Sir Robert McAlpine has handed over the Mustard Wharf project in Leeds to Legal and General Investment Management.

Mustard Wharf is a Build to Rent (BTR) development comprising of 247 boutique apartments and ground floor retail situated in the heart of Leeds. The development is comprised of three buildings, all with slip formed cores, concrete frames, punch windows, and a mix of SFS (Steel Framing System), traditional brickwork and stone banding façade with sliding balcony doors.


The project team encountered some challenges early on, particularly when dealing with a significant amount of contaminated ground. They had to excavate, sort and sample on site, then remove accordingly. Working alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal provided another challenge when a leaky canal wall flooded the site during groundworks. The project team were also working next to listed chimneys on Tower Works, requiring strict monitoring during the groundworks period.

Technically, the team got the opportunity to display our ‘engineering excellence' with intricate brick façades, 'hidden pocket' patio doors on the Juliette balconies and challenging roofing and envelop specifications (stating no combustible elements). They also had to re-design how one of the tower cranes would sit once on site, highlighting the adaptable approach evident across the entire project.