Office blocks plan for former newspaper site

Multi-storey office blocks could be built on the former Yorkshire Post site in Leeds after student accommodation plans stalled.

A revised scheme has been drawn up for the land on Wellington Street which would see two blocks of 15 and 17 storeys built if given the go-ahead.

Previous permission allowed for residential tower blocks of 42, 32 and 25 storeys but a planning report by the applicant, Urbanite Leeds Ltd, said the student housing scheme ran into complications.

A report said the current proposals for the site, which was demolished in 2014, could deliver more than 4,000 jobs and about £2.65m in developer contributions to the city's infrastructure.

The report outlined plans which could see the building of office space, a drinking establishment and health clinic on the northern parts of the site, known as blocks A and B.

A third plot near Armley Gyratory and the River Aire could be built on by another developer, the report added.

It said: "Block C and the riverside area would be subject to a separate planning application by a different applicant in due course."

A build-to-rent housing scheme of 242 flats, called the Headline, has already been developed on the eastern side, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The report said: "The proposals will continue the wider regeneration of the area and help catalyse further investment.

"The development will maximise opportunities for residents of the city to access jobs during the construction phase, including apprenticeships and general training to up-skill new employees, as well as end-user jobs."

Leeds City Council is considering a full planning application which is out for consultation until 13 October.

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