane or the student digs on Kirkstall Road (Protodale etc). There's a shed load going on, or rather, as with London, lots proposed and with pp, but only one truely tall tower (BWP) actually u/c at this particular point in time.

If all these come off in the next 3-4 years, then we might have a fairly stonking skyline. All within a half mile radius really.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/skyfitsleeds/hpbimg/leedsssc2zd.jpg

That image also doesnt show the 27? 28? storey baby of the 40 now 52 storey tower (which might not even go ahead anyway, long way off probs) but what it does all confirm is that its a fast developing city and no matter what happens it will still be a fast changing city, at least for the next 7 years.

One final image for the evening before i toddle off to bed with my book.

This is what Mayfair will replace. The current building is 2 storeys high and crappy 60s effort which has been left to effectively rot. The car passing at speed is testament to my pants photo skills, and, before anyone comments, not typical of average Leeds transportation devices. We favour horse and cart in this new millenium!

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/5153/BridgeHouse.jpg

One final image for the evening before i toddle off to bed with my book.

This is what Mayfair will replace. The current building is 2 storeys high and crappy 60s effort which has been left to effectively rot. The car passing at speed is testament to my pants photo skills, and, before anyone comments, not typical of average Leeds transportation devices. We favour horse and cart in this new millenium!
Haven't they flattened that eyesore yet?

A very impressive number of tall towers there, the railway station is going to be a fantastic gateway. A good way to top it all would be to replace the pile of shite office block above the station and build a 70 storey beast. :yes:

dont slag off the subbies, we have to charge extortionate prices to pay for our lexuses!

A very impressive number of tall towers there, the railway station is going to be a fantastic gateway. A good way to top it all would be to replace the pile of shite office block above the station and build a 70 storey beast. :yes:

Yes, yes, yes! Somebody else who hates the vile City House :)

I don't know what I hate about it the most:

- the awful kink in it.
- the way it's wider than it is high, making it seem more like a wall than a building.
- the way it straddles the railway underpass, also making it seem like a wall.
- the way you can't tell where its bottom is.
- the awful windows and external surfaces.
- the mess on the roof.
- EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!

That is amazing. I was looking at this building through the glass roof at the station this morning from Platform 16 whilst I was waiting for a train. I was trying to work out how you would demolish it as it is SO close to the station. I did wonder if because of this it would end up as a refurb .... :bash:

I guess if they were to demolish it they would have to do it bit by bit and take it down carefully. It is much more likely to get a reclad, I think BWP will hide some of it though.

dont slag off the subbies, we have to charge extortionate prices to pay for our lexuses!

Shouldn't that be Lexii, in true Alan Partridge style? :D

Shouldn't that be Lexii, in true Alan Partridge style? :D

Er, no. Not on your nelly. If Lexus was a real Latin noun, its plural would be either Lexi (second declension), Lexera (third declension) or Lexus (fourth declension). Where do you get two "i"s from?!?

Er, no. Not on your nelly. If Lexus was a real Latin noun, its plural would be either Lexi (second declension), Lexera (third declension) or Lexus (fourth declension). Where do you get two "i"s from?!?

You didn't watch I'm Alan Partridge then Charlie?

You didn't watch I'm Alan Partridge then Charlie?

I watched them all about five years ago - what's the pertinent bit I've forgotten (other than a smiley!)...?

I watched them all about five years ago - what's the pertinent bit I've forgotten (other than a smiley!)...?

AP talks to a bloke in the petrol station who also owns a Lexus. They debate whether the plural of Lexus is Lexuses or Lexi (the reason for the double i in my initial mail is that hit the i key for too long as I am a clumsy fool). It basically takes the piss out of Lexus drivers and was a continuing joke throughout the series I think.

I have no idea what a declension is, I am but a simple Leeds lad and have never learnt Latin in my life.

I will henceforth stop making silly throw away comments when I get bored and stick to serious matters. :(

[QUOTE=Smoggie_Si]I am but a simple Leeds lad and have never learnt Latin in my life.QUOTE]

Being from Leeds does not automatically disqualify anyone from being learned. :bash: (that's an affectionate bash by the way)

Tony Harrison is from humble Beeston, with its 'modest row houses' and all, and he's a poet and dramatist specialising in latin and greek translation.

Just out of interest, has anyone else noticed how anti-Leeds Steve Coogan really is? There are numerous digs at Leeds in both the Alan Patridge shows. eg. Radio leeds presenter in show#1, the oh-so-wittily-titled 'Keith Hunt'. http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/partridge/life/images/150_130_1keith.jpg >(

[QUOTE=Smoggie_Si]I am but a simple Leeds lad and have never learnt Latin in my life.QUOTE]

Being from Leeds does not automatically disqualify anyone from being learned. :bash: (that's an affectionate bash by the way)

Tony Harrison is from humble Beeston, with its 'modest row houses and all, and he's a poet and dramatist specialising in latin and greek translation.

Absolutely right di Livio ! I am also a simple, if rather old, Leeds lad. I got a distinction in Latin in my School Certificate in 1944. :)

AP talks to a bloke in the petrol station who also owns a Lexus. They debate whether the plural of Lexus is Lexuses or Lexi (the reason for the double i in my initial mail is that hit the i key for too long as I am a clumsy fool). It basically takes the piss out of Lexus drivers and was a continuing joke throughout the series I think.

I have no idea what a declension is, I am but a simple Leeds lad and have never learnt Latin in my life.

Oh, I'll let you off then :) It just reminded me of the number of times I see people write "virii" thinking it's the plural of "virus" - I can forgive people for not realising it doesn't have a plural in Latin, but it does bug me that they give it two "i"s for some reason. What the hell is a virius?

I'll stop ranting now :)

Isnt it funny how these things are somehow linked to the 28 storey Bridge House through a long line of words...

Isnt it funny how these things are somehow linked to the 28 storey Bridge House through a long line of words...

He he, it's true. Digressions are a wonderful thing :)

That reminds me - what is skyscraper in Latin ?

Caeliscalpium (plural caeliscalpii).

Caeliscalpium (plural caeliscalpii).

Thanks - maybe this forum should be renamed. 'Forum caeliscalpium' has a certain ring to it - n'est ce pas ? :)

Mayfair has had its alterations approved this week, with an additional six units and some unidentified (presumably cost saving) alterations to the design.

Hopefully this will remove the last obstacle and help balance the books for commencing later this year.

Leeds Mayfair Overcomes Problems

After having experienced a number of problems throughout the lifetime of the scheme plus multiple design revisions the latest revision of Mayfair in Leeds has been approved by the local city council.

The current Bridge House, which occupies a site on the western end of Wellington Street, is due to be demolished to make way for this tower designed by Carey Jones that at 28 storeys will rise to 85 m in height. Once complete it will contain 266 apartments and three levels of office accommodation on the lower floors totalling 5,574 square metres of space.

Previous designs had seen the tower at 25 floors but this was increased to 28 floors to cater expected demand with over 80% of apartments in the project having been successfully pre-sold. Despite this success the developer, Stirling Capitol, has run into problems with the issue of a £3.5 million shortfall in the budget reportedly raising its head. To put this in perspective though, it translated into £11,500 per apartment or three years of takings on the office section of the scheme assuming a rent of £20 per square foot.

Many developers have found themselves on the recieving end of this lately with rising steel costs, oil prices pushing up the expense of other raw materials and in demand subcontractors demanding ever higher wages.
In Leeds this problem hasn't been unique to Mayfair - despite all the years of design work nearby Bridgewater Place found itself caught up in a similar shortfall when the contractor reviewed the costs and only a reapplication with a redesign could push that project which is now under construction into going ahead despite having previously faced a £5 million deficit.

Stirling Capitol, perhaps taking a leaf out of the Bridgewater Place book, filed a revised planning application which was approved last week by the planning committee of Leeds City Council. Changes will see the number of apartments increased from 260 to 266 marginally increasing residential turnover plus design revisions that would cut the construction cost and push the entire scheme back into a clear profit the developer can be certain on before sinking a single pile on site.

With the newest designs now approved Stirling hope that the project can finally go ahead later in late 2005 / early 2006 with the city of Leeds getting another tower - in this case it'll be the third tallest once complete with a mini tower boom that has both the tallest and second tallest under construction in the form of Bridgewater Place and the Plaza. West Riding House is currently the tallest building in Leeds at 80 metres tall.

