PLANNING | Leeds approvals in the bag for Tri7, Caddick

Investor Tri7 and Fusion will replace The Core shopping centre with 800 student bedspaces, while Caddick can now deliver close to 2,000 homes and 650,000 sq ft of commercial space at South Village.

The Tri7/Fusion plan was approved unanimously.

Made up of three connected buildings of between five and nine storeys containing 807 student bedrooms in a mix of configurations, the development will place an emphasis on student wellbeing, the partners said.

Located on the site of The Core shopping centre, the partners will also create 36,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space at ground level, including two arcades that will improve east-to-west connectivity from Lands Lane to Albion Street around the city centre and provide additional community space.

Designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, Tri7 and Fusion Group will target an EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent for the PBSA space and BREEAM Very Good for the retail space.

Tri7 acquired The Core in July 2021. Partner Dan Green said: “This development in the beating heart of the city centre will provide a benchmark for student living in Leeds and beyond. It will deliver best-in-class student accommodation, surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, that also improves the public and community space around it.”

More than 800 students will live at the central Leeds PBSA scheme. Credit: via SEC Newgate

Caddick Developments, part of Caddick Group, also got the unanimous nod for a project long in the works ,and now rebranded from City One to South Village.

A major gateway development for the South Bank, the 2m sq ft proposal could provide up to 1,925 homes, 650,000 sq ft of commercial space and significant landscaped areas, all centred around a curated ‘village green’ the size of a professional sports field, open to the wider public.

SimpsonHaugh is the architect. Located just off Meadow Road, Leeds’ city plans panel noted the scheme’s potential to “change this part of the city altogether”.

Lee Savage, director at Caddick Developments, said: “South Village will offer a revolution in city-centre living, transforming this strategically located brownfield site into an ambitious and accessible new neighbourhood. Our proposals are incredibly exciting, having been designed to provide bold, modern architecture, significant public space and enhanced connectivity between Holbeck and the city centre.

“As we work towards submission of a detailed planning application, we will continue to collaborate closely with key partners and the community to bring forward a vibrant new chapter for this part of the South Bank.”