Construction starts on the next phase of SOYO Leeds Build to Rent scheme for Hestia, creating 331 new apartments.
The building of the Hestia apartments, on behalf of Federated Hermes, is the second phase of Caddick Group’s SOYO neighbourhood scheme, which is scheduled for completion in late 2023.
Designed by Leeds-based DLG Architects, the scheme comprises two adjoining blocks in the new city centre district, with planning permission held for 331 apartments – a mixture of studio, one, two and three bedrooms – as well as outdoor courtyards, and 12,000 sq. ft retail, restaurant and ground floor amenity space.
The blocks will be delivered alongside a new public realm including green spaces and a pedestrian square, with sustainability credentials that put the scheme on the Net Zero Carbon pathway – by using techniques to reduce embodied and operational carbon.
Caddick Group are using the opportunity to highlight the positive local impact of the development so far, which includes nearly 500 local Leeds residents being brought into employment on the first phase of SOYO – New York Square. The work on phase 2 will support a further 2,000 construction jobs, with the creation of 10 new apprenticeships.
Our Managing Director, Myles Hartley said: “Projects like SOYO represent a huge investment in Leeds. This development will deliver new homes, commercial spaces and new landscaped areas – all things that will improve the physical built environment. As part the team developing Caddick’s wider ESG approach, I’m also hugely proud that we’ve been able to deliver the ambitious social value targets we set for ourselves, in spite of the challenges of the pandemic.”
Chris Wilson, commercial development director at Caddick Construction, said: “One of the main challenges within the construction industry is the skilled labour shortage and this is why we are keen to engage with education providers like Leeds College of Building and Wakefield College to work with the next generation to showcase the industry and roles within it.
Matt Chillingworth, senior investment manager at Federated Hermes, added: “Hestia’s priority is to deliver high quality, sustainable and relevant housing across the UK and in doing so are helping to deliver a meaningful impact on local communities. SOYO Leeds is an ideal location to achieve these goals. Our priority is to effectively integrate into and enhance existing communities creating positive environmental and social outcomes.”