21st October 2014
Over a decade since closing, the redevelopment of Leeds’ historic Kirstall Forge site is set to get under way this month led by developer Commercial Estates Group (CEG).
Met Geo Environmental undertook extensive land and building surveys of the 23-hectare former metalworking brownfield site ahead of initial clearance work in 2008, since which the project has ridden out a recession and planning deliberation.
Now a new riverside community of affordable housing, office space and shopping and leisure facilities is planned for the historic site with the £400m scheme delivering a new railway station and access road, paving the way for more than 1,000 new homes and 300,000 sq ft of office space.
It is estimated that the development will create around 2,400 new jobs and will also bring about £400m of private sector investment and an estimated £5m per year in local retail spend.
Kirkstall Forge dates back to the 12th-century as a millrace which powered a corn mill for the monks of neighbouring Kirkstall Abbey. Iron production began in the 16th century making it the oldest forge in England before finally closing in 2003.