From the architects website - the only info I can find (no idea of dates...)

Next phase of City Island

City Island Phase 3 received planning permission last week for another 160 apartments and 20,000m2 of high quality office accommodation.source (http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/press/index.htm)

View from otherside of A58M ?
http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/images/cip3la.jpg

View from Majestix wine?
http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/images/cip3lb.jpg

View from other side of canal?
http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/images/cip3lc.jpg

View from back of YEP?
http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/images/cip3ld.jpg

3D render of apartments
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/4dgraphics/residential/cityisland/t6.jpg
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/4dgraphics/residential/cityisland/t5.jpg

source (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/4dgraphics/residential/cityisland/cityisland.htm)

It's alright, a bit bland though, should look okay. I had no idea that this development even existed though.

As skopie said, it looks OK. I suppose it will extended the re-development zone out a bit any new builds to build up desnity is good really. I did know about this development, although there has been little information on it...

It's alright, a bit bland though, should look okay. I had no idea that this development even existed though.
Its a pretty poor render. The real thing should look better,

True, having now seen the 3d render (wouldn't load before) I quite like the shape, suppose it will all come down to the cladding like most buildings.

Still, it's another 18 storey building on the skyline, that's about 60-70m?

If I remember correctly. The proposed office element has been scrapped by the developers in favour of the apartments.

i thuoght this was new too, then i checked my site, its been on there since march -
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=1027

Tis indeed good that the strange looking gray office element has disappeared. The renders on the Brewster Bye website look fairly poor, but I like the first phase of City Island, and have high hopes for the next phase. Its a little close to the Inner Ring Road for my liking, however I like the curved nature of the design and think it will sit nicely between the river and canal. Looks likes it due to start in early January, but then we've not seen any publicity or marketing, but if they are that confident and sold the bulk of the first phase quickly, I guess they are ready for phase 2/3. Marvellous. Another site to keep an eye on.

The renderings look very conceptual, rather than final impressions of what it will look like.

From what I remember, the building was 56m tall. There was supposed to be an office block, but it's not that grey thing attached to the main block, if that's waht you're thinking of. There were plans sumbitted and approved for large block (10 floors or so), with 2 huge funnel-like features going up one side, giving it a rather industrial look. Not exactly Lloyds, but it was an interesting concept. Still, since that was 3 years ago, it would be foolish to expect exactly the same plans are still around today.

I like the shape but im not too sure about the cladding.

Looks like the next phase is starting as there appears to be a drilling rig on site.

http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/images/cip3ld.jpg

Really don't like this last one - both the protruding rectangular concrete frame and the central double column of windows spoil it for me...

Really don't like this last one - both the protruding rectangular concrete frame and the central double column of windows spoil it for me...

can't imagine it got planning permission based on those rather basic renders. I'll reserve judgement until we see the actual materials to be used.

do they not need to demolish that low rise light industrial block fronting the Inner Ring Road first?

It will be great to see in the near future (well around 2010ish) an entrance on the inner ring road which is walled by this, Mayfair and the Spiracle with possibly more... It would be really good. Is it me or does the inner ring road seem rather unorganised at this point too? Just kinda a stretch of tarmac where cars can do what they want...

can't imagine it got planning permission based on those rather basic renders. I'll reserve judgement until we see the actual materials to be used.

do they not need to demolish that low rise light industrial block fronting the Inner Ring Road first?

I would have thought those renders would suffice, as renders only make a small part of the planning application. Elevation and plan drawings make up the majority of the application, along with calculation sheets for the structure, energy usage, traffic, environmental effects, compliance with the miriad of regulations, actual samples of finish materials, etc.

It will be great to see in the near future (well around 2010ish) an entrance on the inner ring road which is walled by this, Mayfair and the Spiracle with possibly more... It would be really good. Is it me or does the inner ring road seem rather unorganised at this point too? Just kinda a stretch of tarmac where cars can do what they want...

LOL at that last sentence!

It's a road, what do you expect from it!???

Yeah but there doesn't seem to be any clear lanes its just all over the place...

Yeah but there doesn't seem to be any clear lanes its just all over the place...


Are you drunk when you travel on it! It couldn't be any clearer to drive on, not like the crazy city centre loop.

Generally its fine, its just the bit between Armley gyratory and the flyover at the Yorkshire Post.

the road is fine, yes it can get busy but to this day i haven't seen anyone pulling wheel skids yet, i'm not quite sure what you're trying to get at. it's a road it works, it just does.
how does your brain work? it would make a terrifying film.

Generally its fine, its just the bit between Armley gyratory and the flyover at the Yorkshire Post.

I have some sympathy with you on this Leeds No. 1. That particular stretch is not well marked and is especially awkward if, as often happens, one or two of the street lights are not functioning !

Thankyou! It just needs smartening up really, and theres a silly little turn off thing which jsut goes into some drive for something (cant remember what) which many first time drivers on here could mistake as the turn off for Wellington Street on entrance to the city...

How much would it cost to just improve the general look of the inner ring road? I know its only a road, but just some nice small trees along the central reservation and some colourful lighting maybe- just something to split up the concreteness of it would be nice. I know it's not a priority and isn't that bad but it can be done so why not do it! People dont think radically enough these days. And replace those ridiculously small signs and the light bulbs which havent worked for years which are along it!

I have some sympathy with you on this Leeds No. 1. That particular stretch is not well marked and is especially awkward if, as often happens, one or two of the street lights are not functioning !

It is a tad messy, compacted by the volume of traffic, which the future residents of City Island phase 2 are going to have to enjoy. The road markings are fine IMO, although it certainly needs resurfacing.

I noticed that a drilling rig is on site, and new hoardings were being erected around the site today.

Is this new phase the tall 17 storey block or a lower rise block?

I have been wondering this.

The drill has been there for a while ( at least a month or two), so I guess from that it is something substantial, but it could be either the 8 storey office or the 17 storey mixed use project.

I'm sure now that this is the major second phase of the project.

The substantial amount of piling work seems to be done now, and there are now two large crane bases in place ready for the start of construction.

I have been trying to research this, which is dificult as there is not a lot of information floating about and the architect's site hasn't been updated, and I believe the height could be even higher than we thought previously, possibly 18 or 19 storeys.

One useful source of information is the structural engineers Capita Symonds who designed the structure, and who confirm the job is now on site, and who quote 21 stories themselves, although have a 3D model image showing a maximum of 19 stories (below) -

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/images/captia-symonds-4.jpg

I'm sure now that this is the major second phase of the project.

The substantial amount of piling work seems to be done now, and there are now two large crane bases in place ready for the start of construction.

I have been trying to research this, which is dificult as there is not a lot of information floating about and the architect's site hasn't been updated, and I believe the height could be even higher than we thought previously, possibly 18 or 19 storeys.

One useful source of information is the structural engineers Capita Symonds who designed the structure, and who confirm the job is now on site, and who quote 21 stories themselves, although have a 3D model image showing a maximum of 19 stories (below) -

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/images/captia-symonds-4.jpg

good find Rob - shame that the basic renders on the Brewster Bye website are the best we've got to go on. Any chance we can convince them to chuck in a new bridge? ;)

I'm sure now that this is the major second phase of the project.

The substantial amount of piling work seems to be done now, and there are now two large crane bases in place ready for the start of construction.

I have been trying to research this, which is dificult as there is not a lot of information floating about and the architect's site hasn't been updated, and I believe the height could be even higher than we thought previously, possibly 18 or 19 storeys.

One useful source of information is the structural engineers Capita Symonds who designed the structure, and who confirm the job is now on site, and who quote 21 stories themselves, although have a 3D model image showing a maximum of 19 stories (below) -


Good news that the crane bases are on site. When they are erected in the near future we should have a good idea of how high these buildings are going to be.

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/images/captia-symonds-4.jpg


Good news that the crane bases are on site. When they are erected in the near future we should have a good idea of how high these buildings are going to be.

First of 2 cranes gone up today.

Certainly not tall enough for 20 storeys, but would do for 10. The second one looks like its going up tomorrow. Could be a biggie, if so then the tall tower is a goer.

Ah, I noticed the crane today, looks to be just a bit higher than the current City Island, not enough for the tallest part of the development, but as the development is stepped, that doesn't mean too much. We'll have to see what the other one looks like.

Second crane on the way up. Definitely taller than the first, but wasnt yet completed when I saw it about an hour ago.

The second crane is up now, and is quite substantially taller than the first. Tall enough for up to 19-20 stories by the look of it (by comparing it to Whitehall Quays and City Island).

City Island Phase 2 -

http://www.mayfairuk.com/new1/images/city2-2.jpghttp://www.mayfairuk.com/new1/images/city2-3.jpg

City Island II is a striking glass and rich red brick structure set over six to fourteen levels.
City Island II is set amidst the criss-cross network of Leeds waterways that provide a tranquil backdrop to the hustle and bustle of city life.
With close links to the city centre, City Island II is just a short walk from the heart of Leeds and all that it holds.
City Island II represents the Leeds debut of Mayfair Developments.
Exclusive apartment living overlooking the striking features of Leeds urban landscape, City Island II 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.

As per Mayfair Developments' website.

http://www.mayfairuk.com/new1/index.asp?flag=city2


Given their record in Manchester in terms of new development, I do not hold this company in particularly high esteem.

Is it me or does the image on the right show 17 floors?

but a statement about your lifestyle.

Christ alive, the worst publicity statement ever. If you want to live on an island where the main entrance and exit is onto the Inner Ring Road, the views are of the YEP building, and there is no pedestrian bridge across the Aire as first promised. Good luck selling that amigos!

City Island II is a striking glass and rich red brick structure set over six to fourteen levels.

Can't see neither glass nor brick.... and definitely NOT striking. And, get the bridge sorted first!

Is it me or does the image on the right show 17 floors?

The top floor could even be duplex (more than likely if following CityIslandI) which would mean 18 floors....