From Skyscraper News 30/8/05

28-storey rendering

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1013Mayfair_pic1.jpg

I love this tower, it's my favourite between BWP and the plaza. We're going to have the oddest looking skyline though.

I know- so many of the designs for towers are unique and either randomly placed (like Clarence House) or clustered, like along the riverside. Maybe time for just a few box proposals to even it out? Or Maybe not... might look really good!

our article is mostly a stub from things posted on here, but its always good to get everything into one.

At lot of what we put on here is speculation, ie the quote of £3.5m over budget was an off the record comment to Magirealist by one of the marketing agents, and the amendment to the planning application to add 6 flats and other changes has occured, but it is only our speculation that this is to save the shortfall to allow them to proceed. I take it from Gothicform's comment that there isn't 'outside' substance to the SkyscraperNews report; that does make the news report rather on the optimistic side.

I do think this tower will go ahead though, maybe by the end of the year... I don't see many reasons why this tower would be turned down other than the costs, like in everything...

rob a stub is where you take sources from elsewhere rather than source them yourself.

Ah, I see. Hopefully, we'll hear (or better still see) some action towards the end of the year.

There is a small demolition job to do on the site first which will probably take two to three months, by a seperate contractor, so they will need to be on site well before they intend to start construction.

http://members.lycos.co.uk/skyfitsleeds/hpbimg/leedsssc2zd.jpg

that's a shithot picture :eek2:

mamma mia.

Yes, and it doesn't include Street 40(?) storey off the map to the left.

Nor, of course, Plaza 28 storey, Gateway 26 storey, or Clarence House 20+ storey well off the map !

Oh, and I forgot to mention Temple Mill development 26 storeys and Jacob St/Wade Lane 23 storeys !

how good is leeds going to look in a few yaers time if only 75% of the proposeals go ahead, it will be out of this world. im back down in the home land next week i have an interveiw with a surveying company next thursday will have an opertunity to see all the new development especially BWP, fully topped out.

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1889/leeds18hs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Done quickly, doesn't have as much impact this far out.

Looking good though, well done. It's a shame Leeds isn't in high res (as Manchester, London etc...) is on 'Google Earth'. If it was then you could close in to a similar altitude and rotate the spin so you are almost on ground level. Then add in the existing buildings using the program and add your estimates in a similar fashion to what you have done there.

Infact I'm suprised I haven't seen this done on other cities threads.


Here is the link for those of you that have yet to find out how fantastic this free software is: Google Earth (http://earth.google.com/index.html) Visit New York, drop down to about 500m, add in the buildings using the tick box and then rotate the camera angle. Prepare to be amazed!!!

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1889/leeds18hs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Done quickly, doesn't have as much impact this far out.

Mike68 - that looks great! sure its at quite a distance but it catches pretty much every tall development going in Leeds. Did you do the one tayser replied to, I think I re-posted it from the Offical Leeds thread but wouldn't want to steal your kudos for putting the blocks on to give us an impression of height. Top work.

Wondered if anyone knew the latest on Mayfair? I thought after the revised planning application was approved a couple of months ago, some activity would be starting on site.

It seems that Globe Road is going to start before this project. Who would have predicted that 6 months ago.

I heard it was starting late this year/early 2006...

It's not happening for a while.
Build costs are too high, forcing the developers to look for ways to provide for this.
Though a good proportion of the development has been sold (as far as I know), the remaining units would be too expensive if prices were increased to make up the shortfall.

Somebody got a few spare million to help make this happen?!

It's not happening for a while.
Build costs are too high, forcing the developers to look for ways to provide for this.
Though a good proportion of the development has been sold (as far as I know), the remaining units would be too expensive if prices were increased to make up the shortfall.

Somebody got a few spare million to help make this happen?!


Thought the revised planning application which was approved included extra appartments to overcome this shortfall?

It's not happening for a while.
Build costs are too high, forcing the developers to look for ways to provide for this.
Though a good proportion of the development has been sold (as far as I know), the remaining units would be too expensive if prices were increased to make up the shortfall.

Somebody got a few spare million to help make this happen?!


In that case with building costs rising all the time it will never get built !
More flats have been approved which should have helped balance the books - but if that hasn't done it and with little chance of selling at higher prices, I again ask - will it ever get built - or is your information wrong?

If it is correct - then surely other proposed developments will be similarly affected - and not just in Leeds. Any evidence of this ?

This development is in big trouble, I know 2 people who have purchased in this development and have been notified that it is not going to happen for a long long while... Major building costs as mention are the cause of the problem..

Oh well - maybe a developer who knows what they're doing will come forward with a new 36 storey building for the site. As the site already has permission for a mixed use tall building, anyone with a design waiting to be built could step in.

Beetham anyone? Although something a bit different would be nice from the Scousers. And different not in that godawful London Beetham way!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=230155

Perhaps this will get sorted out by the site being sold. That spurred on the start of City Square House, which started almost immediately after being bought, after it had remained stagnant for years. That planning approval and completed design must be worth a bit in that prestigious location.

What is the completion date for city square house?

Not sure, probably some time in 2007.

Its a shame this isnt happening. Mayfair would have looked great in any city, and given the location it was in, it would have had a great impact on that side of the CC.

A crying shame - and this was one of the developments I really thought was going to happen.

This development is in big trouble, I know 2 people who have purchased in this development and have been notified that it is not going to happen for a long long while... Major building costs as mention are the cause of the problem..

dammit dammit dammit. This was one of the towers which actually looked v.good in a site crying out for it. Would also draw the eye away from West Point as you arrive into Leeds Station. I guess it will still get built at some point, but perhaps Sterling Capitol are having funding problems at the moment and are erring on the side of caution as bigger residential players swamp the market with more apartments (Wimpey at Globe Road, and Crosby/Berkeley Homes at Clarence Dock.

Maybe they need money to come in from their investment at West Point, to fund the next project; Mayfair. They will have invested many millions on West Point, and won't have any money coming in from it (apart from deposits) until the end of the year when West Point is ready for occupation, ie basic cash flow difficulties.

Another reason could be that now they have revised the plans (changed the elevation details and added additional apartments) to cut the cost, they would need to go back out to tender, which takes months.

Maybe they need money to come in from their investment at West Point, to fund the next project; Mayfair. They will have invested many millions on West Point, and won't have any money coming in from it (apart from deposits) until the end of the year when West Point is ready for occupation, ie basic cash flow difficulties.

Another reason could be that now they have revised the plans (changed the elevation details and added additional apartments) to cut the cost, they would need to go back out to tender, which takes months.

Whatever the reaason I do hope the site does not remain fallow for years as others have.

Hope it's not a Bridgewater Place saga...

Hope it's not a Bridgewater Place saga...

Why? In case you hadn't noticed, BWP is very much alive and kicking. Furthermore, none of the gloomy prognostications that were around when the start of the development was delayed has been fulfilled.

Yes but I was just reffering to the possibility of it taking ages with loadsa problems.

Yes but I was just reffering to the possibility of it taking ages with loadsa problems.

A case I had in mind was the old Heaton's building, corner of North Street and New York Road. In a blaze of publicity these were to be almost the first Leeds city centre flats. In fact two new storeys were added - then silence. The company had gone bust - that must have been some four years ago ! I believe there is now planning permission to convert to hotel apartments.

Yes but I was just reffering to the possibility of it taking ages with loadsa problems.

It sounds like that's exactly where we are, the project is clearly in some kind of trouble. However, the project is very advanced, fully approved and designed, it has had a lot of money spent on it already, so I'm sure it is a goer, just the difficulties to sort out first exactly as it was with Bridgewater Place.

I see Sheffield have got their 32 storey block approved, although with all their 20 storey projects being cancelled due to pricing problems including one that had sold apartments, what's the chance of that going ahead ?

Is this 32 storey Sheffield tower taller than BP?

Bit of competition for Yorkshires tallest may be starting.

I really don't know, but the time this Sheffield one gets built Leeds could be having a taller building built...

is it the tallest approved building in Yorkshire?

is it the tallest approved building in Yorkshire?


No its not. BWP is 115m tall ( 137m with spire)
Sheffield tower is 101m tall

Providence Tower is now fully approved and marketed, and is taller than both of them.

Could Mayfair still be on the cards ?

