Yes it seems silly not to have access from the canal. Would be easy and shouldn't cost too much.

there is access - a big metal gate, the keys of which are the exclusive preserve of the residents. If I was a resident, I'm not sure I would want open access from the canal path right into the middle of my private development.

The development doesn't do much for me really, an identikit modern apartment block which could equally be found along the waterside of any British city undergoing a modicum of regeneration. Not offensive, but certainly not quality. I worry how these schemes will look in 10 years.

Most developers don't really think about that though. As long as they get plenty of revenue from the scheme there not really bothered. At least it has plastic panels on it so it won't be that hard to replace when the times comes for a refurb.

This week, from Whitehall Road:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/8%20November%202007/MiscellaneousPics051.jpg?t=1194710994

Is it me or this development taking ages to complete?

When i went past last week there was hardly any activity on site.

It does seem to be taking a while, i expected this to be complete by now.

there is access - a big metal gate, the keys of which are the exclusive preserve of the residents. If I was a resident, I'm not sure I would want open access from the canal path right into the middle of my private development.

As a resident of City Island I would have to say I am quite thankful there is a gate there. Canal's fine during the day, but feels a bit dodgy at night.

Whats going in that round glass thing at the top? That would make such a good place for a reastaurant or bar, probably going to be a penthouse though is it?

On the website it has renders for the penthouse.

Yesterday:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/30%20November%202007/30November2007044.jpg?t=1196431530



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Yesterday with the scaffolding coming down.



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Quarry Hill Flats Returns!

Quarry Hill Flats Returns!

At least they had some design panache. Great photos again, Aviator.

Sequels never match up to the originals, apart from maybe the Godfather?

Well, it's not bad considering the area it's in. It's a good height and helps mass up the already dense skyline.

Looks pretty cool to me, it ties in with phase 1, but has it's own distanct look too. That big framed glazed front looks quite refreshingly different from the rest of the red brick in both phases of the scheme.

guys, its frickin puke grey cladding again. How can that be positive? I still like the original City Island scheme, and it works, the two buildings relate to each other. This new building sits at the arse end of the site, overlooking the Ring Road, and frankly going to age so badly. Maybe its the light, but the cladding does look awful. Sorry.

I must admit in those last photos the whole thing looks pretty awful, the closeups with a blue sky don't look too bad though.

Hopefully there are no more of these City Island flats to go up, anyone know?

It's not THAT bad! It's just the same standard as things like Basillica/K2. It's just because we have even higher quality developments going up now that we think this is bad.

There are no more phases at City Island. An "old style" development that we might see go up though is the redevelopment at Chandlers Wharf. Apart from that, I think architecture will now be of the higher grade.

It's not THAT bad! It's just the same standard as things like Basillica/K2. It's just because we have even higher quality developments going up now that we think this is bad.

that's a perceptive comment No.1, and probably rather true. I suppose we've seen as much as we want to of the gunmetal gray plastic clad crap that Carey Jones have churned out as part of the Leeds renaissance over the last 5 years, and want to see something much more attractive and progressive in the future - Lumiere will start that off. West Properties at NY Street, Milgarth Tower and Criterion are all the sort of things we want to see bring some balance. Problem is, no doubt its more expensive to make it look nicer. Lowest common denominator architecture seems to prevail in most cases in the provinces......

Not the worst I've ever seen, and it's true that this is an 'early' development considering where Leeds is at now.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/30%20November%202007/30November2007047.jpg?t=1196431622

I can recall talk of a building to go between this phase and Wellington Road - an office building I think - I mean, that warehouse above can't stay there forever. That could help take the edge off the way the current buildings stand out, and improve links for the site with Wellington Road. I also think that if/when Monkbridge is complete City Island will blend in more than it does now.

The blank facade on the right hand side lets it down abit.
It's a shame the ring road was built like it was. It almost acts as a wall.
The problem with demolishing and replacing that warehouse is what itll be replaced with. Something bland aswell I would imagine.

I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. Not everything can be stunning architecture. I do think quality needs to be observed in this area, but it would help densen that area of Leeds with more buildings on this scale. I would argue that the Inner Ring Road from the west is the main entrance to the city centre, above all the other gateways. I think good density is needed here, and perhaps some lower quality developments will bring that, and provide a good basis for flagship buildings potentially at Mayfair for example.

I have long had a vision that the Armley Gyratory would be sorted out by creating a sculpture that marks Leeds and welcomes people to the city. Similar to the B of the Bang concept, and Angel of the North that says "welcome to Tyneside". I would like to see something like that for that site.

The route from the M621-A58(M) is quite good really in that although it goes through industrial areas, it is lined with trees and so is quite boulevard like in a sense. Some minor aesthetic improvements here and there would make an impressive entrance to the city.

I have long had a vision that the Armley Gyratory would be sorted out by creating a sculpture that marks Leeds and welcomes people to the city. Similar to the B of the Bang concept, and Angel of the North that says "welcome to Tyneside". I would like to see something like that for that site.

