KW Linfoot - Mixed-Use Development - Leeds, Leeds Greets Vision for Lumiere
Date: 11 Oct 2006
Lumière, a ground breaking new mixed-used development comprising two stunning glass towers in Leeds city centre, was launched with success last week to over 1,000 expectant guests.
The exclusive celebration to showcase what will include Europe's tallest residential tower took place at the KW Linfoot Exhibition Space in Whitehall Waterfront on Thursday 5 October. Select guests included some of the UK's most astute investors, regional business professionals, local dignitaries and invited celebrities.
Standing 171m from the ground, Lumière's tower 1 is the height of 16 red London buses, putting the 'Knightsbridge of the North' firmly on the international map. It will be balanced by Tower II at 112m high.
These spectacular towers will be a dramatic addition to Leeds' skyline soaring above the existing cityscape. Covering 0.36 hectares (0.9 acres) and totalling a value of £225million, Lumière is a classic example of a vertical mixed-use development, with office space, residential and serviced apartments positioned above 30,000 sq ft of retail space situated between Wellington Street and Whitehall Road in central Leeds.
Lumière is a joint venture between award winning residential developer K W Linfoot Plc, Scarborough Development Group which will deliver the commercial element and YOO, the international design and development company co-founded by celebrated designer Philippe Starck and property entrepreneur John Hitchcox
YOO is designing 608 smart pads, studios and one and two bedroom apartments which will span floors 12 - 49 of Tower I, bringing globally recognised designer living to the centre of Leeds. YOO's involvement at Lumière will enhance and add value to many aspects of the development including the apartment layouts, specifications and overall interior design as well as offering highly stylish furniture packs.
The towers are designed by acclaimed Ian Simpson Architects, famed for the Beetham Tower in Manchester as well as No. 1 Deansgate. Lumière reflects the further evolution for the practice; pushing the boundaries of UK high-rise construction to a new level with one of the most slender architectural forms produced to date.
A stunning winter garden will be built linking the two towers and Wellington Street and Whitehall Road and will be open to the public.
Kevin Linfoot, Chairman of K W Linfoot Plc comments: "We are delighted to announce the launch of Lumière which will be a striking addition to Leeds' skyline. This is our most ambitious project to date. Lumière is a declaration of our confidence in the City of Leeds and it reflects the city's aspirations to be a major European destination. We believe Lumière will be a building the whole city can take pride in, not only those who will be lucky enough to work or live there."
Director of Scarborough Development Group, David Wells, agrees, "As one of the region's largest developers, we are proud to be involved in this major landmark building for the Leeds Skyline. This highlights our commitment to the city of Leeds as well as Yorkshire as a whole and will set the standard for both commercial and residential space in the region."
John Hitchcox, co-founder of YOO adds, "We are very excited about our partnership with K W Linfoot and Scarborough Development Group at Lumière - YOO's second project in Leeds. We feel that Leeds is a great fit with YOO's dynamic and innovative design style".
Kevin Linfoot, Philippe Starck, John Hitchcox and Kevin McCabe.
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