As mentioned in the 'New Tallest Tower, Leeds' thread, this week's Construction News has a two page spread on current and upcoming commercial projects, and the Leeds list included 'Bridge House' with Shepherd as the contractor for £40m, and dated 2006-2009. If correct (as I would expect a 'Construction News' feature to be) this updated
information could signify this is not a dead project, but may still be up for commencement this year.

Could Mayfair still be on the cards ?

As mentioned in the 'New Tallest Tower, Leeds' thread, this week's Construction News has a two page spread on current and upcoming commercial projects, and the Leeds list included 'Bridge House' with Shepherd as the contractor for £40m, and dated 2006-2009. If correct (as I would expect a 'Construction News' feature to be) this updated
information could signify this is not a dead project, but may still be up for commencement this year.

hmmm, you're right, Construction News is one of the most reliable sources, however one of our posters works in the Leeds property market and has alluded to the fact that the project could well be on the back burner due to funding difficulties experienced by the developer. However, I thought that the developer was Sterling Capitol or Scarborough Developments, the two main entities involved in the two West Central / West Point phases.

Would like this to be true, always liked the design and great location to boot.

We know it was in trouble but that was some time ago; could they have sorted the funding out ? Remembering that Bridgewater Place had similar funding problems of £5m then after some time and a bit of negotiating prices and minor alterations, the job was back on .. so who knows.

I was asked to do some photo-montages recently. But has been put on hold (the montages I mean). So I don't know what you want to make of that.

oooh oooh, ermm, yes Jimbo. Calm down old fruit.

Not much to get excited about, but the normally reliable City Offices.net has a sneaky little headline only available for subscribers:

City Offices (http://www.cityoffices.net/uk/leeds/index.cfm)

Subscribe to view the stories below >>>
- Summer start for Mayfair
- New application for central scheme
- Offices for Holbeck
- MEPC on Wellington Place
- Completion for Leeds scheme

Maybe its not dead after all!?! This is certainly a new headline (well in the past couple of weeks anyway), and certainly suggests that Mayfair is in-fact alive and kicking. Hope springs eternal.

This is rather exciting! And I didnt think it was dead, just unlikely to be built for a long time. But whatever it is, I won't get too excited beacause it might just be a rumor but this prime site will be developed with something as demand is high particularly for prime sites like this, with a fantastic location. The high demand is likely to give a tall building of some kind like Mayfair. So it could be a new scheme, same site...

oooh oooh, ermm, yes Jimbo. Calm down old fruit.

Not much to get excited about, but the normally reliable City Offices.net has a sneaky little headline only available for subscribers:

City Offices (http://www.cityoffices.net/uk/leeds/index.cfm)

Subscribe to view the stories below >>>
- Summer start for Mayfair
- New application for central scheme
- Offices for Holbeck
- MEPC on Wellington Place
- Completion for Leeds scheme

Maybe its not dead after all!?! This is certainly a new headline (well in the past couple of weeks anyway), and certainly suggests that Mayfair is in-fact alive and kicking. Hope springs eternal.

Might be wrong, but hasn't this headline been on this site since last year?

No.

The public news story of a main contractor appointed for Mayfair has been on for ages, but the subscriber headline, 'Summer start for Mayfair' is new. I check this web site from time to time and happened to have checked it a couple of weeks ago, it wasn't on then.

Out of all the projects I want to sae started next, it's Mayfair, as it's such a nice tower, in such a critically important spot, on such a dilapidated site at the moment.

It's 3rd on my list after Lumiere and Criterion...

No.

The public news story of a main contractor appointed for Mayfair has been on for ages, but the subscriber headline, 'Summer start for Mayfair' is new. I check this web site from time to time and happened to have checked it a couple of weeks ago, it wasn't on then.

Out of all the projects I want to sae started next, it's Mayfair, as it's such a nice tower, in such a critically important spot, on such a dilapidated site at the moment.

was going to post the same - kudos on the quick draw Rob! Its definately a new story and also appears above the MEPC story re: Wellington Place joint partnership which was only announced in February. Fingers crossed, its a sleek glass tower right on a site that needs it. Bye bye Bridge House this summer, lets hope so.

was going to post the same - kudos on the quick draw Rob! Its definately a new story and also appears above the MEPC story re: Wellington Place joint partnership which was only announced in February. Fingers crossed, its a sleek glass tower right on a site that needs it. Bye bye Bridge House this summer, lets hope so.


With City Island 2, Westgate Pool development, Mayfair and La Lumiere set just behind these buildings, we Skychasers had better be careful driving around the Inner Ring Road in a few years, otherwise our curiosity for these buildings could land us in real trouble negotiating the IRR winding route.

If this gets started this summer, will there be any gateway areas that have no development going on? Not only do I like this project, but I think it will help detract from the flyover and generally improve that side of the road. Who knows, the decsion makers at the YEP may feel such shame about their offices that they move and we can then hope for twin towers at the entrance to Wellinton Street.

It must make sense for the YEP to move to premises further out of town. Or they could look to move to one of the units that will be going up next to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, which was referred to as the media quarter at some point.

Moving YEP would be a massive and costly undertaking. Have you seen their in house print room? Can't see them moving this side of 3000.....could maybe hope for a horrendous re-clad.

Moving YEP would be a massive and costly undertaking. Have you seen their in house print room? Can't see them moving this side of 3000.....could maybe hope for a horrendous re-clad.
Of course they'll move. If the economics are right...they can relocate the printing elsewhere in a purpose built new site, or pay another printing outfit. The non-print relate staff can move into another office in Leeds.

Of course they'll move. If the economics are right...they can relocate the printing elsewhere in a purpose built new site, or pay another printing outfit. The non-print relate staff can move into another office in Leeds.

Quite agree, Magic! Can't see anything happening for a few years yet, but just think how land values will be rising in that part of town as a result of developments. Completion of the proposals for Mayfair, City Island II, Wellington Place, and the Yorkshire Chemicals site on Kirkstall Road would result in the YP premises being surrounded by high value development (and, yes, I know there's no guarantee these will all come to fruition).

The obvious place for the YP to go is the Aire Valley site in East Leeds which has been designed for large enterprises such as this to be located in modern premises close to the motorway. This is what happened to the large timber merchants which used to occupy the site where the Gateway development is going up along East Street.

I also believe the Aire Valley is where Carlsberg will relocate to one of these days. The successful (at least in sales terms) completion of Brewery Wharf, the development of Clarence Dock, and the proposed development of the Yorkshire Chemicals site along Black Bull Street will help see to that. Just hope I live to see it.

I would prefer to the YP to stay on the site but with a new building; I think its a strogn media group that shows importance at a gateway site, but the building lets it down.

Trouble with trying to move the Brewery is that they would have to go somewhere where there is a spring like there is at the current site.
IMO that means that it will be a mammoth task on not likely to happen in the next 20 years.

I was wondering if the timing (including the delay) of the start of Mayfair could be related to the practicalities of Shepherd being fully tied up in other projects. They are only one small/medium local company, and they must have a record of projects on in Leeds alone over the past year, Clarence Dock phases 1, 2, 3 and 4, Gateway phases 1 and 2 to name a few. They are apparantly very cheap in the industry, that's why everyone wants them, in the last year or two, no-one could touch them on price.

It could be that once they won the contract last year, it was a simple case of scheduling them in for the job as soon as they were available. It's certainly could be the case that a company like Shepherd wouldn't have slack men around enough to build a 28 storey mini-scraper until one of the other big jobs was finished.

I also think that the current crisis in labour availability and higher prices are pushing smaller and smaller construction companies to take on more ambitious jobs, I don't think a company like Shepherd would have tackled the likes of Clarence Dock almost single handedly a few years ago, including a 20 storey tower which is really quite specialist, that used to be more the realm of the biggest organisations like Bovis and Laing. This can only be good for regional development.

I was wondering if the timing (including the delay) of the start of Mayfair could be related to the practicalities of Shepherd being fully tied up in other projects. They are only one small/medium local company, and they must have a record of projects on in Leeds alone over the past year, Clarence Dock phases 1, 2, 3 and 4, Gateway phases 1 and 2 to name a few. They are apparantly very cheap in the industry, that's why everyone wants them, in the last year or two, no-one could touch them on price.

It could be that once they won the contract last year, it was a simple case of scheduling them in for the job as soon as they were available. It's certainly could be the case that a company like Shepherd wouldn't have slack men around enough to build a 28 storey mini-scraper until one of the other big jobs was finished.

