Explore the best of Leeds’ modern architecture

Whether you live in Leeds, or you’re spending a few days in the city for work or leisure, there’s so much to explore in terms of its architecture. From Atlus House, the tallest building in Yorkshire, to new housing developments such as Aire Park and Springwell Gardens, Leeds’s landscape is constantly evolving and improving.

Here we’re going to look at eight of the city’s newest developments. They’re all within easy walking distance of the city centre, so perfect for a day of exploration on foot.

Altus house

As of 2023, Altus House is officially the tallest building in Yorkshire. Until this point, the title was owned by Bridgewater Place, an office and residential building nicknamed “the dalek” due to its similar shape to the Doctor Who monster.

Altus House is owned by iQ student accommodation. Standing at an astounding 114 metres tall, this 37-storey skyscraper houses 752 bedrooms and studios on the aptly named Tower House Street. It’s just across the road from the First Direct Arena and Arena Village student accommodation, and can be easily seen from the city centre, towering over the surrounding buildings.

Aire Park

A city development set to provide over 190,000 square feet of retail units, homes, office spaces and outdoor events space, Aire Park is one of the city’s most ambitious projects to date. On what was once the Tetley Brewery site, various stages of the project are being completed. This includes a two-hectare city park, which will eventually become the largest green space in the city centre.

If you’re interested in seeing Aire Park’s progress for yourself, you’ll be able to visit Meadow Lane’s new park area complete with benches, trees and plants. It’s the first hint of what Aire Park will look like once the project is finalised.

Wellington Place

A thriving business area in the heart of Leeds City Centre, Wellington Place is a development made up of 14 separate units, surrounded by greenery and various places to sit & eat.

If you choose to explore the area, you’ll notice the historic building that was once a wagon-lifting hoist at the city’s Central Station. It’s the only remaining feature of the original station following its closure in 1967, and is now surrounded by a new generation of impressive buildings.

Wellington Place’s latest additions, buildings number 11 & 12, boast a variety of impressive features. Not only do they use a ‘demand control’ ventilation system and 100% renewable energy, but they’ve been officially named one of the most sustainable office buildings in the UK. We love their ambitious, modern design too.

Temple Leeds

Similarly to Aire Park, Temple Leeds is a formerly-neglected area of the city that’s slowly but surely transforming into a true beauty of a district. It’s home to several exciting developments, including new boutique apartments at Mustard Wharf, outdoor food, drink and events space Chow Down and office spaces at the Round Foundry and Marshall’s Mill.

Part one of the Temple district’s development was officially completed in 2022, with the opening of the Globe Point building. This seven-story office space houses a variety of office spaces and terraces, as well as a cafe, kitchen and bar on the ground floor.

Not only is Temple home to some amazing new office spaces, but it also has a variety of places to eat, drink and shop at. One thing’s for sure: it’s well worth a visit.

David Oluwale Bridge

First opened to the public in January 2023, this bridge commemorates the tragic death of David Oluwale, who drowned as a result of a racially-motivated attack by two police officers in 1969. Oluwale travelled from Nigeria to the UK, and was targeted as a result of not just his race, but also his mental health and lack of a safe place to live.

His legacy lives on through the Oluwale Bridge, a symbol of the connection between Leeds’s past, present and future.

The bridge itself has been constructed as an access route for those on foot or bike, and is part of the city’s Southbank regeneration programme. Its aim is to revitalise the Holbeck district, a once-thriving industrial area that’s now home to various abandoned buildings and warehouses.

Springwell Gardens

Just ten minutes away from Leeds train station, Springwell Gardens is another of Leeds’ stunning residential developments currently in progress. Featuring 223 apartments, landscaped private terraces and a private communal garden, it encompasses the very best of city living. Its staircase-like structure also can’t be missed as you walk or drive past.

Although it’s not quite finished yet, we anticipate that the views from Springwell Gardens’ roof terraces will be stunning, with residents looking out onto the cityscape of Leeds. So if you’re interested in luxury city living, keep your eyes peeled for the development’s finish date.

The Majestic

City Square’s Grade II listed building was transformed into Channel 4’s new national headquarters in 2020. Originally built as a cinema in the 1920s, then later turned into a bingo hall and nightclub, the Majestic has a rich history that continues to be developed to this day.

Back in 2014, the former nightclub was destroyed by a fire, with only the outer walls remaining intact. It remained untouched until 2018, when work finally began to transform it into the stunning piece of architecture it is now. A seamless blend of traditional and modern design, the Majestic will undoubtedly catch your eye as you leave Leeds train station via the exit onto City Square.

Playhouse Gardens

The Playhouse Gardens connect Leeds Playhouse, Leeds City College Campus and the Soyo development to the rest of the city. They include tiered lawns, trees, pathways, steps and seating areas, all of which come together to create a beautiful area to enjoy and relax in.

Although the gardens have been open since 2020, they’re a much-needed green addition to the city and add the finishing touch to the playhouse’s £15.8 million redevelopment back in 2019. What’s more, they’re home to a one-of-a-kind sculpture celebrating Leeds’s amazing women, covered in more than 200 names of inspiring individuals.