Leeds City Council planning committee has approved Glenbrook’s plans for a new 500 build to rent apartment development at Whitehall Riverside in the heart of the city centre. This scheme forms part of a wider £280million masterplan which is being brought forward with Leeds-based property investor and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS).

Designed by Sheppard Robson, the residential element comprises two blocks of 16 and 19 storeys and has been designed with the health and well-being of its residents and sustainability in mind. The scheme offers spacious terrace gardens overlooking the River Aire and includes extensive amenities for residents across the ground and first floors with 4,500 sq ft commercial accommodation at ground floor level.

Speaking about the successful planning decision, Danny Roberts, senior development manager at Glenbrook, commented: “This decision to grant planning consent for the residential element of Whitehall Riverside will unlock the delivery of the wider masterplan. Whitehall Riverside will be a premier, highly sustainable development where people will want to come and spend time both now and in decades to come.  The design has been carefully considered to create a resilient scheme which is embedded in its surroundings and will encourage an active community.  We look forward to starting construction in the new year with completion expected in late 2025.”

A landscaping and public realm proposal designed by re-form will deliver a new riverside park and enhance the biodiversity of the riverside environment.  The inclusive design includes new outdoor seating overlooking the river and a generous open lawned space with opportunities for childrens play to create an active and welcoming destination along the river.  A series of interlinked green streets and cycling routes will improve connectivity and access, attracting new residents and visitors to the scheme. 

Craig Burrow, Development Director at TCS, said: “We are delighted that Glenbrook have secured planning consent for the next phase of development at our flagship Whitehall Riverside scheme.  High quality residential accommodation is a key component to the delivery of this mixed-use waterfront neighbourhood and we are hopeful of securing further planning consents for the commercial elements and wider masterplan in the coming months.”

Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: “Whilst designing this new residential community, wellness was a priority. Green spaces provide areas to relax in the form of terraced gardens within the buildings or through the surrounding new public riverside park, which provides a new active ground floor to the River Aire. Sustainability, through its drive for reduced carbon emissions, has also been at the forefront of the design through its thermal performance, heating and low carbon energy approach.”