City Island Phase 2 -

City Island II is a striking glass and rich red brick structure set over six to fourteen levels.
City Island II is set amidst the criss-cross network of Leeds waterways that provide a tranquil backdrop to the hustle and bustle of city life.
With close links to the city centre, City Island II is just a short walk from the heart of Leeds and all that it holds.
City Island II represents the Leeds debut of Mayfair Developments.
Exclusive apartment living overlooking the striking features of Leeds urban landscape, City Island II 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.
http://www.mayfairuk.com/new1/index.asp?flag=city2


That's the biggest load of bullshit i've read in a long time!
They deserve an award for their creative writing! (and nothing else) :bash:

Maybe there's a bridge coming with phase 2 ?

With all the bad publicity, I think I would cough up for one soon to save some face if I was the developer (in addition to wanting to provide the customer with the right product that they paid for).

I'm still convinced the bridge will arrive - theres no point having one at the moment as the other side of the river is a building site.

Here's a distant view of the City Island phase 2 cranes (taken from Horsforth). You can see the height of the second (taller) crane compared to Whitehall Quays at 16 storeys, and City Island phase 1 at 15 storeys, it looks tall enough for 18, 19 or 20 storeys if it is going that high.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa63db173b1a49a6364900c6b9ec71a00/ef4e2f62.jpg


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc971a0f98372bc6d29aa3a622d41ced0/ef4e3afc.jpg

Here's a distant view of the City Island phase 2 cranes (taken from Horsforth). You can see the height of the second (taller) crane compared to Whitehall Quays at 16 storeys, and City Island phase 1 at 15 storeys, it looks tall enough for 18, 19 or 20 storeys if it is going that high.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa63db173b1a49a6364900c6b9ec71a00/ef4e2f62.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc971a0f98372bc6d29aa3a622d41ced0/ef4e3afc.jpg


Its going to be 17 storeys plus one basement- so the taller crane fits the bill perfectly.

Its going to be 17 storeys plus one basement- so the taller crane fits the bill perfectly.

There apears to be conflicting evidence about the number of stories, I don't know if anyone on the forum has the definitive plan of what is currently under construction until something is confirmed.

3D render of apartments
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/4dgraphics/residential/cityisland/t6.jpg
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/4dgraphics/residential/cityisland/t5.jpg

source (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/4dgraphics/residential/cityisland/cityisland.htm)


Here is phase 2. The cranes are positions perfectly to build these apartments and their height matches the height of these plans.

No pictures, but this development seems to be flying up. Quite hard to actually get a decent picture of it because it's a bit out of the way with regards to the centre, but from what I could see it must be about 6ish storeys high now, maybe more.

It was a long time in the foundation stage with little showing, but that is to be expected with such a big building. It certainly is flying up now though.

you can see it going up past the main road its about 3-4 floors now

I live in City Island and have witnessed some dodgy stuff on site -- yesterday a whole load of railings accidentally fell, and it's just luck that someone didn't get hurt. Later on, I'll post an image that looks totally wack (dangerous) to me and see what you think. Rob, do you live in City Island, also?

From my dealings with the YEP, when they ran the article on the footbridge, the main reasons for them not building the bridge are the fact that (as someone has already said) there is a building site at the other side, but also that the original agreement to combine the Gas pipes which run accross the river at the location the bridge was intended to be placed with the bridge itself fell through for safety reason I believe.

This has left them with a problem as the planned location of the bridge is obstructed by the pipes.

Still not helping any of us who are getting very used to walking up and down a motorway every day.

What do they care anyway? The've sold all CI1.. maybe as CI2 starts to get nearer completion, they may be forced to put some plans in place.

As for CI2, having spoke to the CI staff about this, they are apparently ahead of schedule with the building. Once that is up, the low rise Energis building will be flattened and an office development put in its place.

Looks like I'll be long gone from CI by the time all this is completed.

Rob, do you live in City Island, also?

I don't, although the development looks appealing. My comments are only from what I've observed in passing. It does however need the bridge to work effectively.

With regard to phase 2, I was wondering what had happened to the large office element. It would be good to get that done as it would bring the development up to the main road, and clean up the appearance of the whole scheme, which looks rather tatty from the main road (A58M) side.

I don't, although the development looks appealing. My comments are only from what I've observed in passing. It does however need the bridge to work effectively.

With regard to phase 2, I was wondering what had happened to the large office element. It would be good to get that done as it would bring the development up to the main road, and clean up the appearance of the whole scheme, which looks rather tatty from the main road (A58M) side.

Can't remember if I asked this question before: When I moved into City Island, a contractor told me the YEP was coming down to be replaced by a new apartment building. First, forgive my aging brain cells if this is an already told story, but does anyone know one way or the other if there are plans to tear it down?

CI is a weird place to live and I doubt I'll be here much longer, but as an artificially created community it's an ethnographer's wet dream.

Not heard that before - perhaps some crossed wires - there is the Mayfair tower proposed across the road from the YEP?...

Not heard that before - perhaps some crossed wires - there is the Mayfair tower proposed across the road from the YEP?...

I've been told my the CI staff that YEP is coming down sooner rather than later.. All well and good in the future... but the likely hood is that that will be torn down and re-developed into offices/accomodation in a year or so.. coupled with the building site next to it, looks like us with a 'Riverside view' will actually have a building site view for the next 3 years..

I'll be out of here is February anyway by the looks of things.

Aaron

[QUOTE=livefrom]Can't remember if I asked this question before: When I moved into City Island, a contractor told me the YEP was coming down to be replaced by a new apartment building. First, forgive my aging brain cells if this is an already told story, but does anyone know one way or the other if there are plans to tear it down?[QUOTE]

I think I heard something on here a few months ago that Yorkshire Post were to move from their present site to offices in the Spiricle Tower with the printing part to the lower Aire Valley. Is that happening still?

As for City Island isn't there an abandoned road which runs from here to Whitehall Road on the island between the River Aire and Leeds Liverpool canal (which has appeared to be derelict for donkeys years and has 1950s looking lampposts). Why don't they reopen that as surely that would improve the limited access to this location (in addition to that bridge which should certainly be built) and does anyone have any pictures of this as it looks rather odd. Also could anyone do any pictures of how progress is progressing in this development.

Cheers very much for the information. You do know that I love that building.... And, Val Verde, that strip of road you described makes me really curious. I'm going to try to figure that one out... If I can figure out how to upload photos, I will, as I have plenty of the surrounding area.

I've heard nothing about the demise of the Yorkshire Post building, and as it has recently had a minor refurb, I don't think there is much prospect of it going.

I've heard nothing about the demise of the Yorkshire Post building, and as it has recently had a minor refurb, I don't think there is much prospect of it going.

must admit I've not heard a sniff about the YEP - didn't they get a series of new presses quite recently???? Its a similar issue to the Carlsberg plant, I think if either moved it would remove a considerable amount of solid employment on the city centre fringes. Its an argument we've been having in the London forums, but we shouldn't wipe from the face of the earth every 1960s concrete block. The international pool and Royal Mail have both gone, but I sort of like the YEP, sure its dated, but if we replace it with more beige brick, grey cladding or terracotta tile new build, we run the risk of obliterating any character or history from the area (keep in view, most of Kirkstall Road riverside will also be regenerated in the coming years).

I think I heard something on here a few months ago that Yorkshire Post were to move from their present site to offices in the Spiricle Tower with the printing part to the lower Aire Valley. Is that happening still?

As for City Island isn't there an abandoned road which runs from here to Whitehall Road on the island between the River Aire and Leeds Liverpool canal (which has appeared to be derelict for donkeys years and has 1950s looking lampposts). Why don't they reopen that as surely that would improve the limited access to this location (in addition to that bridge which should certainly be built) and does anyone have any pictures of this as it looks rather odd. Also could anyone do any pictures of how progress is progressing in this development.

I think that is just a car park. I don't know what it has been in the past, but the viaduct has a structural point just after the canal towpath, and before the river starts... so there would be no room for access? I don't know for sure.. but I know that local vagabonds like to hang out there.

Will take a picture of developments next time I go out fo those interested..

Aaron

The point about the YEP moving will be purely economical. Imagine this: Johnson Press (who own it) realise it's land asset on the whole site (10m+?), engages renowned architect to build mixed-use iconic buildings one of which will house all the exisiting journos, hacks, sales etc. Meanwhile, the presses are moved to a purpose-built state-of-the-art printing centre in stourton/aire valley area. Exisiting staff occupy spare office space somewhere else in the city centre while new office is built.

It just might happen.

The point about the YEP moving will be purely economical. Imagine this: Johnson Press (who own it) realise it's land asset on the whole site (10m+?), engages renowned architect to build mixed-use iconic buildings one of which will house all the exisiting journos, hacks, sales etc. Meanwhile, the presses are moved to a purpose-built state-of-the-art printing centre in stourton/aire valley area. Exisiting staff occupy spare office space somewhere else in the city centre while new office is built.

It just might happen.

Interesting and plausible scenario. Suggest tell the company to adopt it !

It may happen at some time, but there is still not enough demand on land yet .. consider the 'Mayfair' plot across the road, they can't pull together a commercial case to develop that site.

How is this lil out-of-the-way development coming along?? it must be rising pretty high now?? Some pictures would be a treat, i havent had a chance to have a nosey around there lately.

Sorry only this through-the-train-window shot. But you can see it rising.

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4180/cityislandpx3.jpg

Why is City Island II looking far worse than the first phase? Surely it'd make sense to keep it in the same style as the other two. In the point of architecture as a sculpture, it's already fine as it is and I like it's gradual sloping down, but this new build will ruin the effect and is also looking very cheap.

I think it is going to be simuler with the tallest part of the building at 19 storries.

Why is City Island II looking far worse than the first phase? ...........but this new build will ruin the effect and is also looking very cheap.

