Celebrating Design and Regeneration at Spinners Yard – A UKREiiF Fringe Event

Last week, members of the PARKdesigned Architects team had the pleasure of attending the official opening of Spinners Yard, a landmark residential development by Rise Homes, located in the heart of Leeds' vibrant South Bank. As a Leeds-based architectural practice specialising in commercial, waste, and energy projects, we are always keen to support and engage with developments that contribute meaningfully to the regeneration of our city. This visit, part of the broader UKREiiF fringe programme, was a timely reminder of the role architecture plays in shaping communities and urban identity.

Spinners Yard is an excellent example of how considered urban development can weave together historical context, modern living standards, and long-term sustainability. The scheme delivers over 185 high-quality build-to-rent homes, designed to cater to the evolving needs of city dwellers. It also showcases how residential architecture in Leeds is shifting towards greener, more inclusive models of development—principles that resonate strongly with our ethos at PARKdesigned.

During the tour, we were struck by the thoughtful integration of the building into its industrial surroundings. The external materiality draws subtly from the site's heritage, while internally, the spaces are light-filled and efficiently planned. Communal areas, outdoor terraces, and active frontages contribute to a sense of community, something we consistently strive to embed within our own projects across Leeds and beyond.

Spinners Yard is not only a residential development—it represents a broader narrative of urban transformation. Its completion signals growing confidence in Leeds as a destination for inward investment, city living, and architectural innovation. As Leeds architects, we were particularly inspired by how Rise Homes and their design team have prioritised sustainability, including features like air source heat pumps and a car-free model, promoting a more environmentally conscious lifestyle in the city centre.

UKREiiF continues to be a critical platform for sharing knowledge, celebrating achievements, and fostering new partnerships within the built environment sector. This fringe event underscored the importance of architecture that responds to social, environmental, and economic challenges without compromising on design integrity.

At PARKdesigned Architects, we remain committed to delivering projects that are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, and, above all, designed with people in mind. Our visit to Spinners Yard reaffirmed our belief that good design, grounded in context and ambition, has the power to elevate not just buildings—but entire communities.

If you’re looking to collaborate with experienced Leeds architects who bring energy, precision, and practicality to every brief, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Contact us to discuss your next project or to learn more about our recent work across the commercial, energy, and waste sectors.