26 May 2011
The masterplan for Leeds’ Granary Wharf development was
a winner at the recent 2011 RIBA Awards.
Capita Symonds was commissioned by Isis Waterside Regeneration
in 2004, to develop the public realm strategy for the 2.8 acre
former industrial, canal / riverside site close to Leeds City
Station and the city centre. The mixed use development, which was
completed in April last year, includes residential, hotel,
commercial and retail outlets, alongside two acres of new public
realm. The construction value for the public realm was £3
million.
The centrepiece of the scheme is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
and River Aire. The public realm design respects and expands on the
intimate nature of the canal side spaces and the sense of openness
to the canal side that currently exists. High quality yorkstone and
granite paving materials were used throughout, with the distinction
of activity zones and directional markers implied though the subtle
changing of paving block sizes, patterns and textures.
The judges said: "The jury felt that the quality of the public
realm, the integrity of the architectural response directed by the
masterplan framework, the vision of the client group, and the
support of Leeds City Council should all be considered worthy of an
award."