PLATFORM_ has formed a £150m joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) to deliver a 451-apartment build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Leeds.
The scheme represents the first phase of PLATFORM_’s 1.3m sq ft mixed-use development on Sweet Street in the South Bank area of the city. PLATFORM_ secured consent for the new neighbourhood, which will offer 1,351 BTR homes and 150,000 sq ft of commercial space, in March last year.
Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for the scheme, which is scheduled for completion at the start of 2027.
Alongside the residential offering, the first phase includes the refurbishment of historic The Commercial Inn pub, the creation of a 4,000 sq ft convenience grocery store and a new public square.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO of PLATFORM_, said: “Our new joint venture with HGP will accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes in Leeds, bringing an important city centre site that has been vacant for over 15 years back into use. This latest addition to the PLATFORM_ development pipeline embodies our long-term commitment to the city’s growth, creating a sustainable, inclusive community. This project will not only provide new homes but will also contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the South Bank area, supporting Leeds’ economic growth and inward investment goals.”
Colin Bennett, investment director at Housing Growth Partnership, added: “Our partnership with PLATFORM_ will deliver a landmark development in Leeds, which will contribute to the regeneration of the South Bank, providing new homes, and enhancing the local economy. It extends what has been a transformative year for HGP’s Living platform, which has seen us significantly scale our funding into the PBSA and multi-family sectors. We look forward to working with PLATFORM_, and seeing this vibrant community come to life and the positive social impact it will deliver.”
Mark Jones, managing director for multi-room at Winvic, said: “We are looking forward to working with PLATFORM_ once again on this significant scheme, which will set new standards for sustainable urban living in Leeds. Our shared focus on quality and community-centred design ensures we will deliver a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood that future generations can be proud of.
“This development will play a key role in transforming the Leeds skyline, and we are proud to be part of it. With our collaborative approach and focus on quality and excellence, we’re confident in the successful delivery of this development, and we look forward to progressing through the construction phases toward completion.”
James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, added: “It’s really pleasing to see this prominent brownfield site in Holbeck, the former industrial heartland of our city, being transformed from its current derelict state by a scheme that has such an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and quality of life.
“The development promises to be a landmark addition to the already-thriving South Bank and will also, by creating new homes and jobs, complement our wider efforts to ensure Leeds is a place with opportunities for all.”
