Park opens as city's South Bank project continues

Central Park was opened by Tim Welchew of developer Vastint UK on Thursday

A new public park has opened as work continues to redevelop the South Bank area of Leeds.

The 1.5-acre (6,200 sq m) Central Park forms part of the Aire Park regeneration project, which aims to deliver more than 1,350 homes and eight acres (32,374 sq m) of green space, as well as commercial and retail outlets.

Once complete, the development will feature play areas and woodland, as well as events spaces for markets and performances.

Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's deputy leader, said: "We want Leeds to be a city filled with places that are perfect for work, rest and play, and Aire Park's lawns and gardens will give people plenty of opportunity for doing all of that and more."

The launch of Central Park follows the opening of a new green space in front of the Tetley building.

Plans are under way to extend the park behind the building - converting what is currently brownfield land into four acres of green space - as well as south of Crown Point Road.

Developers hope all of the park spaces will be completed by 2030

Developers hope to complete the Aire Park project by 2030, with plans to include 700 new trees and more than 100 varieties of plants.

The design has seen collaboration between landscaping experts including Planit Leeds, Moortown and Palmers.

Map shows which parts of the park are already open in dark green and which will open in the future in light green

Phillip Porter, Planit's principal landscape architect, said: "Aire Park is a unique project in the UK.

"One that provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape a vast disused industrial part of a city and leave an unparalleled gift to current and future generations."

Stephen Lindley, managing director of developer Vastint UK, said the project had already welcomed its first commercial tenants.

He said: "As the wider development and the park continues to grow, with the addition of its event space and play area, so too will its sense of community as Aire Park becomes a go-to destination within the city to work, meet and socialise, or simple relax and enjoy nature."

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