BACKGROUND

OOBE was commissioned by a joint venture between Richardson and Ask Real Estate, in collaboration with Homes England, to design a high-quality public realm for a sustainable mixed-use development. The primary objective was to create an exemplary living and working environment that integrates sustainability with community needs.

The 1.17-hectare site, located within the historic Holbeck Conservation Area and situated along the Leeds-Liverpool canal, forms a key part of the broader Leeds Southbank Development. The project’s design concept centres on celebrating the site’s industrial heritage by incorporating the Grade II listed Giotto Tower, Verona Tower, and the Engine House as focal points of the development.

The architectural and landscape proposals aim to frame these historic landmarks with new buildings and public spaces in a modern, sustainable setting that respects the past while looking to the future.

THE CONCEPT

At the heart of the scheme is a generous civic square, which responds to the surrounding towers and key historical features. The square serves as a social hub for residents, workers, and visitors. Surrounding this space, the development features a series of smaller, more intimate areas, designed to mimic the courtyards and hidden spaces characteristic of the area’s industrial urban grain.

These smaller spaces foster a sense of community while preserving the historical essence of the site. Active frontages on the ground floor will ensure the spaces are animated and vibrant, enhancing connections through the site and creating a dynamic public realm.

RESULTS

The public realm within this mixed use development successfully combines residential amenities with ecological considerations, providing a variety of habitats for local wildlife. Pedestrian routes crisscross the development, enhancing accessibility and connectivity, linking the site to the wider context of Leeds. By integrating amenity spaces with green infrastructure, the scheme promotes sustainability while offering a high-quality environment for living, working, and leisure. The development not only preserves the site’s historic legacy but also ensures it thrives in a contemporary, sustainable setting.