BAM has received approval for its sustainable office development proposal, Latitude Yellow, in Leeds West End Business District, UK.
The approval was confirmed by Leeds City Council's City Plans Panel last week and follows support from local stakeholders.
The 12-storey building will provide more than 200,000ft² of Grade A commercial office space.
The development is intended to become the most sustainable workspace in Leeds, achieving net-zero status from its inception. It will operate entirely on renewable energy, thereby eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
It also aims to achieve Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Outstanding and a 5.5 NABERS rating.
Leeds City Council leader and councillor James Lewis said: “The development - which has now seen its planning application approved - will provide much-needed, modern office space on brownfield land in a key location for the city centre.
“We welcome the steps they’re [BAM] taking to ensure all energy and electricity used by the site will be sourced exclusively from renewable energy, as well as the commitment to sustainable construction.”
The building's design will encourage sustainable and active travel options by providing minimal on-site car parking, premium changing facilities, and secure cycle storage.
The development will feature a gym, ground-floor café, event space, a roof garden, access to outdoor spaces, and biodiversity-friendly features such as green walls and a new public realm.
The local community is expected to benefit from the project, with more than 25% of its budget dedicated to social value initiatives.
BAM Properties managing director Euan Miller said: “We’re delighted that our application has been approved by Leeds’ City Plans Panel. Sustainability is at the heart of Latitude Yellow and our proposals have had a really positive response from both the local community and senior stakeholders in Leeds.
“We’re now aiming to begin work on site later this year.”
In January this year, the University of South Wales selected BAM to construct a new academic building at its Treforest Campus in Pontypridd, Wales.
