Some of the major stalled developments in Leeds city centre could yet see some activity by the end of the year, councillors have been told.
Members on the council's city development scrutiny board were told that althought he city centre property market had stalled in the past few years, there was evidence of a slight upturn.
And work on the stalled multi-million pound Trinity Leeds retail scheme could restart by the end of the year.
Leeds council's principal planning officer Martin Sellens said:
"The general position seems to be a lot more optimistic thn in the past. There are signs that people are starting to make more detailed applications - they're startng topush buttons and get things started again."
The report considered by councillors said:
"Although activity in the Leeds property market remains at lower levels than for some considerable time, there is evidence of an upturn in pre-application enquiries, particularly in the hotel and, to a limited extent, the office sector. Interest in new apartment buildings is extremely limited at the moment."
The report said:
"In the past two years, development in the city centre property market, like many others around the country, has stalled. In two cases, this led to vacant sites where development commenced and where there are now hoardings around them. In other major schemes, development has not commenced and in some cases they have been left in an untidy state."In other cases, the council, in conjunction with developers, has been
successful in achieving short-term improvements to the appearance of the sites with considerable and widespread positive publicity both for the developer and for the city."
Here's an overview of some of the major developments discussed by councillors in the Civic Hall yesterday
Leeds Trinity
Development of this retail scheme off Boar Lane started, but stopped in 2009.
There are hoardings around the site and in the interim the developer (Land Securities) has worked closely with the council to revise and improve the scheme. Planning consent for a number of alterations to the scheme has been granted and it is understood that a number of pre-development lettings have been successfully completed.
Sellens said:
"We are looking at a start on-site later this year. Progress has been made in revising the scheme and achieving the high-value retailers the scheme needs to be viable."
The scheme will also do away with the unpopular bus stop underpass off City Square.
Eastgate Quarters
Planning consent, subject to the completion of a legal agreement, has been renewed by the developer (Hammersons) in recent weeks. In addition, the Eastgate scheme is being revised and should be the subject of a new planning application later this year.
In the meantime, Hammersons have sought to re-let vacant units, particularly on Eastgate, to help ensure the viability and vitality of that part of the city centre.
Sellens added that the scheme was still due to deliver a John Lewis store but 'would take a longer time to move forward than the Trinity development'
Lumiere
Development commenced with the excavation of the basement area of the 560ft skyscraper development and the erection of hoardings, particularly along the street frontage at Wellington Street.
Development is currently stalled.
Sovereign Street
The scheme for the redevelopment of Sovereign Street has not gone ahead. It continues to be used as a temporary car park. It is understood that a report on future development proposals for the Sovereign Street site will be presented for consideration at the City Council's Executive Board in the near future.
Wellington Street
In Wellington Street a consortium of developers has been involved in preparing major development proposals for a new office quarter. At least one application for the development of a new office block has recently been submitted.
Holbeck Urban Village
Last year, a new initiative aimed at improving land adjoining the Round Foundry at Holbeck (Wonderwood), was supported by a combination of Yorkshire Forward, the City Council and private developers. This was initially for a temporary period of six weeks, but proved so popular in attracting office and other workers during lunchtime periods and saw improvement on trading of nearby restaurants that the initiative was continued.
Sellens added that councillors had last week given a position statement on the proposed City One development, on the edge of Holbeck Urban Village on the site of the former Hollywood Bowl. An outline plan is due to be considered next month. The multi-million pound development, due to be delivered in stages, includes a hotel, casino, offices and leisure opportunities.
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