If you haven't seen it, this pdf from the council website (http://www.leeds.gov.uk/moderngov/mgConvert2PDF.asp?ID=16605&J=2) details the preferred options for improving and developing the 'West Leeds Gateway'. This covers much of Armley but also the area around the gyratory.

There isn't any mention of a sculpture, but their is an aspiration/hope to improve pedestrian and cycle access across the gyratory to make it less of a barrier and improve links between the city and west Leeds. There is also hope that the gasometer's days are numbered, and that the British Gas training centre site may become available for redevelopment (don't get too excited about that though - it's very much in the vein of the plans in case Tetley Brewery closes, ie a 'what if?' plan).

I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. Not everything can be stunning architecture. I do think quality needs to be observed in this area, but it would help densen that area of Leeds with more buildings on this scale. I would argue that the Inner Ring Road from the west is the main entrance to the city centre, above all the other gateways. I think good density is needed here, and perhaps some lower quality developments will bring that, and provide a good basis for flagship buildings potentially at Mayfair for example.

I have long had a vision that the Armley Gyratory would be sorted out by creating a sculpture that marks Leeds and welcomes people to the city. Similar to the B of the Bang concept, and Angel of the North that says "welcome to Tyneside". I would like to see something like that for that site.

The route from the M621-A58(M) is quite good really in that although it goes through industrial areas, it is lined with trees and so is quite boulevard like in a sense. Some minor aesthetic improvements here and there would make an impressive entrance to the city.

It’s true that, a few years ago, we would have welcomed this sort of building in this position, so it’s a sign of progress that this one’s getting a bit of a kicking right now. I was pretty excited when I first saw the plans for the Post Office building on Wellington Street, but it’s not universally popular now.

Most great skylines are viewed as a mass; individual architecture within them doesn’t often withstand critical inspection (just look at some of the banners at the top of this page).

With that in mind, I think that the Kirkstall Road corridor will cast this particular block in a completely different light in few years time. It will also be flanked by developments in Holbeck and Wellington Place and, of course, will, from the West, be dwarfed by Lumiere. So, although City Island won’t stand out itself, it will add to the massing of an impressive skyline overall.

With regard to gateways, the Gyratory is pretty full at the moment with the British Gas/Transco stuff, so I’m not sure what scope there would be to develop this. On that theme, it would be nice to think that there is some plan to rid us of gas holders in prominent locations the future (somebody out there tell me so).

If only the council had had the foresight to take up Anthony Gormley’s vision of the Brick Man before he added the wings. Now that would’ve look good at Armley.

It's a pity that City Island is a bit of a way out for us snappers but here's the current state of play. Not long now before the crane comes down, I reckon.



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I actually quite like this, has a hint of an asian city at it.

reminds me slightly of Dubai or somewhere like that

reminds me slightly of Dubai or somewhere like that

Looks okish for something at this end of town. Close up is it built to a reasonable enough standard and just a concern that the base of this building looks rather blank with small windows and terracotta. When will the apartments of Phase 2 start to be occupied and is there any news regarding Phase 3 (and will that be offices or apartments or a mix of both)? Is there not going to be any amenities at this development as surely its size would at least warrant a convenience store and cafe as other than the Majestic Wine Warehouse there are hardly any nearby shops.

Still no news on the bridge then? ;)

From what I remember, I think it is going to be offices around 10 storeys high

City Island 'en masse' taken on Monday

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d122/mpfreed/CIMG2572.jpg

Will we regret the City Island complex in the future do you think?

I don't think so.

Doubt it. As long as it's well connected (and it's getting better connected gradually, so shouldn't worry about that), it will be OK. It's not a bad development, much more interesting than Green Quarter for example. It doesn't look bad on the skyline.

I dont think so, its nothing of architectural merit, but its an innoffensive design, which looms large over the far west end of Leeds!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2314420683_11909dcf79_b.jpg

Nice picture there

Will we regret the City Island complex in the future do you think?


Yes, when sense prevails, and relatively cheap new-builds are no longer considered acceptable. Not that that'll ever happen (by the way, talking about the new one, think the others are better design wise, though still have an element of cheapness to them).

Not if it's well kept. There are plenty of 60s monstrosities in Central London that don't stand out too much as they are well kept. A 14 storey apartment block in Harrogate, which was built in the 60s or 70s; an ex-commie block basically, is well kept still so doesn't look too bad.

The last remaining crane at City Island is being taken down at last. Now let's see if Phase 3 (the office element) gets under way any time soon.

There was a little article in YEP about the crane coming down:

'IT'S not a job for the faint-hearted. Perched more than 200 feet above ground, on the very tip of the jib of a giant crane, you certainly need a head for heights. Caught on camera is a workman as he carries out work on the jib and pulley in readiness for the crane being dismantled. Leeds office and factory workers watched in amazement as the man carried out his perilous job, as the crane gently swayed in the breeze.

