10 developments which should have changed the landscape of Leeds - but never materialised

Published 25th Feb 2023, 16:30 BST

Updated 25th Feb 2023, 18:13 BST

Leeds has seen plenty of famous buildings join its skyline over the years – but what about those schemes that never quite came to fruition.

Schemes ranged from multiple skyscrapers that never reached the sky to Leeds Bradford Airport’s plans for a new terminal.

Here are 10 failed schemes that could have changed the landscape of Leeds forever...

Long held plans for a new terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport were scrapped in 2022 following "excessive" delays, years of controversy, and calls for a public enquiry. Instead, they will now revert to original plans to extend to the existing terminal.

1. Leeds Bradford Airport terminal expansion

Long held plans for a new terminal building at Leeds Bradford Airport were scrapped in 2022 following "excessive" delays, years of controversy, and calls for a public enquiry. Instead, they will now revert to original plans to extend to the existing terminal. Photo: LBA

Named the "The Spiracle" plans included a 25-storey apartment block, which would have been surrounded by smaller office buildings. Developers wanted to build on the old Leeds International Pool site after the swimming facility was demolished in 2009. The plan was eventually scrapped however due to a downturn in the market.

2. The Spiracle apartment block

Named the "The Spiracle" plans included a 25-storey apartment block, which would have been surrounded by smaller office buildings. Developers wanted to build on the old Leeds International Pool site after the swimming facility was demolished in 2009. The plan was eventually scrapped however due to a downturn in the market. Photo: Stock

Hilton had planned to build a 16-storey hotel proposed for Portland Crescent, close to the First Direct Arena. Initial planning permission was granted in 2009, but by 2011 no work had begun. Plans were eventually scrapped in 2015 when the contractors, GB Building Solutions, entered administration.

3. Hilton Leeds Arena Hotel

Hilton had planned to build a 16-storey hotel proposed for Portland Crescent, close to the First Direct Arena. Initial planning permission was granted in 2009, but by 2011 no work had begun. Plans were eventually scrapped in 2015 when the contractors, GB Building Solutions, entered administration. Photo: James Hardisty

Despite initial discussions in 2018 luxury retailer Burberry decided to maintain its manufacturing sites in Castleford and Keighley and scrapping plans to develop the 10 acres of land it owns next to the Grade I listed Temple Works building.

4. Burberry Temple Works site

Despite initial discussions in 2018 luxury retailer Burberry decided to maintain its manufacturing sites in Castleford and Keighley and scrapping plans to develop the 10 acres of land it owns next to the Grade I listed Temple Works building. Photo: Google

Mystery continues to surround plans as Leeds City Council claimed talks were ongoing with developers over stalled plans for a city centre “apart-hotel”.

5. Kirkgate Market Hotel

Mystery continues to surround plans as Leeds City Council claimed talks were ongoing with developers over stalled plans for a city centre “apart-hotel”. Photo: LCC

The famed Lumiere skyscrapers would have been Europe's largest residential buildings if they'd ever been built but they were officially cancelled in 2010 when the owners of the site entered voluntary liquidation.

6. The Lumiere skyscrapers

The famed Lumiere skyscrapers would have been Europe's largest residential buildings if they'd ever been built but they were officially cancelled in 2010 when the owners of the site entered voluntary liquidation. Photo: James Hardisty

Leeds Leeds Bradford Airport