I also think that the current crisis in labour availability and higher prices are pushing smaller and smaller construction companies to take on more ambitious jobs, I don't think a company like Shepherd would have tackled the likes of Clarence Dock almost single handedly a few years ago, including a 20 storey tower which is really quite specialist, that used to be more the realm of the biggest organisations like Bovis and Laing. This can only be good for regional development.

that sounds sensible. You posted in mid March the Construction News list of project tenders with the £40m contract for Mayfair appearing on it. The fact that Shepherd were announced as the builders last year is therefore confusing, but perhaps we will see them confirmed on site, and yes, great news that they are getting so much business (they are building the Citypoint office block on King Street as well).

Its amazing how a little tidbit of news can sudden reawaken a fairly dormant project (in our eyes anyway), and by default its thread on the Leeds board!

I can definately see Tetleys and YEP moving at some point... Kirkstall Rd could become a bit of a continuation of Wellington Road with all the hotels and casinos - there's quite vast areas of land been vacated up for sale recently between the cinema and the YEP... Theres' the old Arla site, I heard the bus depot was going (?) and there's a couple of others I think.

Mayfair will be a good 'gateway' development - how about something from the Eastern 'gateway' the A64. A nice tower in the Eastgate/Harewood scheme would do the trick...

Im confident the next area to start developing will be up near the A64, A58 and A61 gates around Sheepscar as an equal to the area around Mayfair in the west. I think Tetleys will move eventually; not so sure about YEP.

I can confirm that the bus depot is definately moving. They have acquired a site on Pontefract Lane (or whatever oit will be called when it is made dual carriage way. They are building a massive depot which will cater for the majority of the fleet. They are anticipating being in the new depot by 2007.

Tetley's Brewery could quite easily move. The historic wells that resulted in breweries being where they were have pretty much been replaced by mains type water. Many beer lovers claim that beer quality is diminished when brewed elsewhere, but it is highly unlikely that anyone can tell trhe difference as the brewers treat the water to ensure it has the same PH etc as the original well sources. The heritage and loyalty to the brewery site is likely to mean little to the board of Carlsberg residing in Copenhagen. At the same time they are set up as a charity and therefore not listed so there is no 'city' pressure to reduce production sites and costs that other multi national brewers such as Inbev, Scotco or Coors are faced with.

I would not anticpate Carlsberg moving soon, but could see them making considerations as the price of the land continues to increase. I would anticpate that the price of land will get to such a point that it will more than cover the cost of a new brewery on out of town land. Remember that it would not need to be as large a site either.

one of the big sites was advertised in Estates Gazette 2 weeks ago. Couldn't tell which site, but probably either the bus depot or the the old dairy. Once that changes hands and depending who buys it, expect to see some sort of proposals put on the board. Tis another prime site.

one of the big sites was advertised in Estates Gazette 2 weeks ago. Couldn't tell which site, but probably either the bus depot or the the old dairy. Once that changes hands and depending who buys it, expect to see some sort of proposals put on the board. Tis another prime site.

I think it was the Arla Foods site which is plastered with For Sale notices. With that site, the Yorkshire Chemicals premises, the bus depot and that land behind TGI Fridays that was designated for development when Noah was a lad, there is a huge swathe of land alongside the River Aire which will hopefully be transformed over the next few years. I assume that planning regulations will require developers to open up the waterfront; and, of course, the development of the Doncasters site will do the same the other side of the river.

Does anybody have information about proposals for another urban village around that stretch of Kirkstall Road? To the best of my recollection, an architects' practice has drawn up plans but I can't remember which practice.

I seem to remember hearing something about turning Kirkstall Road into a tree-lined boulevard ??

I seem to remember hearing something about turning Kirkstall Road into a tree-lined boulevard ??
True! Not sure where that was from though - was it the same 'people' that suggested roofing Briggate?
I think there's massive potential for this area with all that land coming available at once...

I seem to remember hearing something about turning Kirkstall Road into a tree-lined boulevard ??

The trees would last about a week before the pollution from the usual rush hour gridlock killed them. ;)

Resurfacing the road between the viaduct and the YP building would be a good start though. Admittedly I drive one of the world least practical cars, but I have to weave between the potholes to avoid cracking an alloy or losing a filling! Would hate to try it on a motorbike.

The trees would last about a week before the pollution from the usual rush hour gridlock killed them. ;)

Resurfacing the road between the viaduct and the YP building would be a good start though. Admittedly I drive one of the world least practical cars, but I have to weave between the potholes to avoid cracking an alloy or losing a filling! Would hate to try it on a motorbike.

Well, without wanting to sound political, I have to say the current Council has made huge strides over the past 2 years to resurface major stretches of our city's roads. I think with their record on this plus their positive attitude to skyscrapers reaching for the skies in Leeds, they must be a serious consideration for the May elections. Think I'll start a new thread for this debate.

I believe the original plan (and the reason why there is so much land in front of the buildings on one side of Kirkstall Road) was to make the road fully dual carriageway from the viaduct to the fire station (where it becomes x2 anyhow). Not sure when the planners anticipated that it would be necessary.

As one of the main routes into Leeds and with all the development (and potential) such as kirkstall Forge and High Royds, you will be looking at potentially 3000 additional houses alongside the A65 with a large proportion commuting. I guess this is why the council are pushing for rail developments at Menston and a new station at Kirkstall Forge.

oooh oooh, ermm, yes Jimbo. Calm down old fruit.

Not much to get excited about, but the normally reliable City Offices.net has a sneaky little headline only available for subscribers:

City Offices (http://www.cityoffices.net/uk/leeds/index.cfm)

Subscribe to view the stories below >>>
- Summer start for Mayfair
- New application for central scheme
- Offices for Holbeck
- MEPC on Wellington Place
- Completion for Leeds scheme

Maybe its not dead after all!?! This is certainly a new headline (well in the past couple of weeks anyway), and certainly suggests that Mayfair is in-fact alive and kicking. Hope springs eternal.

Well, it's summer now (due to be 30 degrees tomorrow :)), I suppose we will soon find out if this report was true or not.

Well YP reported that Sheffield's 32 storey 'Heart of the City' tower starts on site next week (and good for them too, I'm pleased for them). However, if the figures (costs and profits etc) work out for that project, they should surely work out for Mayfair as the average acheivable rents are higher in Leeds !

I'm getting the feeling that this isn't going to move any time soon.

It just crossed my mind that the part headline 'Summer start for Mayfair' may have been abreviated as all their headlines are, refering to City Island Phase II, It may have been announcing Summer start for Mayfair Development's City Island Phase II' .

It's a shame we couldn't access the full storey, and have heard no news elsewhere on this apart from some optomistic references in the council's business brochure. Perhaps Sterling Capitol are waiting for a pre-let on the small office element of the scheme, who knows.

I'm getting the feeling that this isn't going to move any time soon.

It just crossed my mind that the part headline 'Summer start for Mayfair' may have been abreviated as all their headlines are, refering to City Island Phase II, It may have been announcing Summer start for Mayfair Development's City Island Phase II' .

It's a shame we couldn't access the full storey, and have heard no news elsewhere on this apart from some optomistic references in the council's business brochure. Perhaps Sterling Capitol are waiting for a pre-let on the small office element of the scheme, who knows.

damn your fine logic young Robert. I remember that when I ran into stig282 about a month ago just before he moved to Oz, he said that Mayfair was virtually dead, but I didn't pursue.

Hey ho, plenty other exciting things on the go really. Having said that, i always liked this and its great location marking a real entryway to the city centre from Kirkstall Road.

Firstly, I don't think Mayfair is dead- I dont think it is moving though, and I doubt it will be built soon.

I am confident that this site will be developed with a hi-rise eventually- it is the first junction on the ring road in the city centre, and a real prime site and a major gateway; the terms are not overused here either. Its also in what seems to be a developing hotel district- Hilton relocation? Could be the next 'East Bank' (obviously west bank though!)

I don't think the project's dead. With all respect to Stig, he won't know what is happening as these development companies keep their hands close to their chests, so that even others in the industry don't know what they are planning to do, negotiations are generally very secretive. The fact that the site is not up for sale is the biggest evidence that the project is not toally dead. They have invested so much design work, I remember seeing website news entries from specialised design companies for the high rise design, fire requirements etc quite some time ago.