The crane has played a pivotal role in the construction of the latest phase of City Island – one of the biggest residential projects to be built in the city centre, off Wellington Road, opposite the Yorkshire Evening Post's home. The second phase of the scheme started on site in early 2006, and was 'topped out' in March last year at 20 storeys above ground. Its designers describe the 20-storey building as "a striking glass and rich red brick structure which has a curved and cascading nature". There are 404 individually designed apartments.'

http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/web/Upload/LEED//TH1_15320085crane.jpg

Yesterday minus scaffolding and crane.



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I don't think the huge area of concrete is helping in these pics.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2314420683_11909dcf79_b.jpg

Looks great with all the scaffolding now down. Just hope they cover the building in with a great lighting effect which would enhance its structure at night.

Yes that would be good. But I doubt that will happen. The area needs to have some more dense development so it all fits in to a larger mass better.

I don't think the huge area of concrete is helping in these pics.

Quite an understatement there, Tomd69. It couldn't look more isolated and bereft, but compare it to the shots from the canal, with the trees and the lock in the foreground. It's all about composition, I suppose: 'the camera never lies'?

Looks great with the canal, terrible with the concrete area. I look forward to when that area is developed.

Looks great with the canal, terrible with the concrete area. I look forward to when that area is developed.

Only a matter of time, my friend. At least I hope so.

Will we regret the City Island complex in the future do you think?

I can't help but think we will regret it, maybe not so much in terms of architecture but rather the fact that it has the potential to become a bit of a ghetto. It was scary to see two apartments originally bought for £212k and £172k go for £90k and £85k respectively at the auction last week.

I don't mind it architecturally. But yes, it could become a ghetto. It is absolutely crucial that it's connectivity to the central core is improved- along with many others on the fringe, or it will soon become apparent that they are not sustainable. At the moment City Island is cut off from the city by the waterways and Inner Ring Road- which is very similar to Holbeck which is so deprived because it's so isolated by waterways/roads/railways.

I agree with you regarding connectivity, but I wonder if that is only part of the problem here.

Some further news (apologies if this has been posted elsewhere) is that all of the off-plan buyers have pulled out and the backers are considering renting the whole scheme.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=530&storycode=3112434&c=3
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/money/property_and_mortgages/article3905055.ece

They haven't sold any of the flats! Somehow I can't see a phase 3 coming any time soon.

They haven't sold any of the flats! Somehow I can't see a phase 3 coming any time soon.


I don't think phase 3 will be affected one way or another by the downturn in the housing market. This part of the development is office accommodation.

viewing a couple of apartments there on saturday in phase 1... the rental prices are pretty damn good!

oh yeah... is there a footbridge across the river from it or do people on foot have to go over Wellington Bridge? Not that it's a major problem, the apartment is literally 5mins walk from work anyway.

Some further news (apologies if this has been posted elsewhere) is that all of the off-plan buyers have pulled out and the backers are considering renting the whole scheme.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=530&storycode=3112434&c=3
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/money/property_and_mortgages/article3905055.ece

That isn't the full story! The article states that the agents found an investment buyer for all the flats on three seperate occasions, but the developer turned the offer down, choosing to rent the 185 apartments themselves instead.

The latest commentry from businesses anylists is that the rental market could become stronger as credit is in short supply preventing buyers from purchasing property, that may be behind the thinking of the developers, Mayfair properties.

Well surely the crux of City Island is location especially as it is in such a fringe location a good walk away from the rest of the city centre (and is largely surrounded by development sites that have yet to be developed) with no nearby amenties except a Majestic Wine Warehouse on the Inner Ring Road.

Wouldn't this scheme become more desirable whenever Wellington Place and Latitude are finally completed sometime in the next goodness knows how many years. Did they use the proximity to these still largely undeveloped schemes in the publicity spiel for City Island to encourage investors?

As for a footbridge Suburban Knight yes the initial plan for this scheme did propose a bridge providing an easier link with the city centre via the Wellington Place site but ridiculously the developers didn't build a bridge even though it was mentioned in this schemes planning permission. Is the second phase occupied by tenants yet and is there any timeframe for the commencement of the third office phase?

That isn't the full story! The article states that the agents found an investment buyer for all the flats on three seperate occasions, but the developer turned the offer down, choosing to rent the 185 apartments themselves instead.

The latest commentry from businesses anylists is that the rental market could become stronger as credit is in short supply preventing buyers from purchasing property, that may be behind the thinking of the developers, Mayfair properties.


So from the glass being 50% empty, now its 50% full!! Lets have more positive reports on the Leeds property market, it might be tough out there, but there is still a market for new developments even if it is the rental market.

That isn't the full story! The article states that the agents found an investment buyer for all the flats on three seperate occasions, but the developer turned the offer down, choosing to rent the 185 apartments themselves instead.

The latest commentry from businesses anylists is that the rental market could become stronger as credit is in short supply preventing buyers from purchasing property, that may be behind the thinking of the developers, Mayfair properties.

