MEPC gains council backing for 12-storey Leeds offices

Leeds councillors have unanimously backed developer MEPC’s pre-application proposals for a 12-storey office and retail scheme at 9 Wellington Place, with the decision now set to be made under delegated powers. The building, located close to Leeds station, will provide 176,413 sq ft of offices and 6,851 sq ft of ground floor retail and leisure space. During a pre-application presentation at the latest Leeds City Council city plans panel, members described Wellington Place as “a jewel in Leeds’ crown”. Members also agreed to support the proposals across a series of areas including design, scale, landscaping, pedestrian connectivity, climate change and sustainability. Paul Pavia, commercial director at MEPC, said: “Alongside number 11 and 12 Wellington Place it will be one of the most sustainable developments in the UK. 9 Wellington Place’s building CO2 emissions rate is set to be 35% less than the Building Regulations target emissions rate, and an additional 15% less than the local planning requirement. “We’re also working closely with the UK Green Building Council as part of its work around the net-zero agenda and fully expect 9 Wellington Place to be one of the most sustainable developments, alongside also rating very highly in industry recognised NABERS, DEC, BREEAM and Fitwell accreditations.” Sheppard Robson is the architecture firm behind the scheme. To send feedback, e-mail evelina.grecenko@eg.co.uk or tweet @gre_eve Image © Virtual Resolution