I don't quite understand. The new build is merely a concrete skeleton, and is incomplete at that. How can a skeleton be looking cheap?

..

Why is City Island II looking far worse than the first phase?

Um, because it's a building site?

I don't quite understand. The new build is merely a concrete skeleton, and is incomplete at that. How can a skeleton be looking cheap?

lol i was thinking the same.

Um, because it's a building site?


You must all think I'm stupid, or rather you're all too stupid to realise I was talking about the friggin' plans! i.e. The Renders at the start of this thread.

You must all think I'm stupid, or rather you're all too stupid to realise I was talking about the friggin' plans! i.e. The Renders at the start of this thread.

I didn't have a clue what you were on about either, look at how you worded your post. Why is City Island II looking far worse than the first phase It would have taken some guesswork and a lot of luck for people to realise you were on about the plans at the start of the thread IMO.:ohno:

They were very conceptual renderings that didn't show close detail and building materials, though. I have a feeling that the plans indicated that it will be masonary and glass rather than panels, and therefore more in keeping with the quality of the first phase.

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/images/city/city01.jpg

Might give you a better idea, though it remains to be seen what the red cladding will be.

However, the silvery bit is aluminium as confirmed by this.

-----City Island main contractors, David McLean Contractors Ltd, have awarded the £800,000 cladding contract for Phase 2 development to Weatherwise.

City Island is an exclusive residential development set in the city centre, offering luxury apartments, duplexes and penthouses.

The contract, worth £800,000, centres around an aluminium rainscreen cladding system for the prestigious apartment blocks, and is due to complete in March 2007.---------

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/projects/rainscreen.html

EDIT: Wahey, I actually know how to post pics from websites now!!

You must all think I'm stupid, or rather you're all too stupid to realise I was talking about the friggin' plans! i.e. The Renders at the start of this thread.


Hmm, let me think about this.

You express yourself so unclearly and inarticulately that readers on this thread don't know what you're talking about. You make value judgements about the quality and build of the proposal, based purely on conceptual renderings.

And then you call other people stupid???:bash:

..

I didn't have a clue what you were on about either, look at how you worded your post. It would have taken some guesswork and a lot of luck for people to realise you were on about the plans at the start of the thread IMO.:ohno:

Well, to be honest, who comments on the looks of a building's steel framework as it's going up? I thought it was pretty obvious I'd be refering to the designs, didn't realise I'd have to spell it all out for people.



Might give you a better idea, though it remains to be seen what the red cladding will be.

However, the silvery bit is aluminium as confirmed by this.

-----City Island main contractors, David McLean Contractors Ltd, have awarded the £800,000 cladding contract for Phase 2 development to Weatherwise.

City Island is an exclusive residential development set in the city centre, offering luxury apartments, duplexes and penthouses.

The contract, worth £800,000, centres around an aluminium rainscreen cladding system for the prestigious apartment blocks, and is due to complete in March 2007.---------

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/projects/rainscreen.html

EDIT: Wahey, I actually know how to post pics from websites now!!

This is looking a bit better, although I feel a quality stone clad or possibly glass would work better instead of the grey alluminium.

Hmm, let me think about this.

You express yourself so unclearly and inarticulately that readers on this thread don't know what you're talking about. You make value judgements about the quality and build of the proposal, based purely on conceptual renderings.

And then you call other people stupid???

I would've posted one of the renders with it, but at the moment imageshack is playing up and I can't load anything. As for me apparantly expressing myself so ''unclearly and inarticulately'', don't you think your going a little over the top here, so it was a minor error on my part, I would never consider people would actually think I was talking about the construction site. As for making quality judgements, exactly what else do you have to go by but renders? Seen as they were the only one's on the thread at the time, I don't think I had much choice. Perhaps instead I should comment on how I imagine the renders to be in the future: ''I like how these renders that haven't been made yet will look in the future and I will judge the building entirely on something that hasn't yet been produced''. Now people judge designs on what they see so far all the time, and maybe we should have foresight, but you can't analyse the non-existent. I was just adding my view to the thread as to my opinion of it so far.

As for the 'stupid' comment, do you really think I was 100% serious? It was meant in an atleast partly comical way, and I'm sorry you can't see that. Perhaps people are taking themselves just a little too seriously on this thread...

Well, to be honest, who comments on the looks of a building's steel framework as it's going up?


Stranger things have happened on here.

i think the concrete skeleton looks pretty snappy to be honest!

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/images/city/city01.jpg

Might give you a better idea, though it remains to be seen what the red cladding will be.

However, the silvery bit is aluminium as confirmed by this.

-----City Island main contractors, David McLean Contractors Ltd, have awarded the £800,000 cladding contract for Phase 2 development to Weatherwise.

City Island is an exclusive residential development set in the city centre, offering luxury apartments, duplexes and penthouses.

The contract, worth £800,000, centres around an aluminium rainscreen cladding system for the prestigious apartment blocks, and is due to complete in March 2007.---------

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/projects/rainscreen.html

EDIT: Wahey, I actually know how to post pics from websites now!!



In this render, it looks like there could be 18 or 19 floors, rather than the stated 17. Anybody know if this design has been increased in height?

March 2007 for completion of this second phase is not that long away I wonder how they will finish it for then although that newer render looks rather better than the one at the start of the thread which I was not too keen on however would reserve judgement unless better renders are posted and when this reaches completion.

Also are they actually going to make any effort in having any amenities as it must be a huge walk for cafes, bars, convenience stores etc from here as it is rather out on the sticks and are they actually going to build that bridge which (I believe was part of their planning permission) would make a much an easier link into the city centre which in my opinion City Island at present has a poor connectivity to surrounding streets and areas and could have been so much better designed for connectivity in my opinion although the first phase actually looks ok aesthetically.

Well found Even Flow, the first up to date image of the development.

I drove past a few days ago, the whole structure is kind of one big semi-circle. It should tie in fairly well with City Island 1 as it is positioned a short distance away.

As for height, it is at least 18 stories. If the opening at the lower level is at ground floor and glass clad section at the top steps a floor above the red clad portion and then again with the round top floor, it could be as much as 20 stories (see post no. #27)

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/software-in-action/city-island-development-leeds.htm

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/images/city/city01.jpg

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/images/captia-symonds-3.jpg

Well found Even Flow, the first up to date image of the development.

I drove past a few days ago, the whole structure is kind of one big semi-circle. It should tie in fairly well with City Island 1 as it is positioned a short distance away.

As for height, it is at least 18 stories. If the opening at the lower level is at ground floor and glass clad section at the top steps a floor above the red clad portion and then again with the round top floor, it could be as much as 20 stories (see post no. #27)

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/software-in-action/city-island-development-leeds.htm

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/images/city/city01.jpg

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/images/captia-symonds-3.jpg

well found evenflow. Apartments probably too close to the Inner Ring Road for my liking and this ongoing farcical saga about no bridge to let the residents walk through to Wellington Place (building site as it is) doesn't help my judgement. That said, slightly mitigated as there are security gates which allow residents to drop down onto the canal path and then up the steps on to Whitehall Road opposite the Monksbridge site. Small mercies and all - the bridge is a must, especially when Wellington Place completes (about 50 years from now at this rate). Kudos for Mayfair Developments for getting on with building it. they must have some agreeable bankers!

the finish looks simply like so many other new builds, nothing to write home about IMO. Can't wait for some proper soaring glass clad stunners!

The cladding is fairly ordinary, but the half round shape and the general verticality of the design make it look quite striking.

I think apartments should be built right up to the inner ring road. It would:
a) Make an impressive entrance to the city centre
b) Make use of the space
c) Provide cheaper accomodation for those starting on the property ladder
d) Provide cheaper accomodation for students

I think apartments should be built right up to the inner ring road. It would:
a) Make an impressive entrance to the city centre
b) Make use of the space
c) Provide cheaper accomodation for those starting on the property ladder
d) Provide cheaper accomodation for students

its still the 'city centre' though and land values are most likely to still be very high. the cheaper accomodation (Clarence Dock student digs), Opal at Kirkstall Road, and Opal at Wade Lane etc are all a little distance from any real site of interest, and nowhere near as accessible as the top notch residential development sites.

Can see what you're saying though, but living next to the Inner Ring Road can't be everybodies cup of tea.

Yeah but not as high; and in todays property market any saving is a saving. I wouldn't mind living next to the inner ring road- would be quite exciting. You would get the feel for the city. Busy roads don't bother me- I live on a main road as it is, and before I lived here I lived on another main road.

It's a shame that everyone in the property game (that I've spoken to) refer to City Island as 'Shitty Island'. A crap phrase indeed, but this phrase was coined owing to the terrible quality of the flats in phase one. Has anyone been in one?

Yep, more than one... what do you want to know?

I the aforementioned name is appropriate or if it's spawned out of self interest......

If, even

Right from the start I liked City Island; at least on the exterior, and from the images and videos of the interior it looks nice; seemingly the reality is different but I like it...

There are at least 2 levels of quality in the apartments that have been built in the last 6 years in Leeds, perhaps there are 3.
Unfortunately CI falls in the lowest of these categories along with the Velocity development. This (IMO) is based on the quality of finish, materials used and the specification provided. The amount of space and use of that space also contributes to this categorisation.
Those developments that would appear in the higher grouping would be ClarenceDock (probably top dog in Leeds), No.1 Dock Street, Merchants Quay,Whitehall Quay.
Middle of the roaders would be Whitehall Waterfront, The Quays, Brewery Wharf...

My mate lived in city island, i dont mind it inside and out! Granted the apartments are small but all 'cheaper' ones are. City Island is also slightly cheaper than most other city centre apartment blocks! Not a bad development overall, relatively.

Some updated construction shots

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/City%20Island%2014-11-06/CI3.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/City%20Island%2014-11-06/CI2.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/City%20Island%2014-11-06/CI1.jpg

Hope they do something with the red brick building in front of it

Is that not where the office building is going to be put in the final phase?