That is indeed the case, although the offers were low, but you could argue that the middle eastern equity partners were being unrelaistic and this is why Savills felt they could no longer act for them. The rental market will strengthen, and they may take advanatge of this, but this was not the main rationale for this decision.

So from the glass being 50% empty, now its 50% full!! Lets have more positive reports on the Leeds property market, it might be tough out there, but there is still a market for new developments even if it is the rental market.

I think the postitive aspect goes further than that, falling prices in the city centre are forcing investors out and bringing owner occupiuers in, especially first time buyers. This will create a sense of continuity and community which will reinvigorate many of these developments and breath life into the new ones. Bricks and mortar (or rather cladding!) are arguably the easy thing to get right, the human element is somewhat more complex. I'm not sure about the market for new developments though in general.

Well surely the crux of City Island is location especially as it is in such a fringe location a good walk away from the rest of the city centre (and is largely surrounded by development sites that have yet to be developed) with no nearby amenties except a Majestic Wine Warehouse on the Inner Ring Road.

Wouldn't this scheme become more desirable whenever Wellington Place and Latitude are finally completed sometime in the next goodness knows how many years. Did they use the proximity to these still largely undeveloped schemes in the publicity spiel for City Island to encourage investors?

As for a footbridge Suburban Knight yes the initial plan for this scheme did propose a bridge providing an easier link with the city centre via the Wellington Place site but ridiculously the developers didn't build a bridge even though it was mentioned in this schemes planning permission. Is the second phase occupied by tenants yet and is there any timeframe for the commencement of the third office phase?

Yes location is the issue, but I wonder whether this development will have fallen too far to be rescued when the development comes.

In the original promotional material they advertised it as being city centre, no mention of other schemes although of course the bridge was shown.

The second phase is completed but currently remains completely vacant, for the moment at least. As mentioned rental yeilds are quite low in the first phase.

I almost rented a flat in City Island in the Faroe building. Im glad I didn't to be honest as it looked tiny and was just completely cut off from everything.
I agree with some of the posts on here though that when Wellington Place, Greenbank etc etc are all complete the value of apartments may rise again.
Personally I just wouldn't want to live in the second phase especially with a view overlooking the dual carriageway.

I wouldn't say it was cut-off really. For somebody working anywhere between Wellington Street and Park Square the location is absolutely perfect - such a short walk away! It may not have any shops/cafes on the development, but that's not really much of an issue when the City Centre is so near. It's certainly no different than walking down to the shops in a suburban location.

I wouldn't say it was cut-off really. For somebody working anywhere between Wellington Street and Park Square the location is absolutely perfect - such a short walk away! It may not have any shops/cafes on the development, but that's not really much of an issue when the City Centre is so near. It's certainly no different than walking down to the shops in a suburban location.

When I walked over the other day it only took me 10 mins from the station, the new Starbucks on Wellington Street is only 5 mins away. That's why I'm not convinced that location is the only issue. The communal areas seem quite nice although a bit worn and the apartments seem a resonable specification.

The security guard / concierge told me that as rental prices have fallen and virtually all owner occupiers have moved out it has gone down hill. He said it can get pretty rowdy and sometimes he has to kill the power to apartments to get people to stop playign loud music at 4am. He also said a few residents have really had a go at the communal areas, one smashed up the lift but he managed to catch them from the trail of blood!

Does anyone have any experiences from living there?

When I walked over the other day it only took me 10 mins from the station, the new Starbucks on Wellington Street is only 5 mins away. That's why I'm not convinced that location is the only issue. The communal areas seem quite nice although a bit worn and the apartments seem a resonable specification.

The security guard / concierge told me that as rental prices have fallen and virtually all owner occupiers have moved out it has gone down hill. He said it can get pretty rowdy and sometimes he has to kill the power to apartments to get people to stop playign loud music at 4am. He also said a few residents have really had a go at the communal areas, one smashed up the lift but he managed to catch them from the trail of blood!

Does anyone have any experiences from living there?

Blimey - sounds like living in student halls all over again! I'll definitely go have a look with an open mind though - the place is just so handy for work.

Oh dear. Thats just stupidity really; perhaps the place would be quite attractive if people actually took care of it.

I think it's not so much physical location, but the percieved location and the fact it's not very well linked. The waterways and ring road put a physical barrier around the development. Additionally, I don't think that many people would like to walk from City Island into Central Leeds at night- I think this will change when Wellington Place is built.

They haven't sold any of the flats! Somehow I can't see a phase 3 coming any time soon.
I've driven past Phase 2 of City Island a couple of times at night recently and each time I couldn't see one light on in the whole building. Is it still totally devoid of residents?

If they can't sell 'em, why have they not put them out to rent? The rental market is strong enough that they'd get occupied.

I thought it had been posted on here, the developers have (last I read) decided not to sell City Island II, but to rent all the units out themselves instead. I don't know when but clearly hasn't happened yet, perhaps the units are not fitted out yet?

