West Point

This 16-storey scheme, which is heading towards completion, is seeing the re-cladding and extension of the current tower along with the demolition of the podium block.

This landmark building will contain 250 luxury residential and serviced apartments, a 40 bedroom boutique hotel (?), offices and conference & leisure facilities.

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/westpoint.jpg

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/westpoint1lg.jpg

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/westpoint2lge.jpg

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/westpointarial003.jpg

The site on 19/02/05

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/wcentral.JPG

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/wcentra2l.JPG

The site on 09/04/05

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/photos/09-04-2005/West%20Point.jpg

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/photos/09-04-2005/West%20Point%202.jpg

hmm coming along in that pic. Just needs something to hide it now lol. Ill get the train in tommorow and have a look.

And remember the lowrise office block shown in the renders is to be replaced (we hope) by the 52 storey and 27 storey twin Venture Towers by KW Linfoot (although conspicuous lack of anything on the Linfoot site).

this image was from back in March, but the foreground surrounded by barriers etc is the site of the Venture Towers.

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2885/westpoint32ju.jpg

I know this isn't everyone's favourite but West Central is almost complete. It occurred to me when I took this shot that it will soon be impossible to shoot the whole building, if all the plans come off. From this angle, for example, the Whitehall Riverside buildings will obscure it. The Wellington Place development will do the same from the west. And of course, there are the two massive towers to come............

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/bd906d5a.jpg

Yeah i saw it today when i drove past. It changes every time i see it. Coming along very fast.

It changes every time i see it.

Sadly it never gets any easier on the eye. :(

Sadly it never gets any easier on the eye. :(

oh smoggie you killjoy! As Aviator says, soon we won't be able to see it from any angle. More to the point, our eyes will be drawn to rather more interesting buildings...............

oh smoggie you killjoy! As Aviator says, soon we won't be able to see it from any angle. More to the point, our eyes will be drawn to rather more interesting buildings...............

Hey Jimbo!:)

Fingers crossed, in the meantime I wonder if we could ask that artist who wrapped up the Reichstag a few years ago to work his magic with West Point! :D

Do we have a completion date for this?

wide angle photo, from aire street:

http://members.lycos.co.uk/xapbpoh/photos/leeds_west-central05.jpg

wide angle photo, from aire street:

http://members.lycos.co.uk/xapbpoh/photos/leeds_west-central05.jpg


Hardly a visual delight !

Not as bad as it used to look so dont complain lads ;D

JUst what I was about to say. It's not that bad... and anyway, it will be hidden by various buildings soo anyway. One thing they should do is give it a less flat look tho. Some windows look almost stuck on..

Not as bad as it used to look so dont complain lads ;D

Of course it's an improvement - but why should we have to settle for second best ? I think the typical council house block has more character than this.

I can think of many buildings that should need recladding or changing more than this, in other words despite being 2nd best its not bad. Its only reclad. The Yorkshire Post building should be rebuilt or recladded, but with a tall building there, to oppose Mayfair and act as a gate to the city centre.

The apartments look like those in Whitehall Waterfront for those interested.

The apartments look like those in Whitehall Waterfront for those interested.


Do you mean the interiors ?

Of course it's an improvement - but why should we have to settle for second best ? I think the typical council house block has more character than this.


i'd Settle for 2nd best rather than that old grey building which was there before.

i'd Settle for 2nd best rather than that old grey building which was there before.

OK it's better than it was before - but it could be even better. You have to develop a more critical and discerning attitude if you really want the best - and why shouldn't we have the best ?

Do you mean the interiors ?

The interior of all new build flats seem almost identical to me. Trademark white walls, laminate floor, cheap dkitchen against the back wall and a black leather couch.

Do you mean the interiors ?

yep, same floors, black kitchens, open shower/ensuites. No bath, no freezer, no washing machine provided either.

Either KWL haven't learnt or were seriously cutting costs...

Check ouy Jimbo's picture of Whitehall on the Leeds thread. It really shows how ugly the whole development is. A base of terracotta tiling, lined with repulsive grey plastic, undermining the quality of Whitehall quay in front.

Not even Lego architecture. Duplo.