However, if it was dead, they should sell the prime (and getting primer by the month) plot on to someone else to develop. Perhaps the council should consider compulsary purchase due to the importance of the site when their five year permission expires, to wrestle it out of Sterling Capitol's hands.

I don't think the project's dead. With all respect to Stig, he won't know what is happening as these development companies keep their hands close to their chests, so that even others in the industry don't know what they are planning to do, negotiations are generally very secretive. The fact that the site is not up for sale is the biggest evidence that the project is not toally dead. They have invested so much design work, I remember seeing website news entries from specialised design companies for the high rise design, fire requirements etc quite some time ago.

However, if it was dead, they should sell the prime (and getting primer by the month) plot on to someone else to develop. Perhaps the council should consider compulsary purchase due to the importance of the site when their five year permission expires, to wrestle it out of Sterling Capitol's hands.

Interesting snippet on p185 of last weeks Estates Gazette; its an article about the relative values of sites for residential or commercial developments. It says...."Bridge House on Wellington Street in Leeds is an example....originally given planning for majority residential, this site is now being marketed as commercial". Seems to suggest that the scheme as we've seen it (and loved it) for Mayfair isn't going ahead.

To me it seems itll just be commercial not residential but still hi-rise.

The original scheme had a fair amount of commercial space which was already being marketed before. Is this the marketing they are talking about ?

However, if the scheme has properly changed from residential to commercial, then we can wave good by to the high rise tower which would be subject to a complete re-design and would be shorter.

I'm at a point that I don't care what goes there, anything would be better than the eyesore that's there now on this important gateway location.

The developers gave the money back to the investors who had put deposits on the residential...what does that say?

The developers gave the money back to the investors who had put deposits on the residential...what does that say?

dead, dead, and never call me mother?

pretty damn conclusive then. shame they couldn't have sold on to another developer with slightly more beans in their pockets. Ho hum, its a prime vacant site and I expect we'll see something tangible along sometime soon.

Does this count as the 1st properly cancelled 21st century Leeds proposal?

rather liked this one to be fair, although the name of Mayfair was tacky to say the least.

Let's hope they sell the site on or get on with an office proposal themselves quite soon.

Sterling Capitol do seem to deal mostly with office developments, perhaps they felt that is more their area of speciality.

Nothing's going to happen quickly though as most office developers seem to demand a pre-let long before doing anything on site.

This is now shown on Skyscraper news as being cancelled So lets hope something taller replaces it. would the Kite tower fit on the site?

This is now shown on Skyscraper news as being cancelled So lets hope something taller replaces it. would the Kite tower fit on the site?

just so you know - gothicform is actually James, the chap who runs skyscapernews, and our very own Rob is the Leeds editor of skyscrapernews.com.

It was changed to cancelled based on the fairly conclusive info posted on here !

Why don't you have an 'unclear' status to define projects that have had no recent information?

hello all
i was just going through emporis and saw that it says mayfair has been approved and on skyscrapernews.com it says its been cancelled to my knowledge emporis is quite accurate with its news so has there been any updates does anyone know whats really happening on the site.

I'm afraid where places like Leeds is concerned, Emporis is wildly innacurate and generally very out of date. I'm surprised Mayfair is even on it. You can be sure that Skyscrapernews.com is the most up to date sousce for British buildings.

All the latest information received suggested that although Mayfair was approved, it has now been cancelled. The site will probably be either re-proposed for an office building or will be sold to another developer.

Signs of activity at Bridge House today at last.

Scaffolders have started to scaffold up the front of the derelict old eyesore. No sign of what this is for yet with no contractors signs up anywhere, I'm hoping it's the start of demolition, I think I'd rather see this site sat empty than see that ugly block any longer. It can't be an external refurb/reclad as there hasn't been any planning applications.

Perhaps it is a prelim to selling the site? Some developers do this to increase the value of the plot.

Does scafolloding usually mean demolition? How can you demolish a building if it has scaffolding around it :x

Hope it's not giant poster advert...

Does scafolloding usually mean demolition? How can you demolish a building if it has scaffolding around it :x

If it's done the traditional method by hand, or for stripping some materials off before the shell is demolished, scaffolding is used

Hope it's not giant poster advert...

That thought crossed my mind today as the most likely option, it probably is for a big advertising poster (again), although I haven't seen a planning application for one recently. I wouldn't get our hopes raised, that may well be it.

If it's done the traditional method by hand, or for stripping some materials off before the shell is demolished, scaffolding is used



That thought crossed my mind today as the most likely option, it probably is for a big advertising poster (again), although I haven't seen a planning application for one recently. I wouldn't get our hopes raised, that may well be it.

they had a huge Halifax Bank ad on the side of the current building for at least 6 months last year. Its a great location for a big advert though, and if you're the site owner waiting to get a project off the ground, its an easy way of generating a little extra revenue. Same principle holds for use of sites as carparks prior to redevelopment (see Whitehall Riverside / Green Bank etc).

One hopes it is demolition, but shouldn't be too disappointed if it isn't.

:gaah:

Guess what popped up on yesterday's planning application list.
Poster on Bridge House.

A sure sign of nothing happening for some time to come then - just as with City Sq House... :(

:gaah:

Guess what popped up on yesterday's planning application list.
Poster on Bridge House.

jimbo shoots, he scores! Back of the net. :rock:

Baah, hey ho, as said in the Gateway thread - what's the rush - shed loads going on as it is, potential saturation of Leeds resi market etc etc..... something will come along on this site in due course, probably needs hibernating for a couple of years though.

Hope at last, Bridge House has now been sold by 'loser' company Stirling Capitol, to Kenmore Property Group.

Kenmore are a specialist office developer, so the rumours of the site going for offices are looking likely. That'll be the end of a high rise proposal on the site, but I think I've long given up the hope for that, I've got to the point that I'd be pleased if they just tarted Bridge House back up! Anyway, with Lumiere and all the other high rises going up, I'm not so bothered about losing this one (although was a particularly smart design).

Hope at last, Bridge House has now been sold by 'loser' company Stirling Capitol, to Kenmore Property Group.

Kenmore are a specialist office developer, so the rumours of the site going for offices are looking likely. That'll be the end of a high rise proposal on the site, but I think I've long given up the hope for that, I've got to the point that I'd be pleased if they just tarted Bridge House back up! Anyway, with Lumiere and all the other high rises going up, I'm not so bothered about losing this one (although was a particularly smart design).



I saw a large sign on the side of Bridge House today saying "aquired for Kenmore group" Hope we get something quite tall if not a skyscraper as this site is such a landmark when entering the West End of the city.

Unlikely to be tall as an office, but anything smart will do. There are now going to be plenty of tall'ies around (which was not the case when Mayfair first came on the scene all those years ago).

The most recent completed office development was that at the end of Infirmary street - that's not too short at around 7/8 stories (also possibly limited in height by the surrounding buildings). Also there's the new build that's due to be demolished on Wellington street to be replaced by a 20 storey so I'd hope for 12 stories plus...?

do you have more info on this new tower or have we seen it before leedslad?

The most recent completed office development was that at the end of Infirmary street - that's not too short at around 7/8 stories (also possibly limited in height by the surrounding buildings). Also there's the new build that's due to be demolished on Wellington street to be replaced by a 20 storey so I'd hope for 12 stories plus...?

What has this to do with Mayfair?

What has this to do with Mayfair?

He's making the point that some office developments of reasonable height have been built in the city recently, and so should the Bridge House/Mayfair site now be turned over to an office development, we may get something of a fair height even if not of the height proposed for the original residential scheme, as mentioned by Rob.

Hope at last, Bridge House has now been sold by 'loser' company Stirling Capitol, to Kenmore Property Group.

Kenmore are a specialist office developer, so the rumours of the site going for offices are looking likely. That'll be the end of a high rise proposal on the site, but I think I've long given up the hope for that, I've got to the point that I'd be pleased if they just tarted Bridge House back up! Anyway, with Lumiere and all the other high rises going up, I'm not so bothered about losing this one (although was a particularly smart design).

well i suppose it was only a matter of time before it changed hands. I really liked the old design, but as Rob correctly says, there is so much going on elsewhere, one or two developments dropping out of the reckoning is no great shakes.

not heard of Kenmore. They will be going up against Wellington Place, Whitehall Riverside and Monksbridge Works if they decide to go for office / commercial space in the West end of town. I still feel the site would be better served by a nice slim glass 30 storey resi tower, but I'm not holding out many hopes.