Great photos btw, they are really getting on with this.

Is that not where the office building is going to be put in the final phase?

Great photos btw, they are really getting on with this.

Yep your right for some reason I thought the renders on the first page were early renders for this phrase

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/City%20Island%2014-11-06/CI2.jpg


Just a number of things about this picture and City Island in general:

1) What is the small building to the right of the picture used for? - Is it I guess a sales office for the first phase and are there any plans to make this into something else or is it to be used to market the second phase?

2) Note the road markings leading from the road to the car park for phase one of City Island are on the wrong side of the road. Is this the only other example than Savoy Court in London and the entrance to the Merrion Centre car park in Leeds (opposite Stick & Twist) where traffic is required to drive on the wrong side of the road?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/92/Savoy-court-drive-right-out.JPG/800px-Savoy-court-drive-right-out.JPG

3) When is the construction of the office element of this scheme due to start?

4) Will there be anything done to develop a link between here, under the old Leeds Central station viaduct to Whitehall Road along what appears to be an abandoned road which is at present rather unattractive waste land.

Thanks for the photos Jebus, this things really moving on up now, looks like they are onto the 11th floor level already.

As for the existing buildings and area between the tower and the ring road, the original sheme was to have glass clad office buidings there, which solves the problem of building up to the road, and will screen the residents from the traffic. If this happens it'll make the area look great as a gateway into the city centre, rather than the derelict eyesore it has been up to now.

http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk/images/cip3lb.jpg

Surely with the office element there, they'll be forced to build the mythical footbridge.....you'd think.

For comparison -

http://www.integer-software.co.uk/images/captia-symonds-4.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g24/save_mejebus/City%20Island%2014-11-06/CI1.jpg

1) What is the small building to the right of the picture used for? - Is it I guess a sales office for the first phase and are there any plans to make this into something else or is it to be used to market the second phase?

Could it be a caretaker's hut?

The entrance to the comet car park in Harrogate requires you to drive on the right into it as it comes off the one way system.

Today:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/cityisland2_jan07_2.jpg

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/cityisland2_jan07_1.jpg


Impact on skyline with a few more floors to go:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/cityisland2_jan07_sky.jpg

Today:

Impact on skyline with a few more floors to go:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/cityisland2_jan07_sky.jpg

what were you doing near that adult store Talisker :banana: ?

I can't get excited about City Island phase 2 either.

Oh come on jimbo, you could have got a better joke out of it than that!

Looks like they will finish without us seeing a decent render of it. Progressing quite fast, aren't they.

Anybody who had an outside facing apartment in the short end of Phase1 is buggered!

Looks good another addition to the skyline is good.

Theres another 6 or 7 floors to go as well. It's going to dominate the skyline from the perspective shown earlier.

Looks reasonable so far although the terrible access to the city centre from this development is obviously an issue and lack of amenities more so, is there not even going to be one cafe, bar and corner shop to serve this quite sizable development and when is the next phase to be built on the lowrise industrial unit due to start? Also talking about the "Adult Store" picture is anything going to be placed onto the site at the junction of the Inner Ring Road and Armley Road where there used to be a Honda dealership? Surely could be a good site in the future as this area develops perhaps a scraper?

Yep..I agree at the moment this area is rather lacking but hopefully that makes property here a good investment for the future as the only way for this area to go is up. I do rather love the design of CI1 but the area for me needs so much tlc I can't quite fall in love with this build quite yet.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid222/pd1595ce1b658a71495421fdf7f645e0b/eb33f3cd.jpg

It's amazing to see the rapid growth in the redevelopment of this area of Leeds for good quality residential use ..this is a good indication that this area will become totally transformed over the future years. Already it is starting to look good although there's heaps left to do.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/jenajuk/kstlrd0107.jpg?t=1168251518

I like City Island, and so I have alot of hope in the new phase too. It'll densen up the entrance to the city centre.

Looking at alot of the skyline pictures it should be noticed that so many of the buildings are new; in alot of todays skyline images the skyline wouldnt be there if it were 10 years- its so different now its unbelievable. Both of those images are made up of nearly all new builds.

Opal 1 looks a lot beafier from that view, compared to driving past it on Kirkstal Road.

yeah i wonder how tall the other opal opal 1 phase 2 will be?

9 stories, just a shorty (by Leeds standdards).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/jenajuk/kstlrd0107.jpg?t=1168251518

Anyone else think the student block with 3 grey bits sticking up would look great expanded upwards with 5-10 storey glass clad bits on top of the 3 grey bits? Or would that just look weird?

^^ I think that would look like Willy Wonkas chocolate factory :nuts:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/359885728_b0bc92527c_b.jpg
Courtesy of Flickr

Where's the famous Jebus tag? :(

Where's the famous Jebus tag? :(

Not one of mine, if you look under the pic it does say its from Flickr :)

Thank God for that! The "Where's Wally" element of your photos is the only thing getting me out of bed in a morning!

Burley road was closed this afternoon just past Park Lane College due to the high winds because of an unsafe building. I wonder if it was Opal 1 Phase 2? When I walked past it this morning I nearlly got blown over.
I can see the City Island from my living room window and its been growing fairly quickly. I dont think i'd like to overlook the dual carriagway though.
As for amenities and so on quoted by Val Verde there is the Coop city store and Nisa nearby.

Well it is still at least a ten minute walk away to access those facilities. I thought with the wide array of flats constructed on this site surely they should at least have a cafe, bar and convenience store to serve this development. Also why is it that developers are renegading on promises for new infrastructure such as the new bridge for access to this development. Wouldn't prices rise higher if access was easier and straightforward as opposed to having walk alongside the Inner Ring Road? I know about the planned Wellington Place scheme potentially blocking this but surely they could have fencing to prevent people accessing the building site when it eventually starts construction with a designated walkway through that site whenever that ever starts construction. Also is there any plans to develop that waste land I highlighted in orange on the map below. Surely is bizarre to have a wasteland like that next to such a large development and could'nt they use that as an additional access road (note phase one is red, phase two is blue and the mystery bridge is in green)?

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2439/cityislandkf8.jpg

the arches are meant to become a pedestrian walkway. the orange bit is probably to small, but could be a very nice garden that complements "the beach"
btw- city island phase one is closer to the ring road, it ends about where the left end of the lock is.
phase two semi circle needs to be inverted to:P

the arches are meant to become a pedestrian walkway. the orange bit is probably to small, but could be a very nice garden that complements "the beach"
btw- city island phase one is closer to the ring road, it ends about where the left end of the lock is.
phase two semi circle needs to be inverted to:P

The footbridge is shown clearly on MEPC's new website for the proposed beach at Wellington Place (http://www.wellingtonplace.co.uk/www/urbandesign/beach.htm)

As far as I'm aware, the strip of land outlined in orange is part of the HBG proposal for the old Monbridge Works the other side of the canal. I think it's to become a pocket park.

Anyway, the new phase of City Island yesterday:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/29%20Jan%202007/P1010029.jpg?t=1170154838



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/29%20Jan%202007/P1010032.jpg?t=1170154886



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/29%20Jan%202007/P1010035.jpg?t=1170154940



I believe there's still a proposal to site an office block in front of this second phase, fronting onto the Inner Ring Road.

Really how tall is this new proposal for phase 3 ?

I recall about 55m. I have the exact figure somewhere. The office part is quite good from what I can remember.

Is their a construction start confirmed yet?

good photos aviator. Quite an interesting curved shape. I'm quite keen on City Island all round. I think the actual location of it squeezed between the Canal and River is quite unique, the stepped up elements of phase 1 don't look too offensive either. Whoever bought in City Island phase one, will be rather happy as it seems that an originally isolated site is to be connected up with Wellington Place, HBG's Latitude, and GreenBank. Phenomenal residential numbers really. Can't fail to attract some retail and local commercial elements in the coming years.

good photos aviator. Quite an interesting curved shape. I'm quite keen on City Island all round. I think the actual location of it squeezed between the Canal and River is quite unique, the stepped up elements of phase 1 don't look too offensive either. Whoever bought in City Island phase one, will be rather happy as it seems that an originally isolated site is to be connected up with Wellington Place, HBG's Latitude, and GreenBank. Phenomenal residential numbers really. Can't fail to attract some retail and local commercial elements in the coming years.

Disagree profoundly. Au contraire, whoever bought in City Island phase one, should be very unhappy, as the promised footbridge link with the city centre has not materialised. That was supposed to be a selling point for the flats and anyone who bought in at the beginning must have felt 'conned'.

Id say only the bridge lets it down; otherwise its good. Its a nice, well designed building for its location.

I'd say it's definately NOT close or a short walk to Leeds city center, as stated on their website "it's realisticly more of a hike"... the same goes for greenbank, "A new waterside development in the heart of Leeds" I don't think so !

I'd say it's definately NOT close or a short walk to Leeds city center, as stated on their website "it's realisticly more of a hike"... the same goes for greenbank, "A new waterside development in the heart of Leeds" I don't think so !

With a bridge as promised it WOULD be only a short walk (City Island that is). Personally I think a prosecution under the Trades Description Act ?

It does need the bridge quite desperately. However as well as the Wellington Road route, residents can get access straight onto the canal path and walk in via Granary Wharf.

Thanks for the updated photos Aviator, I've been wondering how this is looking close up as I see it growing behind the scenes. Looks like the fifteenth floor is being made now.

It does need the bridge quite desperately. However as well as the Wellington Road route, residents can get access straight onto the canal path and walk in via Granary Wharf.

I agree it DESPERATELY needs a bridge and without one it will become more of a Desert Island than a City Island.
As you said, there is an alternative route via the canal and Granary Wharf, still a long hike though... weather permitting and hiking boots covered in mud, dosen't seem like a viable option, plus I wouldn't want to venture there after dark.