It looks like (from the pictures, not seen it in real life) those huge council estate buildings they have (had?) in the Gorbals in Glasgow.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/thumbs/38145StirlingfauldPlace_pic1.jpg

It's worse than the original building. At least modernism has a point to it, and a philosophy.... this thing is less of an attempt at a brave new world, and more the answer to the question "how can we make as much money as possible from this site?"

The cladding is cheap and nasty, the balconies clutter the building and serve only to add value to the properties. It's just a vast soul destroying hulk... a commercial whore of a building

http://members.lycos.co.uk/xapbpoh/photos/royalmail2.jpg

oh how I agree. especially as its such a big building. At least the other new buildings around it have attempted a design, even if they haven't been so successful either.

I'm inclined to agree - the grey cladding is absolutely awful - so cheap and looks like it would blow off in any high wind. The circular windows / portholes on the stairwells etc are even comical.

To cheer us all up, remember that West Point is due something rather different in the coming years:

From August's Economy Bulletin - probably been posted before, but we hopefully should see it submitted for planning before Xmas (even though Construction News reported it being submitted last month - nothing has appeared on the council's planning list).

'KW Linfoot and Scarborough Development Group have proposed a 516 ft skyscraper on land between Wellington Street and Whitehall Road as part of the West Point regeneration scheme. The £200m development includes a health centre,offices, 650 apartments, shops, cafes and restaurants. A similar 26-storey glass tower, 295 ft in height, would be built next door to it containing 100 serviced apartments and around 100,000 sq ft of office space. The developers are expected to apply for detailed planning permission before the end of the year'.

I dont mind west point, fair enough they could have made it better but you carnt honestly think the old royal mail building is better?? Given the option you would rather have that then west point? I dont think so.

Lets just hope the venture towers are built, regardless of whether west point is shit or not.

I dont mind west point, fair enough they could have made it better but you carnt honestly think the old royal mail building is better?? Given the option you would rather have that then west point? I dont think so.

Are you suggesting that, after all the money and time spent on it and all the hype, it is slightly better than the old Royal Mail building, we should be truly grateful ? Let's hope it is obscured by better buildings as soon as possible !

I don't know why you're complaining- it's not that bad, and it's probably better on the inside. It is better than what was there before, and anyway it will be hidden soon. You should be grateful that Leeds is a pretty lucky city to get any regeneration at all. If you don't like sorta thing then you need to brace yourself for similar buildings at various locations in Leeds such as the Triangle and Trinity Qtr. (despite only a few facades visible and possbile redesign).

I don't know why you're complaining- it's not that bad, and it's probably better on the inside. It is better than what was there before, and anyway it will be hidden soon. You should be grateful that Leeds is a pretty lucky city to get any regeneration at all. If you don't like sorta thing then you need to brace yourself for similar buildings at various locations in Leeds such as the Triangle and Trinity Qtr. (despite only a few facades visible and possbile redesign).


Oh dear ! And why shouldn't Leeds get any regeneration ?

I quite like it.

I quite like it.


We all have out varying opinions - and you know mine. However, Charlie, living in Wakefield, presumably you won't have to look at it every day.

We all have out varying opinions - and you know mine. However, Charlie, living in Wakefield, presumably you won't have to look at it every day.

I quite like it too, it's certainly ok, ... and I do see it every day, I can see the upper half of it from my bedroom window, and I catch the bus outside it every day.

brace yourself for similar buildings at various locations in Leeds such as the Triangle and Trinity Qtr. (despite only a few facades visible and possbile redesign).

Trinity Quarter should be vastly better than the execrable West Point. I've seen the model, and we're talking about Enric Miralles here, not Carey Jones.

Enric Miralles as RIBA STerling winner for Scottish Parliament? He's dead...

Enric Miralles as RIBA STerling winner for Scottish Parliament? He's dead...

So's Gaudi but they're still building La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The designers for the Trinity Quarter are Stanley Bragg Architects from Colchester. Miralles worked with them as a consultant on the plans, and provided the memorable snaking glass roof. The model, which di Livio refers to, showed beautifully the impact the roof would have on the shopping centre below.

So's Gaudi but they're still building La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The designers for the Trinity Quarter are Stanley Bragg Architects from Colchester. Miralles worked with them as a consultant on the plans, and provided the memorable snaking glass roof. The model, which di Livio refers to, showed beautifully the impact the roof would have on the shopping centre below.

