£200m Leeds Urban Village breaks ground with 239 new city centre build-to-rent homes
A major new residential community is taking shape in Leeds city centre after developers announced a £70 million joint venture.
Developers Cole Waterhouse and Domis have now begun work on the first phase of the £200 million Leeds Urban Village scheme.
The initial phase will deliver 239 new Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes on a recognisably under-developed part of the city centre, supported by a brownfield grant from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
A further 239 BTR homes and 113 affordable homes are set to follow in 2026.
Overall, the mixed-use development is set to bring at least 1,000 new homes and a public square to the city, with construction expected to create around 600 jobs before the first phase completes in Spring 2028.
Simon Gallanders, Managing Director at Cole Waterhouse, expressed his excitement over the venture, stating it will be one of the “catalysts” for the further regeneration of this part of Leeds.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Leeds has been rightly recognised as a national growth opportunity, and this new development will see hundreds of homes built for local families, backed by our multimillion-pound Brownfield Housing Fund.
“By investing in the new homes our region needs, we’re putting a safe and secure roof over people’s heads, driving the regeneration of our towns and cities, and building a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
In addition to homes, Leeds Urban Village will feature up to 18,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial amenity space with the aim of “activating” the street level with cafes, retail and lifestyle uses for both residents and the public.
Domis Construction managing director, Kingsley Thornton, said: “Leeds Urban Village is our first major step in the city and the start of much more to come...
“This project will create a new community for Leeds with homes, a generous public park and flexible ground floor space that supports local life and new employment.”