"Desert Island" sounds quite nice actually :)

"Desert Island" sounds quite nice actually :)

:laugh: it does have an appeal to it.

Disagree profoundly. Au contraire, whoever bought in City Island phase one, should be very unhappy, as the promised footbridge link with the city centre has not materialised. That was supposed to be a selling point for the flats and anyone who bought in at the beginning must have felt 'conned'.

I'm thinking more as a long term investment, i.e. bought off plan 3-4 years ago would have been 'relatively' cheaper as a fringe site, but where the entire area is due to be redeveloped over the next 5 years. I agree that the lack of a bridge is a downer, but it certainly doesn't condemn the development. If there was a bridge, where would it then connect to? The back of the MSCP, or the derelict muddy concrete fenced end of Wellington Place? Even if there was a bridge, i don't think it would be the safest or most pleasant of walks. I can't imagine the bridge (or lack of it) would effect the sale price in too much of a deliterious manner. Its absence is more of an annoyance than something that would dictate whether someone invests in a flat there or not IMO.

There was a chap (cobalt) i think who lives in City Island who raised the issue here before.

If there was a bridge, where would it then connect to? The back of the MSCP, or the derelict muddy concrete fenced end of Wellington Place? Even if there was a bridge, i don't think it would be the safest or most pleasant of walks.

Thats what i was thinking, when this development is complete and when wellington place gets going i think the issue will be raised. Its all pretty much a building site round there at the moment, never say never eh.

I went along to this one too. You can walk right round it, and get within about 2-3m of the tower part, which is a little unusual for a building site.

It is up to a full 18 storeys so far, I think there may be another floor level to go on as I think I could see bits of re-bar above each lower column. I'd love to see it up to 20 but I won't hold out too much hope as I think it'll finish off at 19.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa4ecf2b8a0ef1f6d3e109a81861a7e76/ea73f1fe.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pc925aa1360df0d8e76fc6417dfe97c31/ea73f1f1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p20f54020de95361118dad019ec7ae318/ea73f1e9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p6edd1e1f961b7d14080e1354e1870c9c/ea73f1d6.jpg

Dig the pictures.

Hey, guys, I lived in City Island for a year, apologies if I already mentioned this, and it was dead awful. I could hear the elevator announcements in my flat, as well as any ambient sound from the hallway. The place is falling apart. It's a perfect and dreadful example of venal developers' greed -- no already existed community to draw from, no commitment to anything but money, no bridge, no nothing. IMHO, but lived experience, CI is nothing but a social disaster and anything good that comes from it is in spite of the architecture not because of it. Actually, I've written about this in a forthcoming volume of Parallax....

Dig the pictures.

Hey, guys, I lived in City Island for a year, apologies if I already mentioned this, and it was dead awful. I could hear the elevator announcements in my flat, as well as any ambient sound from the hallway. The place is falling apart. It's a perfect and dreadful example of venal developers' greed -- no already existed community to draw from, no commitment to anything but money, no bridge, no nothing. IMHO, but lived experience, CI is nothing but a social disaster and anything good that comes from it is in spite of the architecture not because of it. Actually, I've written about this in a forthcoming volume of Parallax....

Hi livefrom,
I'm realy not suprised to hear about that.. think the residents have been ripped off in the 1st place as far as the bridge goes.How long did it take you to walk to the city centre ? Where do you live now is it any better ?

Hi livefrom,
I'm realy not suprised to hear about that.. think the residents have been ripped off in the 1st place as far as the bridge goes.How long did it take you to walk to the city centre ? Where do you live now is it any better ?

If there are still any original purchasers in residence there surely they could sue the developers on the issue of the bridge. Sales of Goods Act or something similar. Any lawyers here to advise ?

If there are still any original purchasers in residence there surely they could sue the developers on the issue of the bridge. Sales of Goods Act or something similar. Any lawyers here to advise ?

Well I can certainly see the value of the apartments start to tumble !

From yesterdays YEP Rod Mcphee....

This is hilarious :laugh: but as prevoiusly stated sadly now true !

The New Asbo Kids

WHAT image do you conjure up when you think of the recipient of an antisocial behaviour order?


Someone called Daz, one hand making a V-sign, the other restraining a pitbull called Rocky?

You certainly wouldn't envisage your urbane Leeds metropolite trotting out of a court with an Asbo. But this unlikely scene is one which you could soon witness on a regular basis – and it's all because of city living.

One side effect of the mad dash to live in the close quarters of apartment blocks is the fact that not everyone seems to be getting along. Over on City Island, the Alcatraz-esque fortress of city living, everyone wants to party – unfortunately not everyone wants to party at the same time.

Disruptive

The problem of noise pollution has reached such a head that it's been a big factor in the formation of a residents association which is now talking about using Asbos to tackle disruptive neighbours.

This is hilarious, though not for the people who have to endure endless sleepless nights, of course.

But it is amusing to think we've always associated these orders with the pitbull-restraining Darrens from your local estate, not the fake-tanned, Westwood-clad party kids of central Leeds. Well, not anymore.

Now, rather than showcasing their JESUS LOVES YOU All Saints belts in Fibre, the city-living fashionistas may be forced to spend an afternoon down the magistrates with Daz, whose elasticated waistbands ingeniously negate the need for a £60 belt.

But once the initial shame has subsided will the Asbo simply become a party kid's badge of honour, some milestone in their bid to become Amy Winehouse? If that's the case, what other steps could be taken? Maybe an electronic ankle tag made out of part of their All Saints Belt, preferably the section of JESUS LOVES YOU which just reads S LO.

That could be combined with a reverse curfew order which ensures they are always out of the house during the hours of darkness in a bid to ensure everyone else gets a peaceful night's sleep.

And if that doesn't work perhaps the only other non-custodial sanction could be the impounding of their most prized possessions in order of importance in their lives.

This would naturally start with their iPods, then their laptops and after that the Peugeot 205 and then, if they really won't tow the line, the hair straighteners and All Saints belt.

If they do receive an Asbo though it could be a perilous state of being for a party kid because, even with the best intentions, when they stagger home wasted in the middle of the night you just know they'll slap some tunes on at full blast.

All it takes is one phone call and the badge of honour becomes a source of intense shame as they're led out of City Island in handcuffs, bleary-eyed neighbours clapping and cheering from the windows like a New York ticker tape parade.

Democratic

There's something delightfully democratic about this threat, particularly for those occasional city living party kids who, the majority of the time, covet a quiet night's sleep and respect their neighbours' right to enjoy the same.

Laughing at the situation may seem glib, but I know from personal experience the misery of being kept awake by unruly neighbours.

So I find the use of these orders amusing precisely because I know the torture of sleep deprivation really isn't funny.

The party kids may think they're a million socio-economic miles from your average Asbo oik, but it doesn't matter if they're playing the coolest club tracks or launching fireworks through letterboxes, making people's lives a misery at 5am makes them no better than Daz.

That report is so full of stereotypical bullshit soundbites I don't see how anyone can take it seriously. They certainly aren't the first people to suffer from noise polution from inconsiderate nighbours and they won't be the last, and because of this all councils have policies to deal with this most common of neighbourhood problems (apart from ASBOS).

I know a family living in Whitehall II block and they love it there, I don't know anyone from City Island, but it always seems to have a nice friendly atmosphere when I've been around there.

It's definately at least 19 stories ... the columns for the next floor went up today :) :colgate:

Yes that's the full height, although the council only listed it at about 16 or 17. You can always add a floor or two to the descriptions on the council planning lists becuase they often don't include the ground floor/atrium. The top floor may be a duplex.

There didn't appear to be any concrete columns in place today. Everything goin into the top was being lifted into place by the larger crane. Maybe the base will be used to house steel frame work with glass to create more space for penthouse apartments.

Markie - regarding that article, it IS utter nonsense, I say this as I am captain ASBO by trade. Besides, you wouldn't get one for noise nuisance .....

Hi livefrom,
I'm realy not suprised to hear about that.. think the residents have been ripped off in the 1st place as far as the bridge goes.How long did it take you to walk to the city centre ? Where do you live now is it any better ?

It took about 10-15 minutes, depending on where exactly I was heading. And after a lifetime commitment to urban living (New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, Chicago), I got so fed up with Leeds's shabby city planning and development that I fled to, of all places in the world, Pudsey! I figured if I'm not going to get a true urban experience (pluralism, art scene, diversity, medical facilities, more than three cinemas), I opt for a village...

There are good people in City Island, but there's also a lot of trouble -- how could it be otherwise in such an artificial community with a ratio of 5% owners to 95% tenants? I'm really happy to be out.

Sorry for the delay in responding....

if I'm not going to get a true urban experience (pluralism, art scene, diversity, medical facilities, more than three cinemas), I opt for a village...

Sorry for the delay in responding....



And a rather churlish reponse if i may say so.

And a rather churlish reponse if i may say so.

Why? He seems to tell it as he finds it - not as you and I might imagine it to be.

And a rather churlish reponse if i may say so.

Yes.... thought about it, but why pussyfoot around? Do you have a problem with that?

This forum deals with skyscrapers and new buildings in Leeds and presumably we all love them. But there ARE problems living in them - most coming from the lack of amenities (which is gradually being tackled) and being occupied by short term tenants who have no stake in the properties or the goodwill of and good relationships with their neighbours. Livefrom is not the first to air these complaints and won't be the last. Skyscrapers and high rise buildings are not just to look at - they are to be lived in, and if there are these problems we should be made aware of them from the people who have actually experienced them. I don't see what is churlish about that - even if it does shatter the dreams of some of the posters here.

And after a lifetime commitment to urban living (New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, Chicago)

If you're comparing with those places, I suppose we've got a bit of a way to go, but most residents in Leeds don't have that scope.