Perhaps they realise that it won't be any more succesful than City Island I until the footbridge is built to link it to the centre quickly and safely.

Saw a 2 bed flat, I presume from phase 1 on auction for £65,000. Sounds like the lack of access is really killing this place, which isn't surprising really. Are there shops on site there? You'd think there would definitely be a need for one.....if a lot of the flats were occupied

Saw a 2 bed flat, I presume from phase 1 on auction for £65,000. Sounds like the lack of access is really killing this place, which isn't surprising really. Are there shops on site there? You'd think there would definitely be a need for one.....if a lot of the flats were occupied

When I went past there quite a long time ago when the 2nd phase was still under construction there wasn't any amenities on this site at all with the closest stuff whilst still being a bit of a walk away are a Majestic Wine Warehouse on the Inner Ring Road and through crossing the Inner Ring Road at the Kirkstall Road junction TGI Friday's and the Gala Casino. I agree it is certainly suffering from it's fringe location and it does seem ridiculous to me that all the apartments at the 2nd phase are still completely empty. It would be interesting to see how much the prices for the apartments at City Island had fell from their peak (presumably when the scheme was first under construction) and unsurprisingly back then it was supposedly sold something along the lines of the apex of ultra-cool city living and an investment opportunity which is clearly looking a bit ridiculous now although I do think the buildings themselves look ok imo I guess it is a development which suffers from it's location. http://www.mayfairuk.com/new1/index.asp?flag=cityisland

A cutting edge development, City Island is a striking glass and rich red brick structure set over six to fourteen levels. There are 404 individually designed units ranging from luxury penthouses to modern one and two bedroom apartments.

City Island represents the Leeds debut of Mayfair Developments. Exclusive apartment living overlooking the striking features of Leeds urban landscape, City Island is not just a place to live but a statement about your lifestyle. It is the place where you belong surrounded by your most precious possessions.


How are City Island's developers Mayfair performing currently and presumably it is doing badly considering the general state of the property market and because their website looks rather out of date with numerous sites to developments including City Island having closed down and the out of date render of the City Island Phase 2 which shows it in pastel pinks, greens and blues as opposed to the terracotta similar to the first phase. http://www.mayfairuk.com/new1/index.asp?flag=city2

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2918915083_171ae84df4.jpg?v=0

Does anyone know what has happened to phase 2 of City Island, is it still sat empty? This has to be to be the most disastrous development in Leeds. There are sill 2 bed flats being repossessed and sold for £60k, about a third of the original sale price :ohno:

The latest news was that they are not going to be sold to individual buyers, but all the apartments were to be let directly by the developer. Quite a sensible solution in the current climate as renting is going well, but I don't know that there are any signs of this happening yet.

Is the second phase of City Island still completely devoid of any tenants? If so what exactly is going on to see this substantial development completely empty despite being complete for (I think) 2 years. Certainly a disaster and surely the developers could at least put the apartments up for rent (or in the worst case scenario could the council even take the building over perhaps to provide much needed council housing)?

Is the second phase of City Island still completely devoid of any tenants? If so what exactly is going on to see this substantial development completely empty despite being complete for (I think) 2 years. Certainly a disaster and surely the developers could at least put the apartments up for rent (or in the worst case scenario could the council even take the building over perhaps to provide much needed council housing)?

When I think of the image "council housing" conjures up that really would be the worst case. That's probably a bit of an unfair stereotype tho.

Noticed an article by non-other than estate agent Jonathan Morgan in freebie City Dweller magazine whilst at Costa Coffee at Crown Point today which had some interesting stuff. http://www.city-dweller.co.uk/CityDweller-45.pdf (Page 14).

At the other end of the City, to the rear of City Island, is ‘Waterside’, a building which has been completely finished for around 2 years. I must confess that this is a total mystery and the only real anomaly in the entire city centre. Apparently, the bank which owns the building, ABC, has little motivation to find a way forward - hard to believe when there is potentially around £1.4m worth of rental income to be had each
year if they chose to go down this route.

Interesting to note why the Waterside Apartments element of the City Island development is still vacant and it certainly is bizarre how it still isn't even occupied when it surely would be better to at least add some new available properties for the city centre. I presume this ABC Bank (Agricultural Bank or China, Arab Banking Corporation?) are strangley holding off for a new buyer for the Waterside Development perhaps with an excessive value meaning they have been unable to sell the building onto anyone else as of present due to possibly unrealistic expectations on the part of the bank possibly ala Centre Point in London which was left vacant for many years or maybe a case of complete absenteeism on the part of the bank which might not even be based in the UK. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_Point

The article also mentions that around 93% of city centre apartments are occupied (but does the 93% class full time residents or just owners of apartments even if they don't live there and perhaps instead act as an investment as opposed to a home) and Twenty Twenty House on Skinner Street between Regent Street and Lincoln Green Estate is now being managed through rentals and is apparently successful after the developer for that scheme went into administration. I guess the prospect of widescale job cuts could surely affect the market for residential generally in the coming weeks and months which the article fails to mention (although as it is Jonathan Morgan we are talking about then this isn't surprising).