He's making the point that some office developments of reasonable height have been built in the city recently, and so should the Bridge House/Mayfair site now be turned over to an office development, we may get something of a fair height even if not of the height proposed for the original residential scheme, as mentioned by Rob.

Thank you.

He's making the point that some office developments of reasonable height have been built in the city recently, and so should the Bridge House/Mayfair site now be turned over to an office development, we may get something of a fair height even if not of the height proposed for the original residential scheme, as mentioned by Rob.

That's my point exactly...

do you have more info on this new tower or have we seen it before leedslad?

No renders as far as I'm aware - this was all over the YEP a few days ago about the 5 year old office block due to be demolished within 10 years?... It's on another thread.

From today's YEP:


Room for some more?

By NIGEL SCOTT BUSINESS EDITOR

ANOTHER new hotel for Leeds is being considered after a prime site in the city centre was sold to a new developer. The Kenmore Property Group's plans for Bridge House and Compton House in Cropper Gate come despite a recent warning by the city's hotel supremo that Leeds is already at "saturation point" in terms of hotel rooms.

Gordon Jackson, chairman of Leeds Hotels Association and general manager of the Thorpe Park Hotel at Colton, said: "More hotels are appearing in Leeds and yet there's not the same level of investment in terms of business and leisure tourism to satisfy the supply of bedrooms.We are struggling because the business isn't there."

However Kenmore, an Edinburgh-based property developer and fund management group, claims there is "strong demand" in the city for another new hotel. It has bought the site from Sterling Capitol plc.

The site is vacant after planned development work stalled. It occupies one of the main gateway sites to the city centre on the junction of Leeds Ring Road and Wellington Street.

Sterling had planned to build a £50m office and residential development, dubbed Mayfair. That would have involved demolishing the old Bridge House and replacing it with a 27-storey tower featuring apartments, offices, a ground floor cafe/ restaurant and basement car parking.

Sterling bought Bridge House from a Manchester-based family trust and a firm of York builders and, when it announced plans for its development in 2004, it said it planned to complete its scheme by this year.

Martyn Roe, director of development at Kenmore, said both properties offered a significant opportunity for a major regeneration scheme which would bring a range of benefits to local residents, the local business community and "the urban fabric of the city centre generally".

He said: "We have the option of developing the site in line with an outstanding planning consent for 272 new residential units and approximately 35,000 sq ft of new office space.

"However we believe there is demand for a far more qualitative development. We believe there is strong demand for a new hotel and more Grade A office space in this area.

He added: "We are already in initial discussions with the city council to look at future possibilities and look forward to submitting an application in this respect later this spring."

There's a big banner on the side of this site now saying 'Mixed use development coming soon'.

Hopefully we'll see some plans soon!

Excellant. Fingers crossed.

I want something to happen on this site more than any other new site in Leeds, as it is such a prominent gateway site but is such an eyesore at the moment.

It's already a mixed use development, eyesore/billboard.

Thanks for that Pigpen. We were actually hoping for something just slightly better than that :colgate: like a shiny skscraper office-resi-hotel or similar

Site for Kite Tower?

anyone think an increase in height and improved design could happen?

Thanks for that Pigpen. We were actually hoping for something just slightly better than that :colgate: like a shiny skscraper office-resi-hotel or similar

Oh Bugger, is this not the Billboard and urban eyesore forum, sorry don't mind me I'll close the door on the way out.

Oh Bugger, is this not the Billboard and urban eyesore forum, sorry don't mind me I'll close the door on the way out.

Well .. yes .. I suppose it is, at the moment.

But we await better things.

Where and what is bridge house currently? Anyone got any pics or a location?

A google search for bridge house brings up that gorgeous NY style building that headingley lets ( he-re ) occupised on the ground floor, opposite airline taxi rank , close to the petrrol station at the bottom end of lower briggate

Bridge House is dubbed Mayfair. Its a proposal that once seemed quite certain, but kinda dissappeared. It's at the end of Wellington Street, on the north side opposite the Yorkshire Post building.

http://maps.google.es/?ie=UTF8&ll=53.797394,-1.558766&spn=0.00067,0.002494&t=k&z=19&om=1
http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/Bridge_House.htm

ahhh got it cheers fella. why google espanya? :P

also, i notice the cityscape website has had a makeover

Because my computer is in Spanish; so all web pages load in spanish where possible :)

It won't be Mayfair any more. That was Stirling Capitol's name for it, but now they've sold the site, the name will have gone by the wayside. Back to Bridge House for now .. until Kenmore release their name for the scheme.

r u epanyol then?

kite tower would be class for this sight if the sight is large enough to take it oh err!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

No pero hablo español- inglés es aburrido. :)
No but I speak Spanish- English is boring. :)

Im actually Sri Lankan anyway! European citizenship.

I agree, the Kite Tower would work on this site. And Im sure some modification could fit it on the site! Whatever happens, this land is prime land and a suitable place for a skyscraper- possiby one of the best places in the city for one, marking the main gateway into the city for many people arriving by road. It will be a waste of the site if it is not a skyscraper.

went past the site yesterday and it says commercial development coming soon on the side of the builday. so things are slowing moving forwored. It would be good if it was a 30+ skyscraper but unlikely.

That's old news now, Kenmore bought the old derelict site earlier this year and promised an application this spring, which has failed to materialise.

If it's to be an office (Kenmore's speciality) then it will be unlikely to be more than 8 to 10 floors, but they were talking about a hotel, so who knows. They'll have to do something with it though, as they've paid good money for the site.

This is from the Kenmore website (posted on there in March) :

'Kenmore Property Group has purchased Bridge House and Compton House in Cropper Gate in Leeds city centre from Sterling Capitol PLC.

The site is currently vacant but occupies one of the main gateway sites approaching the city centre, sitting on the junction of the Leeds Ring Road (A58M) and Wellington Street. Both properties offer a significant opportunity to progress a major regeneration scheme bringing a range of benefits to local residents and the local business community as well as the urban fabric of the city centre generally.

Commenting on the purchase, Martyn Roe, Director of Development at Kenmore, said:

“This is an established business location with significant redevelopment potential. We have the option of developing the site in line with an outstanding planning consent for 272 new residential units and approximately 35,000 sqft of new office space. However, in line with Kenmore’s proven track record of maximising the full potential of every site within our portfolio, we believe there is demand for a far more qualitative development. We believe there is strong demand for a new hotel and more Grade A office space in this area. We are already in initial discussions with the city council to look at future possibilities and look forward to submitting an application in this respect later this Spring.”'

The view looking down Wellington Street where the Yorkshire Post Building is, is already quality.

If they did build a building over 8 stories here and then with the 2 Lumiere buildings going up, looking down Wellington Street would be one of the best views in Leeds.

I hope you're wrong about 8 storeys Rob, this site is such a good gateway site and it's just down the road from spiricle making it a prime spot for a tall building.

I hope so too, but they have talked about a hotel so that could generate a tall proposal. Most of all, I just want something to go up there because it's been an eye sore for too long.

It is a major Gateway into Leeds, and is my gateway (living on the A65), as well as a link in the chain of highrises growing along the inner ring road.

Not as bad as my gateway by road. Sheepscar Interchange is massively underused- surely the amount of high capacity roads and traffic makes it a great place to be advertising and developing.

There will be a bit more of a gateway for those going up onto the Inner Ring Road on Clay Pit Lane, but coming into the City Centre on the A61 presents the ever-stunning Millgarth Police Station, with the WYPlayhouse, Bus Station and Markets to really add the vibrancy to the A61 gateway from Harrogate (or even Wakefield and the South).

I was whizzing past the site this morning at about 8am and noticed it seemed to be crawling with workmen. I didn't get the chance to see what was going on though I think there may have been a lorry laden with scaffolding. If anyone's going past at a more lesisurely pace, it would be good to know what's going on.

Without wanting to raise hopes too much, maybe they chose this option .....

"We have the option of developing the site in line with an outstanding planning consent for 272 new residential units and approximately 35,000 sq ft of new office space"

and are going to simply develop Sterling Capitol's scheme for the site?

Fingers crossed eh....

