Plans unveiled for brand new £300m cultural hub in Leeds city centre

The six-acre Quarry Hill area of Leeds city centre is set to be transformed into a £300m cultural hub.

Caddick Developments, part of the construction and development property giant Caddick Group, has announced plans to create a new neighbourhood called SOYO (SOuth of YOrk Road).

The project will see the construction of new spaces, hotel-style apartments, new bars and restaurants.

In addition, SOYO is set to feature some of the biggest public green spaces inside the city centre, which the developer hopes can be used for outdoor theatre and music events, attracting local bands and artists.

One of the first buildings to break ground will be two apartment blocks by Moda Living, which will provide 515 rent-only apartments with a range of on-site shared amenities.

Cultural institutions are also receiving a makeover as part of the redevelopment programme.

The West Yorkshire Playhouse will receive a £14m revamp with a new entrance facing the city. Work has already started on the new Leeds City College building, which sees a £57m investment on a new college campus, set to boost the city’s digital, creative arts and health sciences provisions.

Caddick Developments is also launching a website, newspaper and social channels promoting activities and events at SOYO.

Myles Hartley, managing director at Caddick Developments, said: “There is a huge amount happening in this area of the city. As well as delivering our own scheme under the SOYO name we are working alongside our neighbours, from the West Yorkshire Playhouse and Leeds City College to Yorkshire Dance and Northern Ballet, with the idea of using this opportunity to create a wider place identity.

“Building on the vast cultural heritage of this area is something that has been central to the SOYO plan from day one.

“Our high quality public realm will provide a much-needed pedestrianised area in the city centre for the city’s residents to enjoy all year round, which is key in developing a strong community feel.”

Tony Brooks, managing director at Moda Living, added: “Being part of the Quarry Hill masterplan presents a unique opportunity to deliver a Moda development in the cultural heart of Leeds that benefits from existing high-quality occupiers and neighbours.

“With over 500 professionally managed apartments, our Quarry Hill development will go some way in providing much needed new homes in the city centre that will be crucial to attracting and retaining talent – a key task for England’s regional cities.”

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