Plans have been unveiled for a £300 million regeneration scheme in the centre of Leeds.

Caddick Group is proposing to transform the six acre Quarry Hill region into a new neighbourhood and cultural hub area.

Features of the SOYO (SOuth of YOrk Road) scheme include building new spaces, from hotel-style apartments to new bars and restaurants. In addition, some of the biggest public green spaces inside the city centre will be developed, which can be used for outdoor theatre and music events, attracting local bands and artists.

One of the first buildings to break ground will be two apartment blocks by Moda Living, featuring 515-apartments with a range of on-site shared amenities.

In addition, the West Yorkshire Playhouse will receive a £14m facelift with a new entrance facing the city. Work has already started on the new Leeds City College building, which sees a £57m investment on a brand-new college campus, set to revolutionise the city's digital, creative arts and health sciences provisions. High quality public spaces will also be created sitting alongside the existing BBC building, Northern Ballet and Quarry House, Department of Health.


Myles Hartley, Managing Director at Caddick Developments, said: "There is a huge amount happening in this area of the city. As well as delivering our own scheme under the SOYO name we are working alongside our neighbours, from the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Leeds City College to Yorkshire Dance and Northern Ballet, with the idea of using this opportunity to create a wider place identity.

"Building on the vast cultural heritage of this area is something that has been central to the SOYO plan from day one. Our high quality public realm will provide a much-needed pedestrianised area in the city centre for the city's residents to enjoy all year round, which is key in developing a strong community feel."

Tony Brooks, Managing Director at Moda Living, added: "Being part of the Quarry Hill masterplan presents a unique opportunity to deliver a Moda development in the cultural heart of Leeds that benefits from existing high-quality occupiers and neighbours.

"With over 500 professionally managed apartments, our Quarry Hill development will go some way in providing much needed new homes in the city centre that will be crucial to attracting and retaining talent – a key task for England's regional cities."

(LM/MH)