Winvic Secures £130m Build-to-Rent Development in Leeds

Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed to deliver a £130m Build-to-Rent development in Leeds city centre after the project secured Gateway 2 approval. The scheme is being undertaken for Lisbon Street Developments Limited, a joint venture between Marrico Asset Management and Helios Real Estate, and will provide 578 apartments across two residential towers. Construction is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of this year. The latest appointment follows Winvic’s completion of a 548-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation project on the same site, further strengthening the contractor’s footprint in Leeds.

Situated on Lisbon Street, the development will feature two towers rising 33 and 22 storeys above a single-storey podium and shared basement. The podium will accommodate resident amenity areas and two commercial units, creating a mixed-use setting, while the basement will include car parking, access routes into both buildings and supporting facilities. Plans also incorporate a roof terrace and east-facing balconies intended to enhance outdoor space and city views. The build-to-rent development is targeting a Home Quality Mark 3.5 star rating and includes a range of sustainability measures. Photovoltaic systems will generate renewable energy on site, while decentralised air source heat pumps are planned to provide a lower-carbon operational energy solution. Improvements to the building fabric and glazing specifications are also expected to support energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling requirements.

Alongside the residential elements, a Social Value Plan has been prepared in partnership with Leeds City Council. Expected outcomes include employment opportunities, apprenticeships, work experience placements, educational engagement activities and volunteering initiatives. These measures will be monitored throughout delivery to assess the broader benefits generated by the project for the local community.

The development adds to Winvic’s established presence in the residential sector and builds on its experience in urban multi-room schemes across the UK. The company has completed 15,000 beds to date through its multi-room division. Commenting on the project, Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic, said: “Working in partnership with Marrico Asset Management, we look forward to delivering a high-quality residential scheme that will contribute to Leeds’ continued growth and provide homes in a thriving city centre location.

“Following our recent work on the same site, this development is a great example of our capability. The scheme’s scale, complexity and prominent city centre location make it an exciting addition to our portfolio.”

Richard Bland, Partner at Marrico Asset Management Limited added: “Gateway 2 approval moves the scheme into delivery. We appointed Winvic following their work on the PBSA scheme on the same site, which gave us confidence in their ability to deliver here. The BTR towers are the third scheme underway on the former International Swimming Pool site, following student scheme and the aparthotel now under construction. Together with Helios, we are focused on bringing forward 578 well-built rental homes in a central Leeds location.”