There are good people in City Island, but there's also a lot of trouble

Depends what you mean by trouble, I can't believe people in that kind of private property paying those kind of rents cause much trouble, a bit noisy perhaps which needs tackling, but those sort don't normally cause trouble.

And a rather churlish reponse if i may say so.

Did not sound so to me, probably 'cos I have a similar case - after living 30-smth years as a city dweller in different cities across Europe, I had to move to Saltaire and now wake up from the sound of ducks in the canal rather than car horns.

The trend of houses occupied mostly by tenants is definitely not good, we had lots of problems while living in Aspect 14 which could not be sorted as most flat owners were from London and could not be bothered coming to Leeds at all.

Hope this trend can be reversed as city centre will be become more suitable for living.

I had to move to Saltaire and now wake up from the sound of ducks in the canal rather than car horns.


But if that's the kind of lifestyle you're looking for, you're never going to find it in city living.

But if that's the kind of lifestyle you're looking for, you're never going to find it in city living.

No I was looking for car horns actually. Ducks are quite annoying.

Why the sarcasm? Each to their own.

Some like the hustle and bustle of city living, Some like the traquility of semi-rural settings, And many prefer something in between in the suburbs.

Each should be respected and catered for.

City Island and its second phase going up - taken this am:-

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/nosmo2/CIMG1905.jpg

This forum deals with skyscrapers and new buildings in Leeds and presumably we all love them. But there ARE problems living in them - most coming from the lack of amenities (which is gradually being tackled) and being occupied by short term tenants who have no stake in the properties or the goodwill of and good relationships with their neighbours.
Fred wouldn't you think this is just life? People now even if they own a property live like hermits. Not that many people are social and neighbourly. And many ares have inadequate services... even in suburbia! The homes around me are all owner occupied but you never see the people who live in them let alone get to know them because they step out of their front door straight into their car! Quite soulless. Only the older generations tend to be community orientated. People in all areas are becommng increasinly reclusive ior even antisocial.People work such long hours to pay the rent or mortgage they have no time or energy left to build a social community.

The massive estate we lived on and the estates surrounding us in our previous house had almost no local facilities and a dreadful bus service! They were family houses and I had to babies and no car and even though ( as you know ) I walk a lot well until I managed to buy an old banger life there was a nightmare. Unless you are super wealthy and can buy your way into the top desirable locations then all types of developments will be lacking in some way or other. Beggars can't be choosers.

Smashing photo that. :)

Fred wouldn't you think this is just life? People now even if they own a property live like hermits. Not that many people are social and neighbourly. And many ares have inadequate services... even in suburbia! The homes around me are all owner occupied but you never see the people who live in them let alone get to know them because they step out of their front door straight into their car! Quite soulless. Only the older generations tend to be community orientated. People in all areas are becommng increasinly reclusive ior even antisocial.People work such long hours to pay the rent or mortgage they have no time or energy left to build a social community.

The massive estate we lived on and the estates surrounding us in our previous house had almost no local facilities and a dreadful bus service! They were family houses and I had to babies and no car and even though ( as you know ) I walk a lot well until I managed to buy an old banger life there was a nightmare. Unless you are super wealthy and can buy your way into the top desirable locations then all types of developments will be lacking in some way or other. Beggars can't be choosers.

Smashing photo that. :)


I can't disagree with your comments. I think living in the new city centre apartments has its own peculiar problems, however. Thanks for the photo praise !

I can't disagree with your comments. I think living in the new city centre apartments has its own peculiar problems, however. Thanks for the photo praise !

In June/July I'm moving to BWP... It's all going to be new for me ! "the city centre living I refer to" I work from and finish at Leeds City Station, so a short 5min stroll and a stones throw away from work, sometimes I'm spare "cover" at work for sickness and disruption so staying at home with my mobile for the infrequent can you go to London Mark suits me fine ! I frequent Leeds city centre on a weekend so no taxis or late night buses home. Some people on here go on about lack of amenities as far as grocery shopping goes we have Marks & Spencers on briggate, Morrisions at Merrion centre and if your careful Leeds Market. A new doctors surgery will be opening very soon at the Light, I'm sticking with my dentist in Roundhay though because it's NHS, although if worst comes to worst for now the dental hospital is just up the road, free gold fillings ! :colgate: I think everyone has their reasons for living in the city centre, think mine is obvious.. Where as some people on this thread, should of 1. Done some research 2. Weighed up the pros and cons 3. Take it seriously, because city centre living is not for everyone !

In June/July I'm moving to BWP... It's all going to be new for me ! "the city centre living I refer to" I work from and finish at Leeds City Station, so a short 5min stroll and a stones throw away from work, sometimes I'm spare "cover" at work for sickness and disruption so staying at home with my mobile for the infrequent can you go to London Mark suits me fine ! I frequent Leeds city centre on a weekend so no taxis or late night buses home. Some people on here go on about lack of amenities as far as grocery shopping goes we have Marks & Spencers on briggate, Morrisions at Merrion centre and if your careful Leeds Market. A new doctors surgery will be opening very soon at the Light, I'm sticking with my dentist in Roundhay though because it's NHS, although if worst comes to worst for now the dental hospital is just up the road, free gold fillings ! :colgate: I think everyone has their reasons for living in the city centre, think mine is obvious.. Where as some people on this thread, should of 1. Done some research 2. Weighed up the pros and cons 3. Take it seriously, because city centre living is not for everyone !


Again, I can't disagree with your comments at all. We all have different requirements and tastes - in housing as with everything else.

I love the thought of city cetre living and weighed it up before deceiding to puchase in north leeds. There are many different aspects you have to consider before following your heart or your head. Being 26 i regularly go out in leeds to shop, dine and drink and the city centre lifestyle really appealled to me with all this on my doorstep. However i think purchasing in the city centre would have been a mistake for myself for a number of reasons. 1st financially would i see a decent return on my investment? possibly as i think it is definatley a buyers market in leeds with many B.T.L investors wanting to sell up and cut their losses through dismal yields however with the number of current and proposed developments i think it would take 5-10 years to see any decent returns. 2nd the lack of parking available with only the upper end flats offering 1 + parking spaces, as living with my partner and us both having cars to commute to work this would not of been viable without leasing (another 100+ pcm) 3rd I think city centre living has a limited market as the city centre is no place to bring up a family and would only suit singles, couples or as in the forward thinking Lumiere development 50+ market. However if i was young free and single i would def like to experience it for a year or so but would look to rent rather than buy. Moving up the property ladder is an important thing for me and it is important that you buy correctly at each step to maximise you own personal wealth as you never know when you might need the equity you have gained for other things.

I love the thought of city cetre living and weighed it up before deceiding to puchase in north leeds. There are many different aspects you have to consider before following your heart or your head. Being 26 i regularly go out in leeds to shop, dine and drink and the city centre lifestyle really appealled to me with all this on my doorstep. However i think purchasing in the city centre would have been a mistake for myself for a number of reasons. 1st financially would i see a decent return on my investment? possibly as i think it is definatley a buyers market in leeds with many B.T.L investors wanting to sell up and cut their losses through dismal yields however with the number of current and proposed developments i think it would take 5-10 years to see any decent returns. 2nd the lack of parking available with only the upper end flats offering 1 + parking spaces, as living with my partner and us both having cars to commute to work this would not of been viable without leasing (another 100+ pcm) 3rd I think city centre living has a limited market as the city centre is no place to bring up a family and would only suit singles, couples or as in the forward thinking Lumiere development 50+ market. However if i was young free and single i would def like to experience it for a year or so but would look to rent rather than buy. Moving up the property ladder is an important thing for me and it is important that you buy correctly at each step to maximise you own personal wealth as you never know when you might need the equity you have gained for other things.

Think it would be a waste of money to rent if you could afford a mortgage, if you wernt bothered about paying off the capital... go interest only it would be a lot cheaper !

have you considered the arrangement fees / redemption? doubt it would be cheaper for a couple of years

200 k flat, interest only mortgage circa £830 pcm + maintinence (service charge) £100-£150 pcm depending on development + any arreangement fees / sols usually around £1500 + stamp duty 1% = 2000 so looking at around £1100 -1200 pcm over a 24 month period. There are numerous flats to let valued around £200 k for between £650 - £850 pcm so that is why i would prefer to rent for 1-2 years.

what floor u on markie?

Concrete columns were being put in place today for another floor. This building will certainly look big from the dual carriageway and looks massive compared to the surrounding buildings.

Nice cluster starting to appear along this section of the river

However if i was young free and single i would def like to experience it for a year or so but would look to rent rather than buy. Moving up the property ladder is an important thing for me and it is important that you buy correctly at each step to maximise you own personal wealth as you never know when you might need the equity you have gained for other things.

200 k flat, interest only mortgage circa £830 pcm + maintinence (service charge) £100-£150 pcm depending on development + any arreangement fees / sols usually around £1500 + stamp duty 1% = 2000 so looking at around £1100 -1200 pcm over a 24 month period. There are numerous flats to let valued around £200 k for between £650 - £850 pcm so that is why i would prefer to rent for 1-2 years.

Hi JC1717,
I think at 125k 165k 1 bed would suffice for a "young free and single guy", you'll find in the YEP homes paper that rents for the above would be around the £600 to £700 mark at 130k 100% LTV 5.25% £565 pcm ground rent at BWP £265 for the year! service charge £600 annualy, BWP is under LS11 exempt from stamp duty £150k and below.

Although I myself would go for a reduced LTV with cash deposit and repayment, but as an alternative to rent I would do the above,In 8 months I've seen a 20% increase in the value of my property, and it's not even finished!
So at the end of the day it's not all doom and gloom, a bit of reaserch works wonders :)

Sounds good mark*ie. I have no doubt that quality developments will pass the BTL storm (BTW included) My doubts around the property market in Leeds surround the low quality developments where 1 beds are being bought up thick and fast by London investors paying £170k for a 1 bed apartments in areas such as regent street! Developments such as these are being marketed through property shows in London offering rent guarantees (of ridiculous amounts (£900 pcm for 1 or 2 years) basically giving the investor their money back. When the sh*t hits the fan and all these apartments rent guarentees come to an end, there will be a price war and either the rents will drop or they will start to off-load their lousey investments in droves. Its already happening in many developments now. I work for a property acquisitions company and have been offered many city centre flats over the past year or so by investors who have bought off plan and cant rent or sell them on completion up to 25% off market value. Some just want to cut their losses. Eddisons auction recently had 2 or 3 from Aspect 14 for sale at a lot less than advertised (and achieved a lot less) in the YEP by city centre specialists.

BWP is a fantastic building which will prove to be a land mark in years to come as leeds first proper highrise and i have no doubt that as you have already have experienced you will do well out of it. If anything its where you want to live and affordable to you then so be it :)

£600 sounds cheap for annual service charge especilly in Leeds city centre. Is that subsidised for a few years or are they just being reasonable. K2 charges £2000 annually which i find unbelievable!

Also back to the debate on renting, many rents are negotionable at the mo. My mate has just secured the pent house at simpsons fold for £1000 pcm down from £1600 pcm on a 6 month let. This apartment was advertised recently for nearly £400 k. Its a crazy market out there!!!

Concrete columns were being put in place today for another floor. This building will certainly look big from the dual carriageway and looks massive compared to the surrounding buildings.

It was complete to 19 storeys with roof slab last week, and looks very much like more columns and structure on top yesterday and today (getting a bit dark when I saw it so can't tell for sure), if so, looks like it'll be breaking the 20 storey barrier.

It was complete to 19 storeys with roof slab last week, and looks very much like more columns and structure on top yesterday and today (getting a bit dark when I saw it so can't tell for sure), if so, looks like it'll be breaking the 20 storey barrier.

Was there any inkling that it was going to be so high ?

£600 sounds cheap for annual service charge especilly in Leeds city centre. Is that subsidised for a few years or are they just being reasonable. K2 charges £2000 annually which i find unbelievable!

Also back to the debate on renting, many rents are negotionable at the mo. My mate has just secured the pent house at simpsons fold for £1000 pcm down from £1600 pcm on a 6 month let. This apartment was advertised recently for nearly £400 k. Its a crazy market out there!!!

Hi again JC,
Yes it does sound fairly good dosn't it, but my solicitor assures me "yikes" :) ?
Anyway no more debating, deliberating... we'll be going on about the bloody price of gas and electricty next ! :nuts: I think we both made some good points..with "the pros and cons" so for now we really should hand over the "City Island new phase, Thread" to the guys and gals out there in cyberspace.

Sorry if this has been mentioned but the brewsterbye website http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk has an all singing, all dancing, render of how this is going to look complete. can't get it on here though as I've forgotten how to capture flash images.

Anyway, if someone can, it's in the main site under projects/residental private/city island.

Sorry if this has been mentioned but the brewsterbye website http://www.brewsterbye.co.uk has an all singing, all dancing, render of how this is going to look complete. can't get it on here though as I've forgotten how to capture flash images.

Anyway, if someone can, it's in the main site under projects/residental private/city island.

As far as I can make out from the renders on this site Phase 2 will not be any higher than 18 storeys.

I agree mark*ie lets focus on the task in hand :) Quite imposing this development as you drive to and from the city centre along inner ring road. Just not looking forwrd to it being bricked up like origional city island. its crazy how we all are supprised by the hight. How come it is taller or has more floors than expected? How can they do that?

If you're comparing with those places, I suppose we've got a bit of a way to go, but most residents in Leeds don't have that scope.



Depends what you mean by trouble, I can't believe people in that kind of private property paying those kind of rents cause much trouble, a bit noisy perhaps which needs tackling, but those sort don't normally cause trouble.

Actually, the rents aren't that high because of overbuilding in the city. Did you not know that? Yorkshire Housing Association also brokers a certain amount of flats in the complex. And the majority of people in the buildings are by far and away tenants. With that type of mix, the community is a priori transient. And we know how that works.

But if that's the kind of lifestyle you're looking for, you're never going to find it in city living.

Interesting. For me, now in Pudsey, it had to do with how the city government's values were reflected in the city centre. It wasn't the peace and quiet that I needed, as much as balance. Leeds doesn't have to be Rome or Paris or New York. And I still love the architectural mix of the city -- it's really very dear to me, is Leeds. Old/new, etc. But I think, for now, at least, there's something missing at the core of Leeds's version of city living. The rapid development has outpaced the check list for quality of life. Can you call Leeds an integrated city? I don't think so. Does it have culture? Yes, but it can't seem to keep its young artists from fleeing to London, Berlin, etc, or even Manchester, for that matter. What's that about? Everyone else -- Newcastle and Manchester, for example, realized about 20 years ago that culture is hugely important for a city. Leeds is way late in twigging to that. There are much smaller towns with a better range of movies to choose from. There are great things in Leeds, but they don't seem to "talk to each other," or bump up against each other the way they do in real cities. Lest I sound utterly negative, here are things I love about Leeds: the spatial choreography of Victorian and 20th Century. The flow of the streets, such as where the Metropole hits that outrageous granite building that looks like a bunker on anti-depresants. Some of the street vendors, such as that wonderful organic coffee space across from the Corn Exchange. The madness of a Saturday afternoon on Briggate. Anthony's resto, which must surely be on its way to a Michelin star. The Dark Arches, one of the wonders of the world, IMHO. Etc., etc.

I can't disagree with any of the above. Leeds is lacking in so many ways, in some areas it is way behind its immediate neighbours that you mentioned .. but is ahead in other areas. It is not a fully integrated city, it' obviously not as comprehensive as London, but does win out in other ways.

Refering to your previous comment, the rents must be higher than the £160/month that council tennants pay, I would have thought City Island would be nearer £600/month which means they must be working people. Correct me if I'm wrong.

..

The rapid development has outpaced the check list for quality of life.

That's a good point. Leeds needs to ensure that lessons are learnt from other cities and not from our own when it's too late. Bridgewater Place has addressed some issues such as the provision of a Tesco's Express, a Gymnasium and other leisure facilities. Our desire to go higher must include greater provision for essential services and functional public space.

That's a good point. Leeds needs to ensure that lessons are learnt from other cities and not from our own when it's too late. Bridgewater Place has addressed some issues such as the provision of a Tesco's Express, a Gymnasium and other leisure facilities. Our desire to go higher must include greater provision for essential services and functional public space.

I agree, but amenities and services are now starting to be provided for city centre living. Trouble is that many are provided by private enterprise and require an already established potential customer base before setting up.

What sort of amenities would not be paid for by private enterprise? Surely whether something is public or private cost, it would still require a consumer base first. As someone (Molly maybe) said the other day, many of the suburbs do not have it perfect. You live in the city and you have an Infirmary on your doorstep. You live in the suburbs and you don't. You could say that people have to walk a real distance to get to a supermarket, but if you live down the bottom of Horsforth below New Road Side, it is a real walk to get to Moggies the same as you have to make in Leeds from Clarence Dock etc. People in the city cannot get to a dentist? They cannot in Castleford either (NHS anyway). There are dental practitioners in Leeds if you are happy to pay.

Surely anyone opting to move into an appartment block in Leeds would consider their situation before doing so. If you had kids and moved into Clarence Dock, would you be surprised all of a sudden that your kid has to attend an inner city school and soon comes home smelling of industrial glue.

When we talk about the inner city we are looking at the new bits covered on here and yet my mate lives in a decent house in East End park and his kids attend an ok school. It takes ten minutes to walk to West Riding House from his house so this is as inner city as anywhere else and he has a dentist, a corner shop, schools etc.

I think we have to stop aiming for some sort of Utopia which ultimately leads to us slagging things off because this cannot be achieved.

A couple more pictures of City Island, taken 17/3/07

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w135/pssimms/S10300062.jpg?t=1174234762

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w135/pssimms/S10300102.jpg?t=1174234822

can see the red brick going up

This is certainly looking a really visually prominent development for this end of town and does anyone know what height this will be exactly and presumably it will have the similar terracotta and stone look cladding as the first phase? When is phase 3 due to commence and are they ever going to do that bridge or have they totally renegaded on that and not doing it anymore?

This is certainly looking a really visually prominent development for this end of town and does anyone know what height this will be exactly and presumably it will have the similar terracotta and stone look cladding as the first phase? When is phase 3 due to commence and are they ever going to do that bridge or have they totally renegaded on that and not doing it anymore?

If you look on the Brewster Bye website there are some visuals of this with the same terracotta look and a spire on top. I think that once this is finished and whitehall riverside and Monkbrigbe forge gets going there might be a bridge to link the developments together. Having said that, thats probably unbareably too far away for the residents.

The top floor is well and truely in now. Im not sure about the slanted roof though. From my lounge window it sticks out like a soar thumb. Not really sure if it fit's in with the rest of the development but we'll have to wait and see when the cladding is finished as to whether is blends in or not.

..

went passed this today on the train and i can't belive how tall it looks :shocked: it's massive.

everything in leeds looks so much better in the flesh.

Except me - no doubt !

Except me - no doubt !

Go on Fred post us a "colour not black and white" photo of your fine self !

drove past it today and i quite like it!

Go on Fred post us a "colour not black and white" photo of your fine self !

Nothing doing !

I'm sure you look fine Fred. As for City Island 2, it looks really tall and slender coming in from Kirkstall Road (my route into town), the top sloping roof looks sharp and funky, a bit of an antidote to the number of 'numb-topped' buildings (such as Plaza Hotel, Tower North etc). I think most tallies should have a snazzy top, like this one and Opal Tower.

It's certainly coming along now and it's looking better than the first phase City Island 1

Except me - no doubt !