I went to go view the second phase of City Island which is called the "Aruba" development. The interior of the apartments are still being completed and they have not bein fully furnished yet, however the developer are in the process of doing so! Apparently the developer have given full letting rights to letting agent LS1 so you can only let or view these properties via LS1. They are letting the development in phases slowly from bottom to top. They have fully let floors 1-5 (apparently) and the second batch which i got to view was in the middle on floor 6.

I did ask the letting agent why they were not let out sooner and he said it was because the developer wanted to focus on city island - lol. The apartments themselves were nothing to should home about - very strange layout - but a lot of space, the rooms look over the roof of a warehouse not ideal really but i'm sure they'll be lots of people willing to pay £720pcm. I'm sure they won't have trouble filling them!

Do these apartments continue the insane craze for laminate floorings everywhere?

Do these apartments continue the insane craze for laminate floorings everywhere?

Laminate flooring is better than the cream carpets my old flat had. I swear landlords put those in so they have an excuse to claw back some money from the bond at the end of the tenancy as they're always going to get grubby...

Laminate flooring is better than the cream carpets my old flat had. I swear landlords put those in so they have an excuse to claw back some money from the bond at the end of the tenancy as they're always going to get grubby...

That's true; but laminate flooring isn't great for noise. On the cream carpets; one could argue that if it's always going to get grubby that's wear and tear which the tenant shouldn't have to pay. Of course landlords (and agents) want the flats back in "brand new" condition despite them being let for years.

Looks like the letting is about to begin, and this strange anomally that has affected the vacancy rate figures for the past few years (feeding the scum media's negative anti-Leeds campaign) should start to be removed.


Agency to let apartments

Date: 13 September 2010

YORKSHIRE firm Linley & Simpson has been appointed to handle the letting of up to 50 apartments by the Leeds waterfront. The flats are at Waterside, a new development between the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the River Aire.

Linley & Simpson's city centre branch manager, Gaynor Barrett, said: "We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to let so many apartments.

"They are near the City Island development, which is perfect for access to the financial area of the city. In the other direction, you have all the benefits of the Cardigan Field leisure area with the large cinema, ten pin bowling and fitness centre."

Letting agency Linley & Simpson has eight offices in Yorkshire, including three serving the Leeds rental market. For more details on the Waterside development, ring 0113 246 9295

c/o YEP, dated 13 sep 2010

To be fair this is one of the worst of the developments Leeds threw up during the boom. Its basically an isolated pocket of residential development in an industrial no mans land.

Interesting ploy by the agents to use the term 'waterfront'. Yes it may be next to the water but has anyone seen what lies on the opposite side of the bank?

Like how they say it's handy for Cardigan Fields - that's about a 10min drive away (assuming traffic is good). If I really wanted to live somewhere on that basis I'd move to Burley...

To be fair this is one of the worst of the developments Leeds threw up during the boom. Its basically an isolated pocket of residential development in an industrial no mans land.

Interesting ploy by the agents to use the term 'waterfront'. Yes it may be next to the water but has anyone seen what lies on the opposite side of the bank?

I used to live there and we were promised the world... that office block in front was to be turned into a bar/shop with a green area... still not happened,

rats were usually in the basement, probably because bin areas were never kept tidy...gardens were usually a mess, in entrance areas usually half eaten pizza's etc...

Noise a plenty from other flats, walls were paper thin..

We soon moved out ...

^^It's hard to be anything but negative about this development.

This is a prime example of what has fueled the negative 'anti-Leeds' campaign. You can't defend the indefensible and it should never have been built.

A lot of the city centre flats are pretty mediocre. If people are going to move back to the living in the city they need a lot better than what's currently on offer.

A lot of the city centre flats are pretty mediocre. Can I ask what you mean by this?

If people are going to move back to the living in the city they need a lot better than what's currently on offer. Move back? I don't think there has been an exodus. I thought there as many if not more people than ever living in the city centre. The number of properties hasn't changed and I believe demand is high.

Can I ask what you mean by this?

Last time I went around flat-hunting it seems to be too much to expect things like a freezer, or even in some cases a washing machine to be in the flat. The layouts are often bizarre and give the distinct impression that it has all been done to cram as many flats into the building as possible, with how well they work to actually live in being very much an after-thought. A double bedroom where the bed is up against a wall because that's the only place it will fit is an example of this.

I may be being overly harsh based on the few places I have seen lately and how much my current flat pisses me off (part of that is due to inept agents, but that's another story).

Move back? I don't think there has been an exodus. I thought there as many if not more people than ever living in the city centre. The number of properties hasn't changed and I believe demand is high.

I meant move back as in people actually living in the city centres (I think it was more common in the distant past than say 20 years back). Over the past 20 years there has been a massive increase in flats in the city centre (not just in Leeds), but I'm not sure it's all that sustainable, especially if the places are crap.

