Planning application submitted for 350-home Build-to-Rent residential development at Flax Place in Leeds

A planning application has been submitted for a 350-home Build-to-Rent residential development at Flax Place in Leeds.

Designed by Chapman Taylor, Flax Place is a well-located apartment scheme with 11- and 15-storey towers. Attractive, modern, open-plan apartments are provided throughout the scheme, with the predominantly one- and two-bed unit mix reflecting current demand in Leeds.

Workstations within the two- and three-bed apartments enhance the ability of residents to work from home, while full-height windows provide extensive natural light into each apartment. Seven fully accessible apartments are provided for the benefit of people with restricted mobility.

Central management functions will be housed at lower ground floor level in an attractive, light-filled, shared amenity space between the two towers. A new residents’ courtyard will provide an attractive external space for socialising and relaxing, while the open frontage to Richmond Street will create a shared public space that connects seamlessly with the local area.

The proposals will ensure that the scheme complements its immediate context, which consists mainly of residential buildings of varied heights. The orientation and shape of the blocks follow the same urban grain as the established Saxton Gardens residential scheme nearby.

An on-site, 46-space car park will also include electric vehicle charging points and 36 motorcycle spaces. In addition, the scheme will encourage a car club and car-share spaces to further reduce emissions. 350 bicycle spaces for residents (26 for visitors) are provided in the scheme.

Situated in a prime location in the Richmond Hill district, close to Leeds city centre, the 0.5-hectare site is also near to popular areas such as Kirkgate and its Victoria Gate development, South Bank and the theatre district. The location is well served by good public transport and pedestrian links to the city and the River Aire.

Phil Harris, Director of developer Galliford Try Investments, says: “We are delighted to be reaching a key milestone for this scheme in Leeds, which will be the first Build-to-Rent scheme that Galliford Try Investments has developed in the city.”

Chapman Taylor Director Michael Swiszczowski adds: “We are very pleased to be working in the wonderful city of Leeds on this pioneering residential development, which will create the basis for a dynamic, community-orientated neighbourhood. More and more people are embracing Build-to-Rent living for a combination of well-managed amenities and a deep feeling of belonging and we hope to see our design for Flax Place delivered for the people of Leeds in the near future.”

Chapman Taylor created and developed the design for Flax Place from concept stage. We are currently expanding our Build-to-Rent residential portfolio across the United Kingdom, including high-profile developments at Kampus and Anchorage Gateway in Manchester and Castle Park View in Bristol. Our team speaks regularly at Build-to-Rent industry events and we research and publish papers on the sector explaining why we think that the format is an important element in tackling the UK’s housing crisis as well as helping to provide the basis for a strong sense of community in towns and cities.