Go-ahead for Yorkshire Post site scheme

Plans to redevelop a key Leeds city centre site with 50,000m² of office space and 200 new homes have been given the go-ahead.

The Sheppard Robson-designed development, on the site of the former Yorkshire Post offices and printworks, will also include public space, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

Client YP Real Estates’ scheme will open up a previously inaccessible stretch of Leeds’ waterfront and create a new gateway to the city centre on the former site of John Madin’s Brutalist newspaper buildings that once housed the Yorkshire Post, which were demolished last year. The 2ha site is bounded by Wellington Street, Wellington Bridge Street and the River Aire.

Sheppard Robson partner Tony O’Brien said the practice had worked very closely with Leeds City Council to bring forward the development and was delighted by the outline planning approval for the scheme.

“We are now looking forward to continuing to work with YP Real Estates in realising the next phase of the former Yorkshire Post site - creating a vibrant piece of public realm, integrated with an exciting mixed use scheme,” he said.

Sheppard Robson said the site was the location of the world’s first wool mill before it was replaced by the Yorkshire Post buildings in 1970.