Developer HUB and Bridges Fund Management, a specialist sustainable and impact investor, have submitted plans for a residential-led regeneration scheme in Leeds. The development – named Latitude Blue – will include 488 Build to Rent homes and occupy the second of two adjacent brownfield sites acquired by HUB and Bridges earlier this year. The first, Latitude Purple, has started on site, delivering 463 homes.
Designed by architects Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher (CJCT), the new proposals for Latitude Blue are the heart of an emerging mixed-use neighbourhood on Whitehall Road. The scheme comprises two residential blocks of 26 and 31 storeys, as well as ground floor amenity space.
HUB and Bridges’ scheme has been developed in close collaboration with the local community, ensuring that the development will serve both its residents and neighbours. The community cited new public realm as a top priority, and the plans will involve extensive landscaping designed to make the best of nearby features – including the canal frontage and listed viaduct, which is currently being transformed into a new elevated landscaped public park.
“We have worked very closely with the local community, Leeds City Council and our project team to put forward a scheme that will play a vital part in this exciting area of Leeds. HUB has an outstanding track record of delivering beautifully-designed homes that transform neighbourhoods, and we are hugely excited to bring our experience to another of the UK’s ‘lifestyle cities’.”
Victoria Manston, Senior Development Manager, HUB
Alongside new homes for local residents, Latitude Blue will provide active uses at ground floor, designed to bring the community together. HUB and Bridges are in the process of consulting with local people on their priorities for these spaces, with potential uses including cafes and workspace.
Sustainability is another key consideration for the development, and proposals include an efficient energy strategy, low levels of car parking and soft landscaped areas that promote biodiversity.
In line with HUB and Bridges’ focus on delivering homes in well-connected locations, the site is located less than ten minutes’ walk from Leeds railway station, providing easy access to both regional and national routes. Latitude Blue will also contribute to a wider development drive that is pulling the city’s centre of gravity to the west. It is directly adjacent to Leeds’s largest new office development, Wellington Place, as well as several other major new residential schemes.
“We’re excited to bring forward this new scheme. We believe it will complement our existing development and magnify the positive impact for the local community around Whitehall Road, by creating more sustainable lower-cost homes and attractive community spaces.”
Simon Ringer, Partner at Bridges Fund Management
