The redevelopment of one of Leeds' most significant industrial heritage landmarks continues to progress - despite a £1.9 million cut in funding.
A phase of demolition work has already been carried out at Tower Works in Holbeck Urban Village, and the complex's three existing chimney towers, which are listed, are currently being stabilised.
The next phase of work also involves the restoration and conversion of two listed buildings, which will provide 18,000 sq ft of serviced office accommodation and community space.
Acquired by Yorkshire Forward in March 2005, the site is regarded as a pivotal gateway to the city centre and wider area, and supports one of the region's priority growth business sectors.
It's understood that the funding of Tower Works has been cut by £1.9m, as part of the £40.2m savings Yorkshire Forward was asked to make by the Government this financial year.
Complementing Round Foundry
Comprising three Italianate chimneys built around a steel pin factory dating from 1864, the site is to provide additional commercial space for the burgeoning digital and new media industries that have grown up around the media centre located in the Round Foundry at the heart of Holbeck Urban Village.
Jan Anderson, executive director of environment at Yorkshire Forward said:
"When completed, Tower Works will contribute further to the vision for Holbeck Urban Village as an exemplar mixed-use development, setting standards in design, sustainability and place-making."It will improve connectivity between the city centre and surrounding communities, strengthen the city's offer as a competitive regional business centre and preserve the area's unique character and architectural legacy."
Yorkshire Forward has confirmed the appointment of Ilkley-based Quarmby Construction Company Limited to undertake the restoration and redevelopment of the listed Tower Works at Holbeck Urban Village.
Completed by next March
Works are due to be completed March 2011.
Yorkshire Forward has identified the creative and digital industry as a key growth area for the city's economy - 11,500 people are employed in that sector in Leeds alone, within 1,650 businesses.
Future phases of the development will include shops, bars and cafes at ground level and offices and residential apartments above. The total office space generated by the whole development will be over 110,000 sq ft.
The scheme will include 150 residential units and approximately 8,000 sq ft of retail or leisure space. Completion of the first phase will de-risk the project and enable a private sector developer to be appointed to deliver the further phases. The private developer will be competitively appointed in due course.
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