Green light for Leeds city centre office development

Planning approval has been granted for a new city centre development by BAM in Leeds. 

The proposal for Latitude Yellow - a new 12-storey sustainable office development - has been given the green light by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel. 

Work is due to start on site later this year.

The proposals will be located on the final remaining plot of the former Doncaster Monk Bridge works off Whitehall Road, in the established Leeds West End Business District. 

Developed by BAM, Latitude Yellow will provide more than 200,000 sq ft of Grade A commercial office space. 

Latitude Yellow will achieve net zero status from day one, eliminating the need for fossil fuels throughout the lifetime of the building and relying exclusively on renewable energy sources.

The development will target BREEAM Outstanding and a Nabers rating of 5.5.

The design promotes sustainable and active travel, with minimal on-site car parking, premium changing facilities and secure cycle storage areas.

The development has been designed to offer amenities and access to outdoor space, with the inclusion of a gym, ground floor café, event space, and roof garden. 

Biodiversity-friendly features include green walls throughout the development and a new public realm. 

More than 25% of the budget for Latitude Yellow has been allocated to local social value initiatives, so the development will directly benefit the local community. 

The decision to approve the application was taken by the City Plans Panel on April 11.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:  “The development – which has now seen its planning application approved – will provide much needed, modern office space on brownfield land in a key location for the city centre. 

“It’s encouraging the new building will be net zero, setting an example for future office developments on the road to a low carbon future. We welcome the steps they’re taking to ensure all energy and electricity used by the site will be sourced exclusively from renewable energy, as well as the commitment to sustainable construction. 

“We look forward to seeing the building progress and further improving this part of the city centre.”

Managing director of BAM Properties, Euan Miller, added: “Sustainability is at the heart of Latitude Yellow and our proposals have had a really positive response from both the local community and senior stakeholders in Leeds. 

“In particular, we’re glad to see the City Plans Panel’s support for the promotion of sustainable city centre travel by limiting the amount of car parking spaces. We’re now aiming to begin work on site later this year.”