Otherwise, they may just be building more advert hoardings :bash:

Without wanting to raise hopes too much, maybe they chose this option .....

"We have the option of developing the site in line with an outstanding planning consent for 272 new residential units and approximately 35,000 sq ft of new office space"

and are going to simply develop Sterling Capitol's scheme for the site?

Fingers crossed eh....

Otherwise, they may just be building more advert hoardings :bash:

or demolition to clear the site which suggests we may have imminent potential construction. Thanks for the heads up.

Seen a few things about Kenmore recently, mainly snippets on the business sections of the broadsheets suggests the group is doing rather well.

I went past yesterday, they have taken most of the scaffolding (for the banner advertising) down.

All I want for the time being is demolition of the eye-sore. There is no sign of hoarding so nothing will happen iminently, but I'll keep a close eye on the site to see if hoarding does go up shortly.

As for a new building, there is still no sign of a new planning application as promised, I suppose there is a possibility that they will develop the approved Mayfair scheme but I certainly wouldn't bet much money on it. They must do something soon though as they paid a fair bit for the site, and they will need to get that investment working for them.

Im a little confused. Is this the site on the corner of Wellington Street over the road from the Evening Post building?
If so the scaffolding and advertisment on it have been up for ages. Almost a year now.

Yes it is.

what's the news dudes? Is it coming down, or are we stuck with the same decrepit site for another year.........

Scaffolding is all down, but there was no-one around today to ask....

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5869/1000875rf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7045/1000876xz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

eww that looks like it could birmingham or somewhere like that

eew, thanks, well the removal of the temp scaffolding hopefully means that we won't see anymore advertising anytime soon. Other logical (perhaps) conclusion is that they might demolish it. What an eyesore. Bleurgh.

[URL=http://imageshack.us]http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7045/1000876xz9.jpg

A brand new Carey Jones apartment block? Where's this? ;)

its nice isnt it im well pleased with the outcome really worth all the hard work we put in

Scaffolding is all down, but there was no-one around today to ask....

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5869/1000875rf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7045/1000876xz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

After the huge banner went up last year which looked like there was going to be some development starting imminently, its back to this, and nothing.

Anyone know what s happening with this site?

I think we should invite the IRA to come have a look at it...

Subliving.

Can someone please just knock this down and grass it over if they are not going to do anything with it soon. It really looks dreadful. Currently driving in from the Armley Gyratory you pass a boarded up car garage, this boarded up dump, the derelict International Pool full of graffiti, the god-awful Ibis building where the grey panels have started to bubble up, shall I go on....

It is really poor for one of the main gateways into the city to be in such a mess, sort it out!!

Totally agree, but there is no-one who can sort it all out - there's no magic wand unfortunately.

Can someone please just knock this down and grass it over if they are not going to do anything with it soon. It really looks dreadful. Currently driving in from the Armley Gyratory you pass a boarded up car garage, this boarded up dump, the derelict International Pool full of graffiti, the god-awful Ibis building where the grey panels have started to bubble up, shall I go on....

It is really poor for one of the main gateways into the city to be in such a mess, sort it out!!

Agreed it does look f**king c**p and really does desperately need flattening and starting over again as surely it does no favours whatsoever as a promient gateway location for people coming in from the west (and of course from the otherside of the Pennines which must surely be something to think about) to see this end of Leeds city centre so forlorn and makes a mockery of Leeds's claim to be a fast growing and dynamic city. Has the issue of the appearance of this end of town being raised at Leeds City Council and could someone borrow one of these please to improve this end of town and also something does need doing at the Yorkshire Post building which is just awful as well.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/134/408148119_171c9a5dfb.jpg?v=0

Try one of these :D

http://www.illustratorworld.com/users/c/cc/ccugia/a4728.jpg

Sorry bit big !

It is rumoured that someone is working on a 275m hotel/resi tower for this site

Where did you hear this? Is this the site of the rumoured 200m+ tower we heard about recently?

Well, I had to join a few dots to come to that conclusion.

That Brummie said the 275m tower was "In a gateway position, near the IRR at the western end of the city"

If this rumour is the goods, then I'd imagine this is the site

:lol:

Oh right. It could be yes, or it could be further up Kirkstall Road. On the other hand, it could be a new site; I've always regarded the Armley Gyratory as the true gateway to Leeds City Centre, not the Yorkshire Post.

Well yeah, it could be anywhere round there, but this site's been earmarked for a tall for a while and it's odd how this prime site remains undeveloped, while inferior sites are being transfomed

For me, this is the primo plot in Leeds and it deserves something special, it need not necessarily be huge

On a sidenote, the council's 'tall buildings policy' speaks of having a decent skyline punctuated by dramatically tall buildings, so I'd be happy to see a 90-100m beauty down there

This area is an area where tall buildings are encouraged in the strategy.

Can someone explain in a little more detail why this got cancelled, i know it had something to do with it being expensive land (and i cba searchin through the rest of the thread lol)

Can someone explain in a little more detail why this got cancelled, i know it had something to do with it being expensive land (and i cba searchin through the rest of the thread lol)

From Skyscrapernews: http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=1013

After many revisions to this project, the design finally settled on an elegant 28 storey tower with commercial space in the lower 4 floors.

However, after a series of delays to proposed start dates, unofficial reports now suggest that the project has been cancelled due to the developer's inability to balance the spiralling construction cost with selling prices, and deposits have been handed back to those who had reserved apartments.

The plot of land is in a high value part of the city, and it has been reported that the land may be marketed for a new commercial development in place of the 'Mayfair' project.


So all it was it was due to failing to make the development profitable due to increasing construction costs with stagnant or declining selling prices for the apartments. It is pretty much the same reason for the suspension or cancellation of Green Bank (except that really did have massively over priced flats which just weren't selling). A big shame imo that it wasn't built as it certainly is a key gateway point and anything must be better than the eyesore on that site at present. Does anyone know who owns this site at present?

If Mayfair was reproposed as an office building, I think it would do well. It probably could work now as a residential site, now the area is becoming more established, but its on the edge of the prime office district, and this is only to get stronger with Wellington Place. The site is ripe for office development I think.

Does anyone know who owns this site at present?

Kenmore bought the old derelict site early last year and promised an application in spring 2007, which has failed to materialise.

This is from the Kenmore website (posted on there in March 2007) :

'Kenmore Property Group has purchased Bridge House and Compton House in Cropper Gate in Leeds city centre from Sterling Capitol PLC.

The site is currently vacant but occupies one of the main gateway sites approaching the city centre, sitting on the junction of the Leeds Ring Road (A58M) and Wellington Street. Both properties offer a significant opportunity to progress a major regeneration scheme bringing a range of benefits to local residents and the local business community as well as the urban fabric of the city centre generally.

Commenting on the purchase, Martyn Roe, Director of Development at Kenmore, said:

“This is an established business location with significant redevelopment potential. We have the option of developing the site in line with an outstanding planning consent for 272 new residential units and approximately 35,000 sqft of new office space. However, in line with Kenmore’s proven track record of maximising the full potential of every site within our portfolio, we believe there is demand for a far more qualitative development. We believe there is strong demand for a new hotel and more Grade A office space in this area. We are already in initial discussions with the city council to look at future possibilities and look forward to submitting an application in this respect later this Spring.”'

Since nothing has materialised through 2007, the hope must be either Kenmore are looking at submitting their proposal in 2008 or the site is re-sold to a new developer.

As the site fits in with LCC's tall building policy, I can't see how this site will be left to stagnate for much longer without a "tall" being proposed. I think the battle here is going to be will this site or the old International Pool site next door see development first.

I think we may finally see this building demolished!

Three-hour battle to contain fire in derelict Leeds office block

Firefighters battled for three hours to control a blaze which swept though a derelict office block to the west of the city centre today.
At one point flames poured from windows at both sides of the building.

The three-storey building, at the junction of Kirkstall Road and Wellington Street, has housed regional staff of the old National Association of Local Government Officers, Royal Mail, and a law firm.

The offices have been out of use and boarded up for some years.

The alarm was raised at 1.20am today and two fire tenders raced to the building from Leeds Central fire station in Kirkstall Road.

Back-up was called for and two tenders from Hunslet fire station turned out and an aerial appliance was brought in.

Leeds Central Crew Manager Darrell Hird said: "The fire was on the second floor. Most of the ceilings came down."

