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Kirkgate, Leeds
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Kirkgate, Leeds
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Our approach to this historically located but run-down site in the centre of Leeds presumes that density is a positive attribute bringing activity and liveliness – and with it commerce and security. This Leeds city centre site currently houses run down and partially unoccupied shops, houses and the derelict First White Cloth Hall (dating from 1711), with an open car park to the rear. The refurbished Hall and new West Square create a single open public space, bisected by the First White Cloth Hall arcade and lined with bars and restaurants. From there the arcade, more than twice as high as it is wide and characterised by shafts of sunlight falling from apertures in the ceiling, leads to East Square, where the overhanging floors of apartments above provide a sheltered environment for outdoor eating and drinking. City Retreats reception, a bar, retail unit, supermarket delicatessen and a cafe flank two sides of the square. The third side is completed by the railway arches, which will in due course be developed into A3 units. |
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New housing, retail and office space front onto Kirkgate. Behind, a short covered arcade links two new civic spaces. Above the retail and offices floors, terraces of southwest-facing courtyard apartments enjoy views over the river. Above these, the roof is a wild flower meadow crowned by a restaurant. To break up the development, rather than using a single consistent style, each building develops its own distinct character. The ensemble is knitted back into the urban fabric via new and historic pathways. Distributed within the main building section to derive maximum benefit from massing are parking, a nightclub, a health and fitness spa, with A3 and retail situated at the lower levels, and offices, housing and Apart-hotels at the upper levels. |
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