Let's hope it is good. We have been waiting long enough for it.

Let's hope it is good. We have been waiting long enough for it.

Unfortunately, we'll have to wait about 32 months from the start date 'til completion.

A small plaza has opened up at the foot of west point, lot's of seating and even some grass! was only driving past but looked like welcome bit of open area. This should be a nice place to sit looking up at 50 storeytower!

A small plaza has opened up at the foot of west point, lot's of seating and even some grass! was only driving past but looked like welcome bit of open area. This should be a nice place to sit looking up at 50 storeytower!

If the latter ever materialises (and even if it doesn't) don't expect to sit out there bathed in sun whenever it shines ! :)

A small plaza has opened up at the foot of west point, lot's of seating and even some grass! was only driving past but looked like welcome bit of open area. This should be a nice place to sit looking up at 50 storeytower!


I think there were plans to incorporate a large sculpture on this site. I wonder if that is to be situated on this plaza?

If the latter ever materialises (and even if it doesn't) don't expect to sit out there bathed in sun whenever it shines ! :)

Needless to say something will appear on the current empty site. The West Point towers will be awesome, and Kevin Linfoot has been vocal (albeit fairly restricted) has pledged his real commitment to getting these built as a lasting legacy. The planning application was only mooted for sometime this year, so it could be submitted anytime, and most welcome it will be. The 'plaza' could be interesting!?! Let's face it, Wellington Street is still really a bit barren, no entertainment experience compared to the east end of town and the Corn Exchange / Call Lane.

According to an article in the YEP today, CO-op are opening a store in West Point, aimed at station commuters, residents and workers from the local area. If it is successful they will look to open further outlets in the city centre. I believe it said it was scheduled to open this summer.

That is correct.

Greggs are going in there too, along with a Patisserie and a sandwch shop.

Benjy's for the sandwich shop maybe?

I thought it was called Breeze...?

That is correct.

Greggs are going in there too, along with a Patisserie and a sandwch shop.

Greggs and a Co-op. Excuse my little sniffle, but surely they could have marketed for some nice little independent operator instead of a neon blue and yellow lettered chain selling greasy pasties to the masses. argh, what next, Subway in Clarence Dock?

I don't see why you're complaining- something I notice with Brits! They complain theres the lack of something but when it comes its just as bad as before! We've been wanting a convenience store for ages! Nothing wrong with CO-OP at all, its a good convenience store. An independent operator would find the lease to expensive I would think and I like chains because you know what to expect and at what prices. Its not like its going to be a major shopping destination. As for Clarence Dock, I doubt subway will move in. Although don't be suprised if Starbucks, Costa, Caffe Nero, Progreso etc move in there. It would be a good location for a London Restaurant like the ones that are spreading to the regions e.g Wagamama and Yo! Sushi...

There's a Yo Sushi in Harvey Nicks, and a wagamama is also opening up in Leeds, can't remember where.

I think a co-op is great, it beats another bloody tesco.

Gregs can piss off though.

Hopefully the patisserie and sandwich shop will be independant stores. The patisserie sounds great, great assest to have at the bottom of your building, you never have to make breakfast again.

I know, thats why I chose those particular chains. Greggs is OK, not amazing but dont mind it. I know theres a Yo! Sushi in HN! Im going there on Saturday coz I got 1/2 price :D and theres Si Sushi in the Electric Press. Wagamama opening on East Parade/Greek Street. I think (might have been Park Row/Greek St.)

Does anyone know what the mint colour cladded building that is being constructed right next to West Point is? Seen it been constructed passing on the train is this more residential or something else?

Does anyone know what the mint colour cladded building that is being constructed right next to West Point is? Seen it been constructed passing on the train is this more residential or something else?

Don't know myself, but if it is possible to spoil this development, this does. I find it extremely tacky.

www.gallerynorth.co.uk

Subway in Clarence Dock?
yea...how did you know?? ho ho ho.
why not put a farm stores in there as well..lol
;@(

You're a miserable sod today pfeatherstone, what's up? found out you've won the lottery and can't find your ticket or something?

Does anyone know what the mint colour cladded building that is being constructed right next to West Point is? Seen it been constructed passing on the train is this more residential or something else?