Fire crews believed the building may have been used by people living rough but there had been no one trapped in the fire.

The cause is being in treated as suspicious.

It is believed the block is due for demolition to be replaced by flats.

The full article contains 203 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.Last Updated: 06 March 2008 9:08 AM

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/LEED//TH1_63200852fire2.jpg

So has anyone taken any further pictures of the damage and does it look genuinely unsafe that it has to be flattended or even whilst fire damaged it is still structurally sound so it is left standing and thus resembles something from a war zone? :ohno:

It's hidious, I just want it demolishing even if it's replaced by a bungalow!

I read in a recent council document that Bridge House will be 23 storeys of offices and is expected by 'late 2008'.

'Expected'.... Expected to commence I'm guessing.

23 storeys sounds quite small these days! I suppose that is about 85-90m though?

Anything for that site; a toilet block, a tent, anything, but get rid of that hideous eyesore.

23 storeys of OFFICES would likely break 90-100m

3 Hardman St in Manc is nearly 80m at just 16 floors.

It';s mentioned at the back of the 'LEEDS: Investment Capital' publication, which is available for free from the Leonardo Building.

Well I said 85-90m on the basis that WRH is 20 storeys of office at 80m. Having thought about it though, Id say just over 90m...

I can only agree with Robs sentiments, i hope the current shell of a building gets demolished asap, even if it becomes unused ground for a while before some developement takes place, something iconic would be good here asit stands opposite the YEP building doesnt it? Its a key gateway into town, this being nuilt and the renovation of the YEP building would make this entrance to Leeds look much better, I think that the roundabout where TGI Fridays is at the end of Kirkstall road has a big city feel with the casino's and non lights, not necessarily a great part of the city but much better than the mess immediately on the other side of the IRR including this, the YEP and the old Pool site.

I read in a recent council document that Bridge House will be 23 storeys of offices and is expected by 'late 2008'.

Well that would certainly be great news and especially more so as office as opposed to apartments. So any idea of who the developer is, the architect involved, whether it is a single tenanted head office development, mixed tenants or speculative and is this late 2008 date referring to it going through planning or is it when construction will start? It isn't just a sort of thing to put on the back burner until a tenant is eventually lined up to develop this building?

At least it will be great to finally see some hopefully class building go up on this site lets hope in the future something will finally be done to Yorkshire Post and is anything ever going to be done on that plot behind the Gala Casino and TGI Fridays which has been mooted for development since that restaurant opened around 1997ish?

the renovation of the YEP building would make this entrance to Leeds look much better

Don't know if this will affect things with the Yorkshire Post site at all:

http://www.printweek.com/news/802143/Two-thirds-print-jobs-risk-Johnston-Press-Leeds-site/

Two-thirds of print jobs at risk at Johnston Press Leeds site
Tim Sheahan, printweek.com, 15 April 2008

The jobs of more than 40 employees at Johnston Press' Leeds Web operation are at risk after the company confirmed it was to shift production of the Yorkshire Evening Post to its £60m plant in Dinnington, South Yorkshire.

The move comes after Johnston Press decided to end day printing at the Leeds site, a step which is likely to cut the editions of the newspaper from five down to two.

Talks between the company and print workers union Unite, and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), are ongoing.

National Union of Journalists Father-of-chapel, Peter Lazenby, told printweek.com: "With more than 40 press hall jobs likely to go, all Johnston Press has come out with are the usual jolly platitudes of job redeployment elsewhere."

Unite branch official Steve Hart said: "The job cuts will mean a drop from 66.5 positions down to 22.5. It's nearly a closure. Our members are hard-working and long-serving. We're doing all we can to reject the proposals."

Hart added: "They've been offered alternative employment but this is as far reaching from Sheffield to Northern Ireland. We've put our suggestions on the table and we await their response."

A statement from Johnston Press chief executive Tim Bowdler confirmed that following a review of print operations, the group was announcing the "proposed cessation" of day printing at its Leeds press hall.

In the statement, he added: "As a result, 44 jobs are at risk of redundancy. Consultation is under way with those directly affected and their representatives.

"The company will make every effort to minimise the impact of this proposal on affected staff through voluntary redundancy and, where possible, by redeployment to alternative positions in the group."

Printing of the Yorkshire Post and Financial Times, both broadsheet titles, is due to continue at Leeds Web.

I've always wondered why no one has ever wanted to develop on the car park opposite TGI's

Same; this area seems to be one of the best development sites in the city; it's the main gate into the city from the west; quite a major node in Central Leeds.

Also, the title of this thread needs to be changed accordingly.

But we don't know what's happening yet. I know I take Di Livio as a pretty trust worthy source but hear'say can't be taken as gospel

Some of those council brochures have woefully out of date infomation, they were mentioning Mayfair in their articles (with interviews with the developers etc) long after the project had been cancelled. So I'd want to see that it was a new proposal before believing the council. Having said that, Kenmore are usually good at getting projects moving, so I'd expect something from them some time soon.

A planning application due in about 2 months!!!

The YEP seem to have been following our discussions on here and have the following article.

'A DERELICT office block at a major gateway to Leeds has become an eyesore after being targeted by vandals, squatters and firebugs. The scruffy-looking Bridge House and the adjoining Compton House, which stand at the corner of Westgate and Wellington Street, on the edge of the Leeds Ring Road, are earmarked for demolition. They are expected to be replaced with a multi-million-pound mixed-use development including a hotel.

But at present the only people who would consider spending the night on this prime site are squatters. They appear to have done, leaving smashed windows and fires in their wake, as well as an American flag in one window. The buildings have been empty for years and while many of the windows and doors have now been boarded up, there are still around 24 smashed panes at the front and back.

But because owner Kenmore Property Group plans to level them it does not want to waste time and money on improving their appearance. A source close to the firm said he believed the site was "fully secure at the moment" because the lower levels had been boarded up and part of the fire escape had been cut off. But he said there had been "a bit of a nightmare with people getting in and setting it on fire". He said Kenmore was "not going to spend any money on making it look pretty because it's just going to knock it down".

He said the firm was preparing a planning application for a mixed-use project which was expected to be submitted to Leeds City Council in around eight weeks.

Previous proposals were shelved after problems with the hotel operator Kenmore had planned to work with, as well as market movement dramatically reducing expected profits from the scheme. In 2004, then owner Sterling Capitol plc announced plans for a £50m office and residential development but its proposals stalled, no doubt partly because the Leeds city centre market was being flooded with flats. Kenmore bought the site from Sterling last year and unveiled its plans for a hotel and office space. Although Hunters estate agents still has a ragged sign draped across Bridge House, a spokesman for the firm said the property was no longer their responsibility.

A council spokesman said: "If a building is falling into disrepair, becoming an eyesore or has public safety issues, there are a number of powers under the Building Act which we can use to ensure they are rectified. "These include ensuring the building is renovated to its previous condition, demolishing it or making it safe and restricting access to the public. "We would encourage anyone who has concerns about the condition of a building to report it to us (ring 0113 247 8000) and we will investigate it on their behalf."

YEP, 19 April 08

Good news although if it is going to be office is there any indication of whether this development would start straight away pending planning approval or are they just going to leave as it is until they get a tenant lined up as it really is a bloody awful eyesore which needs pulling down sharpish? If planning does get approved it would be a good idea to create an all new thread for this project considering it is supercedes the abandoned Mayfair scheme.

Out of interest has there been any pictures of the burned out Bridge House taken lately other than these two of the building prior to its fire earlier this year?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/flissy666/2100610070/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flissy666/2100610420/in/set-72157602286361166/

good lord, what a bit of a debacle. Looks like the YEP are doing a bit of grumpy NIMBY activism drawing attention to the dump across the road from them. Can't hardly blame them though. The new proposal sounds like an interesting proposition. Tall - at least 100m would be great for that site. Another hotel sounds rather bullish in the current market, but ho hum, any progress here would be welcomed.

Lazarus? or wishful thinking?


http://www.aedas.com/Europe/Imaging/Croppergate

A very nice design from the architects of BWP but I doubt it will get built.

I think any development on this site is a long way off.

Wow thats certainly a stunner. Its good to know that Leeds isn't being forgotten or left behind in the recession! Think we all need to be keeping our fingers crossed for this one!! Just wish it was taller, we already have midrise galore! But it is a very nice design.