Property investors Countrylarge have secured a plot of unused industrial land at the junction of Sayner Lane and Carlisle Road, adjacent to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds’ South Bank. This acquisition was facilitated through a short-term finance agreement with specialist lender Together.

Antony Rosindale of Country Large highlighted the scheme’s potential to address the housing demands of young professionals. The project is set to revitalise the previously neglected site, positioning it as a key component in a wider city centre regeneration endeavour.

Shedding light on the importance of the Sayner Lane site, Rosindale noted its proximity to Leeds Dock in the South Bank. This region is currently undergoing extensive transformation, with endeavours like housing constructions on the former Tetley Brewery site and other mixed-use projects. These encompass residential areas, medical facilities, educational establishments, and accommodations for the elderly.

Country Large, being an urban developer, gives precedence to brownfield sites – areas that have seen prior development. Such lands present a more sustainable option than building in untouched rural areas. Their main strategy is centred around erecting Build-to-Rent apartments, ensuring top-tier living spaces for young professionals.

The ambitious £500 million South Bank regeneration initiative, launched by the Council in 2011, is among Europe’s most prominent regeneration projects. Its primary objective is to double the expanse of Leeds city centre. Preliminary planning approval for the construction of 150 apartments on the Sayner Lane brownfield site was granted last November. However, a fresh application emphasising sustainable development for the 0.2-hectare plot is on the horizon.

Following the successful procurement of necessary financing from Together, Country Large is preparing to submit their proposals to the Leeds City Council planners soon. Together, a lender with a robust £6.4 billion loan book, sanctioned a bridging loan for the land acquisition.

Michael Devanny, Corporate Sales Director at Together, conveyed his excitement about partnering with Country Large on several projects in Yorkshire. He commended their innovative approach to rejuvenating the South Bank area. Devanny remarked that Together’s quick finance solution enabled an efficient land purchase, laying the groundwork for a pivotal city centre apartment tower. He further stressed the project’s broader advantages, including green space enhancements, thereby enriching Leeds South Bank as a vibrant community within an expanded city centre.