Start On Site For Iconic Tower Works Scheme

10/09/2009

Following Government funding approval for the redevelopment of the landmark Tower Works site in Holbeck Urban Village,  work has started on site as part of  Yorkshire Forward`s investment of £19.8m, this week.

The first phase of work involves strategic clearance and demolition of the area which will start immediately. These initial works will be followed by the refurbishment of the listed buildings onsite, including the three towers. This will create office accommodation to compliment the successful award winning Round Foundry Media Centre currently run by Yorkshire Forward and will commence early 2010.

In addition to the preservation of the listed buildings the first phase will create public space which will enhance pedestrian links between Holbeck Urban Village and Leeds City Centre.

The works are part of a wider push to connect Holbeck Urban Village and the surrounding communities with the City Centre including the ‘Light' Neville Street project, which Yorkshire Forward and Leeds City Council are currently funding. 

This phase of the Tower Works project will enable future phases of redevelopment to be presented to the market in order to attract private sector investment. The exemplar mixed-use scheme will also provide additional investment in the Southern part of Leeds City Centre.

Terry Hodgkinson, Chair of Yorkshire Forward comments: “We welcome this funding decision from Government and see this as an opportunity to put regeneration back into the skyline of Leeds City Centre.

We have maintained that, wherever possible, we will work to ensure that our region’s key regeneration schemes continue to progress. By undertaking this first phase of development, Yorkshire Forward is creating a first class opportunity for private investment to support the delivery of future phases of the scheme.”

Councillor Andrew Carter, joint leader and executive board member with responsibility for development for Leeds City Council said: "The vision for Holbeck Urban Village is starting to become a reality with several developments due for completion before Christmas, including the 'Light' Neville Street project, Granary Wharf and the newly opened City Inn Hotel.  Tower Works is the next piece in the jigsaw and will open up further opportunities for investors, businesses and residents alike, connecting through to the Round Foundry and Marshall's Mill.  This is a key milestone for the project and we are delighted to see it come to fruition."

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Yorkshire Forward
• Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
• Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding from the Objectives One and Two programmes and the 2007-2013 Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programmes.