The 4ha neighbourhood is set to feature new homes, workplaces, leisure and hospitality amenities in an expansion of the city centre’s footprint.
The client, a joint venture between private equity investor Khalbros and developer/contractor Torsion Group, has named a team of 14 practices and consultancies on the project, which is in pre-planning discussions with Leeds City Council.
Khalbros and Torsion Group acquired the Eastgate Quarter development from Hammerson in April 2025, as part of the latter’s strategic exit from the city.
It is part of a same site that had earlier been earmarked for a £600 million vision by Hammerson. A £165 million first phase was delivered by Acme, creating the Victoria Gate shopping centre, which opened in 2016 (pictured below). An earlier masterplan for the site was designed to outline stage by Farrells in 2006 but was later redrafted over cost concerns.
The joint venture said the new redevelopment will place a strong emphasis on sustainability, placemaking and design excellence. It added that it would repurpose heritage assets for new public uses and incorporate public and green spaces in the heart of the city centre.
Aerial panorama view of Leeds city centre with bus station and retail or shopping district. Credit: Khalbros
FCBS senior partner Alex Whitbread said: ‘Eastgate has been a forgotten part of the city centre for decades. In its place our ambition is to shape a new mixed-use neighbourhood rooted in Leeds’ character, where sustainability, density and quality of place work together.
‘Our approach will bring new life to long empty buildings and create a dynamic new public realm where we currently have empty lots and car parking.’
He added: ‘This new quarter will reconnect with surrounding residential neighbourhoods and help bring forward Leeds’ ambitions for an expanding city centre. Eastgate Quarter has the potential to set a new benchmark for socially responsible urban development and leave a lasting legacy for Leeds.’
In the city, FCBS has previously designed the mixed-use Broadcasting Place for Leeds Beckett University and led the masterplan for the major Wellington Place development.
Urban design practice SLA has also been appointed to Eastgate Quarter, alongside highways and transport consultancy AMA (see full list below).
Torsion Group founder and CEO Dan Spencer said the team was ‘strong and talented’.
‘The calibre of the team reflects the scale of our ambition for this development and our commitment to bring forward a scheme that supports the council’s aspirations for inclusive economic growth and leaves a positive legacy for future generations,’ he said.
Project team
Client Khalbros and Torsion Group JV
Lead architect and masterplanner Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Urban design SLA
Planning consultancy ID Planning
Highways and transport AMA
Structural and civil engineering services Roscoe
Townscape visual impact assessment Urban Wilderness
Ecology consultancy Futuresecology
Heritage Levrant
Archaeology services Prospect
Communications and public consultation Social
Wind consultancy FD Global
Daylight and sunlight surveying Levrant
Services and utilities Tace
Compliance with EDI GDR Group