Leeds City Council have officially green-lit proposals for a brand-new skyscraper that is set to be not only the biggest building in the city but the tallest anywhere in Yorkshire.
With full planning permission being granted on Thursday, 11 April after first being submitted way back in January 2020, initial work on the new building is set to start later this year.
Clocking in at 45 storeys, the distinct hexagonal structure designed by architects and property developers Howells is set to take over just under two and a half acres in Leeds' West End.
Set to surpass the city's current tallest building, Atlas House - a 37-storey student accommodation block operated by UK company iQ - there's about to be a striking new addition to the Leeds skyline that even Yorkshire folk further afield will able to spot.
Image: Future Skylines
The striking build-to-rent skyscraper was welcomed by planners as a significant contribution to meeting the city centre growth target of at least 7 million square feet.
Now that is a lot of feet.
Tom Gilman, managing director at McLaren Regeneration, said: "A significant new quarter is taking shape in Leeds’ West End and this scheme is integral to that. The commercial space will set a new benchmark for accommodation across the north of England and will be a landmark for the city.
“Leeds is already attracting occupiers across all sectors and our development will provide market leading ESG credentials and aspirational workspaces to help them attract and keep the best talent.”
Image: Future Skylines
The 45-storey residential tower will house households of up to 6 people in apartments ranging from one bed to three, and will be joined by two lower rise office blocks.
Residents will be treated to 10,000 square feet of shared amenity spaces, including a concierge, parcel storage room and a lounge on the ground floor, a fitness and wellbeing space on the first floor and a breathtaking sky lounge with panoramic views from the 45th floor.
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.
The Hoot -
12th April 2024 