It isn't next door to West Point, it's built on top. Or more to the point, it's been built on top of the indoor parking. That's the grey brick clad part of West Point fronting Northern Street. It does look odd and makes me think it's been stuck on as an afterthought.

I was wondering what the hell that thing was they they are building atop of the car park, can anyone enlighten us all?

does this mean the little crane has gone?

Whatever it is it wasn't in the orgional plans. Could possibky be extra apartments.

I was wondering what the hell that thing was they they are building atop of the car park, can anyone enlighten us all?

It's the studio apartments which are being sold on the cheap to first time buyers and the Yorkshire Housing Association.

If I bought an apartment in the bottom six floors of this develop I would be very worried as your view would be obscured by that green tripe.

It's the studio apartments which are being sold on the cheap to first time buyers and the Yorkshire Housing Association.

If I bought an apartment in the bottom six floors of this develop I would be very worried as your view would be obscured by that green tripe.

Anyone got any pictures? I'm really intruiged to see how West Point is being made even uglier!

There you Smoggie_Si a few pics of "the most prestigious apartments in Leeds"! :crazy2:

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP2.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP3.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP1.jpg

Cheers Jebus! Well I guess it's a contrast to the terracotta and grey cladding. Er can't really think of anything positive to say apart from that I feared it was going to be even worse!

I think Carey Jones deserve some kind of award for West Point, it just keeps getting uglier each time I see it. The old Post Office building should have been demolished instead of turned into this monstrosity.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/lapwld.jpg

Once La Lumiere built its goon alook even worse, what they should of done is build 3 Lumiere Towers instead of 2

How utterly bizarre and pointless that little afterthought /extension is... unlucky for the people that bought apartments with views blocked by this

How utterly bizarre and pointless that little afterthought /extension is... unlucky for the people that bought apartments with views blocked by this

couldn't agree more - what a pointless, cynical little exercise in exploiting limited space to the detriment of those original investors who have occupied the lower levels.

For once, the terracotta I've not got a huge problem with, its the awful gun metal grey panels on the top which make it look like vast mobile homes have landed on top of the building.

couldn't agree more - what a pointless, cynical little exercise in exploiting limited space to the detriment of those original investors who have occupied the lower levels.

What a long winded way of saying "what a crap idea" :) And I agree btw :)

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP3.jpg


Don't forget the wasted opportunity at street level - as you walk up this street you just have a big grey brick wall towering over you - would have made it more of street if it had retail units at the ground floor level...

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP1.jpg

Ruddy hell what is with that huge gap in bricks!:eek: Also what genius architect though it would be aesthetically pleasing to have on buildings breezeblocks as it rivals the worst concrete cladding of the 1960s as worst cladding to use for buildings. :ohno: Also other than the mint green cladding this annex to West Point would surely would help to make this development which was dissapointing in the first place into a greater dissapointment which at least there is the saving grace of La Lumiere to come along soon. Did any early renders for this scheme feature the green part of West Point as I never recalled it and also why could they not have had a quality street level surrounding this scheme which I certainly agree with LeedsLad that they should have included in this scheme.

What are they? Apartments, offices?

..

What a long winded way of saying "what a crap idea" :) And I agree btw :)

right, thanks for that. One normally tries to explain and justify ones vexation instead of simply saying 'that's crap'. :nuts:

one from west point
http://i9.tinypic.com/47t4jmx.jpg

The apartments were added after the initial design proposal had been accepted and the majority of sales in West Point had been agreed!
Truly anyone who has an apartment on the lower 8 floors overlooking that must be crying over their deeds. (I know one or two who have done just that in my presence after I informed them of what was about to take place).
As for renders, the only things to ever surface were line drawings with no indication of colours or finish.
This for me epitomises how KWL has treated Leeds to date; as his personal cash cow with no regard for its longevity or greater volume of residents.
I really, truly hope he has pulled his socks up and matured as a developer as he takes on the epic Lumiere (still a shite name BTW!).
Leeds could well be cursing KWL in 20 years time. By then it will be too late and he will be too rich.

(I know one or two who have done just that in my presence after I informed them of what was about to take place).

This for me epitomises how KWL has treated Leeds to date; as his personal cash cow with no regard for its longevity or greater volume of residents.
I really, truly hope he has pulled his socks up and matured as a developer as he takes on the epic Lumiere (still a shite name BTW!).
Leeds could well be cursing KWL in 20 years time. By then it will be too late and he will be too rich.

That's rotten. Robbing the reasonably well-off to feed the super-rich. But it's not only Linfoot who regards Leeds as his personal cash cow.
(anyone else dislike the patronising note on his website 'Breathing life into Leeds'?)

Theres too many different finishes going on, it looks like what it is, an afterthought.

Only advantage for the inhabitants whose views have been blocked is that at least they wont be missing out on much, the view onto the rear of the stunning Aireside Retail Park isnt exactly what you want to wake up to everyday. Of course, when Wellington Place gets going things might be different, but it's hardly motoring along currently.

Hey don't slate Mr Linfoot too much - remember he's planning on beating Lumiere some time soon...

..

ITs built above the grey brick car park that is the base of the cross-shaped building that is the West Point apartments. It stands inside the quadrant of two of the wings of West POint but there is a gap (6-8m IIRC) between its windowless rear and the apartments themselves.

Hey don't slate Mr Linfoot too much - remember he's planning on beating Lumiere some time soon...


Another vanity project? It's the Ridsdale mentality all over again.

Please no! Though if he did balls the city up he'd be more than welcome to bugger off to Cardiff or even Barnsley!

Hey who's complaining if he wants to build something as good as Lumiere but even taller - there's not many others queueing up to do the same. He usually gets on with it aswell!

I'd be complaining if either Lumiere or any other proposal was built to the same levels of 'quality' (sic) that either Whitehall Waterfront or West Point have been, and be treated the same way as the owners and investors have been regardless of how damn tall it might be!

Here's another one of this 'thing'

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP4.jpg

Cripes, look at that wall of disgusting John Major grey to the left of the development. Vile.

I noticed the green thing while pulling away from the train station this morning. It looked so pointless i wanted to cry. On the other hand, the tlatest Whitehall Riverside block looks much better now it's finished.

its not really that bad. its a midrise which is ok and the aartments sound nice.

No doubt it's an architects expression with a bit of colour. I think its ok but the unnecesary blocking of light from those apartment windows behind seems pretty bad and surprising.

As for Mr Linfoot, don't knock his mark on Leeds, he's helped transform this city more than anyone else, and I can't say he's done much wrong yet at all. Roll on Lumiere!

Well its not as bad as Park Plaza Hotel (minus the podium) but its still VERY bad considering its location, will lower the tone of Lumiere.

de-ja-vu!

Some of us like the Park Plaza/K2/Basilica/Tower North uniform tower cladding.

and some of us don't.....

Here's another one of this 'thing'

If a flying saucer landed on a roof of West Point it would look less out of place than this "thing".

It's a democracy on here, we're all entitled to our opinions. :cool:

Here's another one of this 'thing'

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/West%20Point%2010-11-06/WP4.jpg

can't remember who said it, but grey is the new terracotta in Leeds me thinks. In-fact the red tiles are probably the least offensive element of West Point.

the new extension almost looks like an architect has seen the mint green at Gateway and St James's and thought bugger it, let's give it a whirl here and see what happens. From distance its an interesting colour clash, but by lord, completely incongruous.

It's a democracy on here, we're all entitled to our opinions. :cool:

and two minutes with an average skyscraper enthusiast will soon make you change your mind...........

de-ja-vu!

Some of us like the Park Plaza/K2/Basilica/Tower North uniform tower cladding.

I dont mind the efforts they have made on Basilica and Tower North, i rather like them. An A- for K2; best 60s tower refurb in the City.

this building is vile, at ground level and from a distance. P*ss poor. The leeds style seems to be crappy grey cladding now?

It is indeed a disaster. There is no continuity architecturally speaking. The turqoise/grey/terracotta combo is quite frankly incomprehensible. I like K2, but I think this is vying for worst 'new' build in town.

It also seems of taken an eternity to build. Are there any plans to develop anything on the virtually derilict MFI/Jolly Giant retail park (I forget the name)

Aireside Retail Park; yes thats the Wellington Place scheme. One thread, can't remember which, has views over the area when all these schems have been finished- you can see it will be very maturely developed by this time.

