Vastint opens next phase of Aire Park
Designed by Planit, the public realm outside of the Tetley building is now available to use, bringing 67,000 sq ft of green space to Leeds South Bank.
When complete, the 24-acre mixed-use development will provide eight acres of green space to the city, qualifying as the largest new public park in the UK.
Moortown and Palmers have also consulted on the landscaping for the scheme.
Tim Welchew, senior legal counsel at Vastint was there to officially cut the ribbon, noting how this project, which has been more than 10 years in the making, will transform the city’s green space offering.
Landscaping has been an integral part of the developer’s vision for the Aire Park scheme, with plans incorporating areas in which to play, exercise, and relax.
There are large open lawns, flower gardens, play mounds, and a woodland belt with dense tree planting and bird boxes.
A total of 73 trees have been planted in this phase, including a cherry tree avenue that will brighten up springtime.
On completion, more than 700 trees will be planted in Aire Park, alongside pollinating plants designed to increase the city’s biodiversity.
The finished park will also have a multi-functional year-round events space used for outdoor markets, performances and pop-up cinema, a children’s play area, and a 1km exercise route.
Progress also continues on the second phase of the Aire Park masterplan, which will see the park area extend to the south of Crown Point Road.
Commenting on the opening, Vastint UK’s managing director, Stephen Lindley said: “Bringing this beautiful new green space to the South Bank for the public to enjoy is a real milestone in the creation of Aire Park.
“Having recently topped out our latest in a series of commercial buildings and having welcomed our first commercial tenants, Aire Park is truly taking shape and placing itself firmly on the map of Leeds.”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “The opening of this new green space is a really important milestone for both the Aire Park project and the South Bank area as a whole.
“We want Leeds to be a city filled with places that are perfect for work, rest, and play, and Aire Park’s lawns and gardens will give people plenty of opportunity for doing all of that and more.
“It’s also great to see the progress being made on the wider development, with a thriving, modern community now truly taking shape at Aire Park and ushering in a bright new era for one of our former industrial heartlands.”
Phillip Porter, principal landscape architect from Planit Leeds, said: “Aire Park is a unique project in the UK. One that provides a once in a generation opportunity to reshape a vast disused industrial part of a city and leave an unparalleled gift to current and future generations.
“The landscape architect vision for the space is a perfect demonstration of Planit’s regenerative commitment and it’s been an enormous privilege to work alongside Vastint and a huge array of consultants to deliver the latest phase.
“We’re looking forward to building the next.”
