Sir Robert McAlpine has completed 245 new homes at the historic Tower Works scheme in Leeds city centre. 

Legal & General (L&G) acquired the development in 2021, investing £57m on behalf of its Build to Rent Fund (BTR Fund) and Access Development Partnership - a joint venture between Legal & General Capital and PGGM.

The scheme on Globe Road, which sits alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, has been built by Sir Robert McAlpine on behalf of the joint venture partnership of Ask Real Estate and Richardson, in conjunction with Homes England. 

L&G has funded three build-to-rent (BTR) schemes in Leeds to date, including Mustard Wharf – which is adjacent to the site. 

With the Tower Works development now complete, L&G will market both schemes as the neighbourhood of Mustard Wharf, delivering 500 homes and more than 15,000 sq ft of commercial space. 

Designed by Ryder Architects, Tower Works features two residential buildings with studio one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, ground floor commercial spaces and areas of public realm.

Located to the south of the railway station, it creates a new pedestrian route through from the city centre to the Holbeck Urban Village neighbourhood.  

Tower Works has achieved WiredScore Platinum certification, making it the first residential development in Leeds to attain the globally recognised verification of infrastructure connectivity. 

The accreditation confirms that the properties are digitally future-proofed and have the best possible level of connectivity.

Craig Allen, sector director at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Reaching practical completion at Tower Works represents a momentous milestone in the transformation of this historic site. 

“It presents a wonderful opportunity to honour the remarkable efforts of the entire project team, while also celebrating the local, social and economic impact of the project.”

Dan Batterton, head of residential at Legal & General Investment Management, added: “It’s fantastic to see the completion of Tower Works and open for our occupiers. 

“Leeds is one of the UK’s largest cities in terms of population and economic output yet supply of housing has been severely constrained over the past decade. 

“As the largest investor and owner of build-to-rent in the city, we’re delighted to deliver the neighbourhood of Mustard Wharf at Tower Works and play our part in the landmark South Bank regeneration area.”

Established in the 1860s as a steel pin factory for carding and combing in the textile industry, Tower Works closed in 1981. 

The neighbourhood is today home to a thriving media and technology community in the heart of the South Bank regeneration area which has become a global destination for investment, sustainable living, culture and creativity.  

The Tower Works site features the three original Italianate towers: Verona; Giotto and Little Chimney, which form a distinctive focal point of the regenerated area.

The delivery team also included engineering firm WSP and project managers and QS Faithful and Gould.