Sovereign Street plans released

The area around Sovereign Street could be the next to be redeveloped into a ‘vibrant’ neighbourhood, including new green space.

The 2.8 acre site, currently a car park behind the train station and which sits between Brewery Wharf and Granary Wharf, is the next target for the city council, which has just published a development plan for the area.

The plan says Sovereign Street ‘has the potential to be transformed into a high quality development that will make a significant contribution the life and vibrancy of the city.’

The council is suggesting offices, hotels, residential, cafés, restaurants, bars, leisure, entertainment and cultural uses as the main regeneration drivers.

The council is currently halfway through a five week consultation process which will be used to draw up a draft document.

‘This site provides an opportunity to create an innovative development of exceptional design which makes a visual statement, whilst enhancing and respecting the distinctive character of the Riverside Area,’ says the report.

‘It also affords the potential to consolidate City Centre uses by overcoming the physical and visual barrier of the railway line, by opening up new pedestrian routes linking the office and retail Quarters to the north with the Riverside Area and beyond to the South Bank, Clarence Dock and Holbeck Urban Village.’

New tall buildings could be built on the site, up to 15 storeys. Granary Wharf is cited as an example to follow in terms of infrastructure, with new green space ‘enhancing the city centre’s commercial offer and its credentials as a liveable place.’

The report is set to go before the council’s Plans Panel on March 10. You can read the full report, which includes several fancy sketches, here.