SSC seems to have lost my original reply. it went something like:

Last time I went around flat-hunting it seems to be too much to expect things like a freezer, or even in some cases a washing machine to be in the flat. The layouts are often bizarre and give the distinct impression that it has all been done to cram as many flats into the building as possible, with how well they work to actually live in being very much an after-thought. A double bedroom where the bed is up against a wall because that's the only place it will fit is an example of this.

I may be being overly harsh based on the few places I have seen lately and how much my current flat pisses me off (part of that is due to inept agents, but that's another story).

You may be right. My experience of city living was different. The current high demand for what is still a small number of flats (~7000?) will not be helping you.

It would be very interesting to see how the quality of city centre flats differ from ones built in the suburbs during the same period.


I meant move back as in people actually living in the city centres (I think it was more common in the distant past than say 20 years back). Over the past 20 years there has been a massive increase in flats in the city centre (not just in Leeds), but I'm not sure it's all that sustainable, especially if the places are crap.

I'm not sure but, excepting London and the main Scottish cities, I don't think city living was ever a feature of the UK until the recent "boom". Post industrial revolution anyway.

It is a shame that Edinburgh and Glasgow weren't used as templates for city living in Leeds.

There's an interesting piece in tonight's YEP which picks up on some of the points made above about the ebb and flow of supply and demand for city centre flats. Added to which, it specifically mentions Waterside (which is why I posted it here).


A new dawn for Leeds city centre living?
Published Date: 17 December 2010

The recession may have halted apartment block construction, but more people now turn to the heart of Leeds as they switch from buying to renting. Rod McPhee found out how demand for city living is now outstripping supply.

Two years ago things looked bleak. The credit crunch was sinking its teeth into the economy and the final nail in the financial coffin, the recession, saw millions of Britons left without a chance of getting a mortgage. The housing market slumped, and one of the worst sectors hit in Leeds was city living. By 2008 the banks of the River Aire were lined by apartment blocks with hundreds of units up for sale and very few people able to buy.

Fast forward two years and city living is booming. Rental agencies are reporting a huge surge in demand as owners of apartments have quickly switched from trying to sell properties to letting them. Mike Moon handles city centre lettings at Linley and Simpson in the middle of Leeds. He said: "Two years ago things were in a lull. Because we're the second biggest financial city outside of London there were a lot of job losses, so we found a lot of people had to move out of the city centre or move back with parents.

"But in the last year or so things have really picked up, that lull seems to have passed a little but young couples and younger people who would struggle to get a mortgage at the moment, their only option is to rent really.

"We've had a great 12 months. It's tricky to say exactly because the market is so seasonal but, on average, we'd normally be looking at renting about 30 to 40 properties a month. But in September we let 60 – it was our most successful month since we opened in the city centre five years ago."

But the recession has proved a double edge sword for the city living market. Although it has forced many people to rent, and provided developers with some kind of income, It also stopped the construction of new developments in Leeds. Lumiere on Wellington Street, Spiracle by the ring road, the Kissing Towers on Sovereign Street and Green Bank off Whitehall Road were due to bring hundreds of new apartments onto the market over the next five to 10 years. Now they've all been scrapped and letting agencies can't get enough properties.

Mike said: "After the massive influx of constructions, very few projects have completed recently, but at the same time more and more people want to rent. We're at the stage now where demand is outstripping supply.

"And at one time a lot of people came into the city centre initially so they could just be close to work or the social scene then move on. But now we have less and less people moving on after a year or two, and more staying on long term. That's another factor which is reducing the supply."

Evidence of this dearth can be found when the Waterside development, sandwiched between the canal, River Aire, the ring road and City Island, was finally put up to let this summer.

Mayfair Developments finished construction of the 183-apartment scheme in 2008 with the intention of selling them. Instead it sat empty for almost two years and was held up by some as an example of how the city living bubble had burst. But when they were made available it took just three months for them all to be snapped up at a rough cost of between £550 and £900 a month.

Judith Oliver, owner of LS1 property letters said: "Waterside was only standing empty for some period because it was just one of many casualties of what happened at the time. It was nothing to do with people not wanting to live in them, they just couldn't get the finance to buy them.

"It just took some time to make the change from selling them to renting them, but since that's happened the development has filled up very quickly. We manage about 75 per cent of the complex and every single apartment has gone.

"In fact we've always found the rentals market a very strong market, we've grown year on year. But in 2010, in our best month, we were something like 20 per cent up compared to the same period last year.

"Yet, still, there's this perception that there are hundreds of apartments sitting empty around Leeds just looking for people to let them. Well, if that's the case, we'd like to know where they are!"

That's a sentiment echoed by Guy Ackernley partner at Leeds property consultants King Sturge. "City living can never really win." he said. "The cynics will always throw one or other criticism at it. First they point towards the saturation of the market, then when the market stops growing and rents rise - as we think they now will because of the current situation - they'll point towards apartments as being expensive and out of the reach of ordinary people.

