The Saltaire Riverside project is progressing well, set to start this summer.
- Located next to Salts Mills World Heritage Site, the site will offer 289 homes.
- Demolition is nearly complete, recycling materials for on-site usage.
- Artisan Real Estate collaborates with Metropolitan for this £20m project.
- Plans include over 5,000 sqft of commercial space and a riverside park.
Artisan Real Estate, an urban regeneration specialist, is spearheading the transformation of an 11-acre site adjacent to the Salts Mills World Heritage Site in Saltaire, Shipley. The site, previously occupied by an HMRC office that closed in October 2021, is strategically positioned between the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. As part of this ambitious plan, the development will feature 289 homes, along with 5,000 square feet of commercial space and a new riverside park.
Currently, Artisan Real Estate is nearing the completion of demolition for the existing structures, primarily consisting of two large five-storey hexagonal office blocks. The process is expected to conclude in the next six weeks, after which ground preparation will commence. Importantly, materials from the demolition will be repurposed to elevate the site as a component of comprehensive flood defence works.
James Bulmer, Managing Director of Artisan Real Estate, affirmed the significant progress made, highlighting the commendable efforts of their local contractor, Metropolitan. ‘Our local contractor, Metropolitan, has been doing excellent work of taking down the existing buildings, and we will soon be moving to processing materials which will be crushed and recycled for re-use on site as part of the forthcoming construction project,’ Bulmer stated.
Moreover, the team is actively engaged in regular design meetings, focusing on producing detailed technical drawings necessary to bring their vision to fruition. The commercial team will shortly initiate a tender process to engage with appropriate trade subcontractors for the project.
Michael Hirst, Managing Director of Metropolitan, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, acknowledging the challenge presented by the substantial reinforced concrete structure of the former HMRC building. ‘This has been a great project for Metropolitan. The former HMRC building was a substantial reinforced concrete structure, but our highly skilled teams have been effective, diligent and professional throughout,’ he noted.
The Saltaire Riverside project reflects a significant stride in urban regeneration, promising a transformative impact on the surrounding community.
