CEG has launched a public consultation to engage with residents about the first phase of residential development at the €442.2m (£400m) Kirkstall Forge development in Leeds. The proposals will provide a total of 213 homes, including 77 houses offering three to five-bedroom family living, designed by Stirling Prize winners Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The unique style of architecture is inspired by the local stone of the old forge building and Kirkstall Abbey and space and light are maximised with high ceilings and tall windows. They will offer open plan living opening out onto gardens and terraces across different floors, with many roof verandas providing fantastic views of the valley.
Just north of the river, two apartment buildings are also proposed, each set over nine floors with upper floors set back. Designed by leading residential architecture firm, Cartwright Pickard, they will provide 136 studios to three-bed apartments with 1,350m² of leisure and retail space on the ground floor. They will be set around amenity space, a new public plaza and pocket park.
CEG secured Reserved Matters planning permission for 135 homes last year and built two prototype homes which will be thoroughly tested by the team once Covid-19 permits. This new application leaves housing design unchanged, but with four fewer homes, this has enabled the two apartment buildings to be redesigned. Slightly taller, with upper floors set back to minimise the visual effect, more apartments are offered. These, and the green spaces and public plaza, will be effectively managed by the on-site Forge Life team.
James Shimwell, Head of Residential Development at CEG explained: “As well as family housing, the proposals now include build for rent apartments which will bring new residents onto site very quickly, expanding the vibrant community at Kirkstall Forge. With shops, leisure facilities and food and drink outlets on the ground floor, they are set around a public plaza and pocket park for pop up events, outdoor screenings and exercise classes. Our consultation seeks ideas for these activities as well as comments on the proposals and design and we welcome feedback. This site has an 800-year history and we’ve sought to reflect this heritage in both our residential and commercial builds. In regenerating Kirkstall Forge we have always sought to create a social and integrated community and we are looking forward to progressing the next stage of the journey.”