Fred is being over-critical again :lol:

The view from Burley Road. I do like 20 storey towers, good to have two on the go at once (in addition to a 26 started and a 32 finishing).

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pdaf2a52ec23d5325479a477ff42747a6/ea30cda8.jpg

Monday:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j73/xapbpoh/cityisland2_march07_1.jpg

^^ its biggie eh, need to see a bit of cladding action. Quite like the shape, but the cladding needs to be good.

those flats on the lowest ends of the first phase must be a little peeved as this has grown up outside of their windows, but then they must have known that a 2nd phase was planned.

At least they knew it was coming, and it only affects a small proportion of the flats. It probably wouldn't bother everyone.

I'll be interested to see how much this has progressed when Im back in Leeds in 3 weeks time. I hope the cladding will start soon that will be the deciding factor for me on the aesthetics of this building.

Tell me I'm not going mad I keep seeing ****** all over the place ? :nuts: :cheers:

Tell me I'm not going mad I keep seeing ****** all over the place ? :nuts: :cheers:

You're not going mad. If you're talking about the asterisks, then I believe the server has been hacked by some young fool who thinks that it is clever to change things around in the blocked words list. In any moment the site will probably shut down while an ***** sorts it out.

Subliving.

You're not going mad. If you're talking about the asterisks, then I believe the server has been hacked by some young fool who thinks that it is clever to change things around in the blocked words list. In any moment the site will probably shut down while an ***** sorts it out.

Subliving.

Yes I thought the exact same****** whoops sorry that was me ! Great fun though ! :lol:
This is bloody hilarious I'm laughing my b***ol*ks off !

So can we say what the fuck we like as long as its not the word ****?

The 15, 15 & 20 storey City Island cluster today ..

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/paded26eb12739059513d1d2e6b75e8b4/e9eb5dd4.jpg

Brick cladding is starting to rise up the smaller section now. It's covered in scaffolding though so you don't get a brilliant view. I'll try and get a pic tomorrow.

I saw the cladding going on the shorter part, seems a mix of brick or terracota, zinc panels and glass panels.

Sounds alright. Just as long as there's a decent mix of materials, this should be quite a decent project.

Pics taken today. Apologies for the quality the window I took it from had rain splatters on it.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/Picture004.jpg

Zoomed in abit

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/stefan_long18/Picture003.jpg

More from today; you'll notice that one of the cranes has gone.



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20April%202007/27April2007004.jpg?t=1177705519



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20April%202007/27April2007014.jpg?t=1177705315



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20April%202007/27April2007009.jpg?t=1177705354



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20April%202007/27April2007007.jpg?t=1177705392



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20April%202007/27April2007012.jpg?t=1177705437



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/26%20April%202007/27April2007011.jpg?t=1177705472



I love the contrast between these new developments and the almost bucolic setting they are set in. Of course, the residential element of Latitude will occupy the right bank of the canal as seen in the last picture.

Not a lot of progress as of today, but I think they are working on cladding the other side.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p2bbd87d2f98f543b08ba2621e30ebd5f/e99e1e3a.jpg

oh my goodness, Bridgewater Place looks tiny! The perspective in that picture!

From the Latitude site the other day:



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/23%20May%202007/P1010044.jpg?t=1180097289

http://www.weatherwise.co.uk/images/city/city01.jpg


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/516028200_cf8705ea1e_b.jpg

Eugh, horrible gray plastic cladding, or is it metallic, either way it looks shite.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/516028200_cf8705ea1e_b.jpg

Nice photo, City Island II finishes will tie in closely with City Island I as shown in this photo, and will also tie in well with Whitehall in the background. It gives the area a kind of uniformity, and looks quite good to me. It's all down to taste I suppose.

I like both schemes. I think the problem comes when theres just too much of the same style. I always did like City Island though.

great photo looking along the river there. Quite an impressive progression of new buildings, of varied quality mind. Still haven't got a feel for the final look of City Island 2. The gradual stepping up of curved apartments seems to be the current leifmotife!

Before it pissed down with rain



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/13%20June%202007/P1010176.jpg?t=1181769312



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/13%20June%202007/P1010183.jpg?t=1181769350



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/13%20June%202007/P1010186.jpg?t=1181769381

wow great lookin foto of the river, its one of the few pics that actually make those buildings in it look really nice. deffinately one to add to the leeds photo thread

and this new city island phase, from looking at the cladding starting to appear it doesnt look as bad as we thought it would hey.

where did u take that last pic from?

wow great lookin foto of the river, its one of the few pics that actually make those buildings in it look really nice. deffinately one to add to the leeds photo thread

and this new city island phase, from looking at the cladding starting to appear it doesnt look as bad as we thought it would hey.

It just goes to show it really is a matter of opinion. I bloody hate the place. I honestly feel that this particular development "City Island" will become a major headache for Leeds in years to come. I don't feel that the building has been built sympathetically with the surrounding area at all. The buildings look rushed, built with poor quality materials.

It just goes to show it really is a matter of opinion. I bloody hate the place. I honestly feel that this particular development "City Island" will become a major headache for Leeds in years to come. I don't feel that the building has been built sympathetically with the surrounding area at all. The buildings look rushed, built with poor quality materials.

are you on about the new phase or the whole lot?

i think the 1st phase looks gorgeous, and despite my hate for terracota, i think it looks great on this building, and the stepped look of the circular building really fits in well with the greenery of the canal, and the curly nature of the canal too. you have to remember too greenbank will be up there and monkbridge forge, and the whole wellington place development, so in 5 years it will uniformly fit in with its surroundings more so

are you on about the new phase or the whole lot?

i think the 1st phase looks gorgeous, and despite my hate for terracota, i think it looks great on this building, and the stepped look of the circular building really fits in well with the greenery of the canal, and the curly nature of the canal too. you have to remember too greenbank will be up there and monkbridge forge, and the whole wellington place development, so in 5 years it will uniformly fit in with its surroundings more so

The whole lot really. I'm not fond of this blend of terracotta/gray clad style buildings that could be reminiscent of so many buildings in many cities in the UK. I see them as the modern day equivalent of the 60's block of flats. I don't particularly like the way the buildings step either. It looks generally out of character with the area. I'm just hoping that new developments in the area will block out the general view of this place altogether. Having said all that having had a good look at the Green Bank renders the overall area should improve dramatically over the next 3 years.

I always have quite liked City Island myself.

I'm waiting until I see it fully cladded before I make a judgement on whether I like it or not. From what I have seen though it doesn't look too bad. It all depends on how the top looks for me when it's complete.
It was exciting watching this thing rise from when I moved into my flat back in Spetember it was only 3 or 4 floors tall.

where did u take that last pic from?

Multi-storey car park on Wellington Street

I've always found City Island isolated and a pain in the bum to get to.

That drive up the IRR then the turn off into the "complex" is a bit like driving into a barracks or prison. The area needs to integrate with town more

Another thing that annoys me about the waterside developments, and I'm probably on my own here, is the canal/riverside is always dead overgrown and wild. This is great as the river winds its way through Bramley and Rodley, but in the city centre, I'd like it to look neat and clean with nice walkways with handrails and fewer trees and shrubs.

and I'm probably on my own here, is the canal/riverside is always dead overgrown and wild.

In this case, you are. I like the surreal contrast between rural and urban.

The retention of wild vegetation along the urban riverside is a positive decision by the council, encouraged by the Civic Trust and the Rivers Authority.

In this case, you are. I like the surreal contrast between rural and urban.


I'm with you on that one, matey :)

As you look at Phase 2 from the IRR the right hand side cladding is now in view. It's not good if you hate grey, plasticcy looking cladding. In conext with the rest of the building it may look ok but I'm not convinced.

The building is a nice shape though.

Has anyone got any recent pics of it. I haven't seen the progress of this project for a month now.

There's a new website (http://watersideleeds.com)for this development.

OMFG is "Waterside Apartments" seriously the new name for this development? That must surely be a case for worst development name ever. What was wrong with City Island?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/79/The_Simpsons-Jeff_Albertson.png/357px-The_Simpsons-Jeff_Albertson.png

On other things does anyone know when Phase 3 will be commencing and will that be all offices or a mix or (despite its next to IRR location) all apartments and although I have asked it many times before will there be any amenities at all here and will they ever build a bridge link?

I think they're trying to make it a distinct development from City Island Phase 1- which was built as one community.

On other things does anyone know when Phase 3 will be commencing and will that be all offices or a mix or (despite its next to IRR location) all apartments and although I have asked it many times before will there be any amenities at all here and will they ever build a bridge link?

I guess the reason nobody's answered your query about amenities is because people don't know. After all, it's not as if the website is very helpful, is it?

About the bridge, though, there is more news. One is planned as part of the Wellington Place development. You'll find more news on that thread and on the Wellington Place website. Good hunting!!

It might be heresy to say it but I quite like this cladding



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/12%20August%202007/P1010180.jpg?t=1186834767

i like it! but i'll reserve full jusgement till its fully built.

i like it! but i'll reserve full jusgement till its fully built.

amen to that - from that photo it looks gunmetal grey again.....haven't we learned!?! Ho hum, shall see it in the flesh next wkend and make a judgement on that basis. The website seems to suggest a good amount of traditional red brick (perhaps to tie it to the Majestic Wine Warehouse building across the water).

.....from that photo it looks gunmetal grey again.....

I think the cladding is more of a pale blue myself.



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/1%20October%202007/P1010133.jpg?t=1191320243



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/1%20October%202007/P1010139.jpg?t=1191320382



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/1%20October%202007/P1010140.jpg?t=1191320419



I think it's a pity that there isn't open access to this development from the canal bank and I can't imagine that it would be a security concern, given that you can walk all round the development if you access it from the front.



http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/apm22/1%20October%202007/P1010132.jpg?t=1191320570

You can see this from Hyde park. When Lattitude and Green bank go up,it will make a quallity cluster.

Is it me or this development taking ages to complete?

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