Covering 253 hectares on former industrial land south of the River Aire, the South Bank regeneration scheme is one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in the UK, aiming to double the size of Leeds city centre. The masterplan comprises new homes, commercial spaces, cultural venues, and green areas, transforming this historically industrial area into a modern urban quarter that supports economic growth, innovation, and a high quality of life for residents and visitors.
South Bank promises to reshape the city’s landscape, economy, and community life with an estimated influx around £500 million. This investment will not only contribute to the physical transformation of the area but will also stimulate economic growth, including around 35,000 new jobs, increased property values, and enhanced business opportunities.
So, what’s in the pipeline?
8,000 new homes
The project plans to deliver approximately 8,000 new homes, with a mix of affordable housing, family homes, and luxury apartments to appeal to all demographics.
3.5 million square feet of commercial space
Alongside the new homes, the development will feature 3.5 million square feet of commercial space, encompassing office, retail, and hospitality venues. The arrival of new businesses, such as Channel 4, First Direct, HSBC, DLA Piper, Bank of Scotland, EY, KPMG, ASDA HQ, and the UK Infrastructure Bank (which signed a new 15-year lease this year), representing sectors like technology, finance, and the creative industries, is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly boost the local economy.
Cultural and recreational amenities
The proposals place a strong emphasis on cultural and recreational amenities integrating several cultural venues, including new museums, galleries, and performance spaces. There will also be new public parks and green spaces, including the creation of a large city park, which at 3.5 hectares will be one of the largest green spaces in Leeds city centre. As well as providing a new public space, the city park will improve connections to surrounding communities in the Aire Valley, Hunslet, Richmond Hill, Beeston Hill and Holbeck.
Infrastructure and connectivity
The scheme includes significant investments in transport infrastructure, such as new roads, pedestrian pathways, and cycling routes. A key highlight is the £46.1 million redevelopment of Leeds Station, which will be transformed into a major transport hub, further enhancing Southbank an attractive location for residents, businesses, and tourists alike.
Sustainable development and ecology
The development aims to achieve high environmental standards, incorporating green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and sustainable transport options. The inclusion of extensive green spaces and the enhancement of the waterfront along the River Aire are central to the environmental strategy.
South Bank is a significant regeneration scheme that is already a decade in the making, so what developments are currently being progressed?
Climate Innovation District
The £800 million Climate Innovation District in Leeds incorporates Scandinavian best practices and cutting-edge technology to create 312 low-carbon homes. The district also includes manufacturing facilities, leisure amenities, offices, a care home, a primary school, and climate-resilient public spaces. The initial phase, completed in 2019, marks the first development of family homes in Leeds city centre in more than 90 years.
The Temple District
This will create a vibrant and distinctive new mixed-use neighbourhood on an 11.75-hectare site owned by Commercial Estates Group, which will enhance the setting and secure the future of two significant listed buildings. 40,430 square foot self-contained office space building Globe Point arrived in October 2022, whilst 143,300 square foot Grade A office building One Globe Square is due for completion in 2026.
Aire Park
Aire Park is a mixed-use neighbourhood of 1,400 homes, 800,000 square feet of Grade A office space, 54,000 square feet of flexible retail/ leisure space, and public outdoor spaces centred around a large urban park. The scheme is being developed by Vastint and the first phase, which includes 190,000 square feet of prime office accommodation and four retail units at 1 and 3 South Brook Street, launched earlier this year. The first new homes will be released in early 2026.