I love K2 :D

As for West point; not as bad as it used to be, could have done alot more, colour combination is bad; too many styles and shapes crammed into one building. But itll do; other schemes will cover it up.

this building is vile, at ground level and from a distance. P*ss poor. The leeds style seems to be crappy grey cladding now?

In fairness, most of the buildings in this style are re-clads and in most cases this approach is preferable to demolition. At least we can say that Leeds is now relatively free of brutal '60s eyesores like the old Dudley House, or Cavendish House.

http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/04/200325_20257204.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/59/2002813_9588259.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/32/10232.jpg


http://www.leodis.net/imagesLeodis/screen/32/200566_88619632.jpg

Park Plaza looks ok facing City Square, but i find the horrid grey stripe facing the station m-host objectionable.

http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/photos/09-04-2005/Park%20Plaza%20Hotel%20Leeds.jpg

<thread hijack>

At least we can say that Leeds is now relatively free of brutal '60s eyesores like the old Dudley House, or Cavendish House.

Just so happens the one eye-sore we are not relatively free from is one of the biggest culprits and in one of the worst positions a bad building could be!:
http://www.leeds-cityscape.co.uk/photos/09-04-2005/City%20House%20Leeds.jpg


</thread hijack>

True. But its one of the few; should be reclad in glass; reflect the sky so it doesn't look so wall like and dominant.

Just so happens the one eye-sore we are not relatively free from is one of the biggest culprits and in one of the worst positions a bad building could be!:


The good news is it was up for sale recently. i can't see it attracting new tenants for the offices, so a re-clad or possibly even a demolition could be on the cards.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PTGPOD/870910~Champagne-Cork-Popping-Posters.jpg

Cant see City House being demolished imagine the chaos to Leeds City Station if a demolition took place. Would guess with any redevelopment a radical reclad perhaps with stone and aluminium cladding similar to Bridgewater Place to retain as offices as wouldn't it be too annoying for any residential or hotel to be right next to the station with the noise of trains constantly passing and that announcements woman (eg: hearing 'the 10:54 Virgin Cross Country service to Edinburgh is delayed for approximately 10 minutes' repeatedly would surely be annoying)? What also needs doing perhaps to make the ground floor of this building better at ground floor as at present it is just a plain wall as shown on the picture below and perhaps they could utilise it for additional retail space for City Station.

http://www.leodis.org/imagesLeodis/screen/89/2003109_76913089.jpg

The exact text for departures is 'The next train to depart from platform 9c, is the 1744 northern service to Poppleton' or whatever the time, destination, platform is. lol. It needs a reclad yes; but not stone. Glass or aluminium.

In fairness, most of the buildings in this style are re-clads and in most cases this approach is preferable to demolition. At least we can say that Leeds is now relatively free of brutal '60s eyesores like the old Dudley House, or Cavendish House.


Thanks for this injection of sense di-livio. One good thing for the metal clad blocks is that they look good from a distance, in all skies, in sunlight they look bright on the skyline which is good for Leeds as there are usually dull hills as a backdrop to the skyline, and they look much more metallic and colourful in dull skies.

What else should re-clads be clad in? Glass facades would be totally unfeasable, and terracota and other coloured tiles are unpopular now, precast recon panels would get very tedious and dull if all towers were clad in them (as No 1 City Square), that's why I think the metallic cladding is one of the best option for re-clads.

As coloured glass becomes more common due to advances in technologies, I envisage there being more choices for having combined facàdes a lá Lumiere's new proposals. Not like the shite that is Concord Street/Lovell House.
Once there are more tall buildings up I also believe there will be more chances to create more interesting designs. Can you imagine something like the white marbled Grande Arche of La Defènse in Leeds!? mm-mmmmm!

...or possibly even a demolition could be on the cards.

Please don't tease me!

It is indeed a disaster. There is no continuity architecturally speaking. The turqoise/grey/terracotta combo is quite frankly incomprehensible. I like K2, but I think this is vying for worst 'new' build in town.

It also seems of taken an eternity to build. Are there any plans to develop anything on the virtually derilict MFI/Jolly Giant retail park (I forget the name)

Leeds No.1 already mentioned it, but the Aireside Retail park will become Wellington Place. Quite a comprehensive thread here, with a link to the official site which has just been updated with some of the new proposals.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=239201