"But city living is here to stay. The rentals market has always been stronger and this year there's no doubt it got stronger. People are less transient, they're staying in their flats much longer and the time that flats are left vacant between one person moving out and another moving in can be a day or so. When an apartment becomes vacant we are invariably seeing them snapped up in days.

"As well as seeing rents potentially rise in 2011 we think more people will be in a position to buy. There's already a fairly robust market for buyers. The scheme we represent at Granary Wharf has already shown people can still buy. In 2010, just as we came out of a recession, we sold, on average, six apartments a month at Granary Wharf.

"And that's because they are of an improved quality. Before the recession there was an evolution in the quality of city living apartments, but sadly that evolution has stopped because for the next three years at least there will be no new projects coming on line and we wish they were.

"Of course people will point towards that as an example of city living's failure. It isn't. It's purely down to the inability of people to get finance to build these projects. Either way, city living does work because the demand is still there. Just look at Leeds now, there are thousands of apartments here and they are all full."

Don't get too excited, but City Island phase 3 was going to be an office block I think, and it was to be built on the site of the 2 storey business which currently fronts onto the IRR next to the 20 storey block. Passed today, and the building has wire fencing round and a number of portacabins are now on site with yellow jacketed workmen on site.

Think this was a 10 storey proposal. I can't believe they would be starting construction on this site without us knowing something about it, but it certainly looks like something major is happening on the site.

Oo goody! Were there any renders of this 10 storey block? I'm presuming an office block is not going to be red and grey like the residential ones on site

Sounds hopeful. Wonder what the architecture will be like...

Perhaps they got planning permission ages ago but didn't deem construction feasible until now which is why we haven't heard anything.

Hmm... I'd like to be hopeful, but it could just as likely be essential maintenance on the earlier phases of City Island to stop them leaking or collapsing, as the build quality isn't fantastic!

It could also just as likely be preparation for demolishing that building and putting in a surface car park?

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/toml-1991/cip3ld.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/toml-1991/cip3lc.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/toml-1991/cip3lb.jpg

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/toml-1991/cip3la.jpg

Could this be it?

Don't get too excited, but City Island phase 3 was going to be an office block I think, and it was to be built on the site of the 2 storey business which currently fronts onto the IRR next to the 20 storey block. Passed today, and the building has wire fencing round and a number of portacabins are now on site with yellow jacketed workmen on site.

Think this was a 10 storey proposal. I can't believe they would be starting construction on this site without us knowing something about it, but it certainly looks like something major is happening on the site.

Could it just be a case of demolishing the existing warehouse to avoid paying rates and maintenance for that building? Alternatively could it be a case of refurbishing that warehouse for a new tenant?

When you consider there are empty plots closer to the city centre such as Wellington Place, Whitehall Riverside, City Square House and now the former Tetley's site then I can personally see it being a while until an office is developed on that site. Still a new office would certainly be nice right next to the Inner Ring Road. Could a new office for YPN be a possibility (assuming the full closure and eventual redevelopment of the existing Yorkshire Post Newspapers site?)

Could this be it?

Would be nice if it was that design. Would certainly lift the appearance of this side of the IRR. YP news building needs to go along with the monstrosity and embarrassment that is across the way, bridge point is it called? The derelict building?

And the mystery is solved I believe......its not very exciting, I'll warn you now.

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LD2AWNJB0FZ00

And the mystery is solved I believe......its not very exciting, I'll warn you now.

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=LD2AWNJB0FZ00

Disapointing, although I guess in this day and age it is better than either leaving the warehouse derelict, a flattened waste land or as a surface level car park.

Ah. Bit of an anticlimax there!

All seemed too good to be true. I thought something like a 10 storey office block would have had major publicity if it was starting construction.......how times have changed!!

If City Square House ever actually starts people on this forum are going to soil themselves with excitement.

They are... think you're confused though; this is for City Island not City Square House.

If City Square House ever actually starts people on this forum are going to soil themselves with excitement.

We've seen the renders already...unless they'res something you're not telling us? :)

We've seen the renders already...unless they'res something you're not telling us? :)

I wish!

What I meant was that City Square House is probably the most impressive project currently on the drawing board, waiting to start. If a significantly less exciting 10 storey block on the edge of the city centre generated this much excitement, just think what it would be like for a landmark project such as CSH.

If City Square House ever actually starts people on this forum are going to soil themselves with excitement.

Or something that sounds a bit like it.

I wish!

What I meant was that City Square House is probably the most impressive project currently on the drawing board, waiting to start. If a significantly less exciting 10 storey block on the edge of the city centre generated this much excitement, just think what it would be like for a landmark project such as CSH.

Oh right. I've still got my eyes set on the Minerva House redevelopment. I don't think it will ever happen now, but I'd love to see that proposal go forward. It really was in another league.

Oh right. I've still got my eyes set on the Minerva House redevelopment. I don't think it will ever happen now, but I'd love to see that proposal go forward. It really was in another league.

+1, That was beautiful design.