CONSTRUCTION of ‘Saltaire Riverside’ - a development of 289 homes, commercial space, and a large riverside park on the edge of the Saltaire World Heritage Site - is on track to start in early summer.
Urban regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate is currently progressing the homes-led transformation of the 11-acre site sandwiched between the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
The site was formerly home to the HMRC office complex that closed in October 2021.
Demolition of the existing buildings on site - which mainly consist of two large five-storey hexagonal office blocks - is expected to be completed in the next six weeks, followed by ground preparation works in advance of construction.
Material from the demolition will be recycled and used to raise the levels of the site as part of major flood defence works, which will immediately follow the demolition programme.
James Bulmer, managing director for Leeds-based Artisan Real Estate England, said: “Our local contractor, Metropolitan, has been doing excellent work of taking down the existing buildings, and we will soon be moving to processing materials which will be crushed and recycled for re-use on site as part of the forthcoming construction project.
“We are now hosting regular design team meetings, working on the detailed technical drawing requirements needed to turn our ambitious vision into a reality.
"Our commercial teams will shortly be going out to tender to find suitable trade sub-contractors to partner with for the project.”
Michael Hirst, managing director at Metropolitan, added: “This has been a great project for Metropolitan. The former HMRC building was a substantial reinforced concrete structure, but our highly skilled teams have been effective, diligent, and professional throughout.
“Artisan is an important client to us and we are working with them on multiple developments across England and Scotland. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship.”
Artisan’s plans for the new Saltaire Riverside development include 289 new homes, more than 5,000 sq ft of commercial office space, as well as a café facing onto a new ‘pocket’ park and piazza.
A sizeable riverside park will link the development to the River Aire, providing woodland, grasslands, and lawns to act as a natural floodwater storage area whilst pedestrian links will provide direct access to Saltaire railway station and the canal towpath.
Looking forward to the launch of the first new homes phase, Mr Bulmer confirmed a new Saltaire Riverside home sales website will be launched shortly, allowing potential purchasers to register their interest.
He added: “We are excited about starting our initial homes phase, which will deliver a mix of apartments and townhouses to create a much-needed sustainable and low-carbon residential community.
“Our development will become a modern interpretation of the adjacent Saltaire village, bringing much-needed sustainable family housing in an accessible, well-connected, and environmentally responsible setting.
“This is a genuinely ground-breaking homes-led project in an area that is regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the UK.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel