Plans to build a 30-storey block of flats complete with gym and children's play area have been approved.
The new building will feature a whopping 345 apartments across 30 storeys, and will be located on Springwell Road in Holbeck.
Developers City Life Holdings will construct the new block and the city councillors unanimously approved the proposals at a planning meeting on Thursday.
An old two-storey commercial building near the road’s junction with Whitehall Road, will be demolished to make way for the new block.
The plans had been altered since the original meeting in July, which included concerns around the building’s height and a lack of car parking built into the development.
Image: LDRS
The original proposed height was reduced by six storeys as a result, while the number of car parking spaces increased from 18 to 27.
The overall number of flats has been scaled down from 402 to 345, whilst plans to build a swimming pool on the ground floor have been abandoned.
There will be a children's play area for families living on the site as well as a rooftop garden and outdoor amenity space.
Councillor Paul Wray spoke highly of the scheme: "I’d still like more car parking. It’s still a bit low, but it’s not as ridiculous as before.
“The overall change is much better. It’s much more balanced and focused on it being a sustainable community building, rather than just something for people in their twenties and thirties. The classic idea of what a city centre resident is is changing.
“It’s something I hope all developers in the city centre start to take on board. These are long-term permanent communities now. Things like this should be the standard.”
Rachel Woolford, the winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, has revealed plans to launch her first joint business with Lord Sugar.
The exciting new business venture will see Leeds local Rachel expand her hugely successful fitness space, North Studio, to offer a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio - right next door.
Lord Sugar has partnered with Rachel to purchase the commercial premises which will be part of the expansion of the existing Leeds studio and will add to North Studio’s Pilates offering with an extra 120 classes a month.
Image: Supplied
Former business management student turned fitness entrepreneur Rachel beat pie shop owner, Phil Turner, in the recent final of the The Apprentice with both pitching to Lord Sugar to win £250,000 and go into business with him.
Speaking about the investment Lord Sugar said: "Our acquisition of the commercial premises marks not only a significant milestone for North Studio but also a bold step forward in our new business partnership.
"This project brings an expansion of the existing North Studio offering is a direct response to the growing demand in the fitness industry for Reformer Pilates”.
Image: Supplied
Speaking on the expansion Rachel said: “At North Studio, we're all about delivering the highest quality, small group personalised fitness experiences. With investment from Lord Sugar, we are now able to achieve the next stage in our planned growth with the addition of a fantastic new space dedicated to Reformer Pilates that is still in keeping with our boutique studio vibe.
“I am extremely excited to start this new chapter in partnership with Lord Sugar and the team is working hard to bring the new studio to life ready to welcome clients.”
For more information about North Studio, check out their website.
Popular LGBTQ-friendly Leeds coffee shop put up for sale with an asking price of £45,000
Clementine Hall
Flamingos Coffee House in Leeds' Central Arcade on Briggate has recently been put up for sale.
Providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone in the LGBTQ community, Flamingos Coffee House is a well known spot amongst locals.
Serving up delicious cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, it's also known for their numerous events held during the week such as open mic nights, student Sundays and loads more.
Constantly raising money for LGBTQ charities, it's a real asset to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Flamingos has recently gone up for sale, with an asking price of £44,950.
The ad listing states: "Ernest Wilson are delighted to bring to market this immaculately presented city centre coffee shop. Our client has operated this business since 2023, during which time the premises have undergone an extensive refurbishment throughout and really must be seen to be appreciated.
"The business trades in easy hours over six days, opening at 10.30am daily – wonderful scope for enthusiastic new owners to consider opening earlier to develop the breakfast trade and boost turnover.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
"The premises occupy a prime trading position within a busy shopping arcade in the heart of Leeds City Centre with thousands of people passing daily. The premises are held on secure lease and comprise glass fronted coffee shop providing 26 covers in comfort."
This coffee shop is a real asset to the city and we hope it gains a wonderful new owner to maintain Flamingos in all its glory.
Clementine Hall -
30th October 2023 
