Work to enhance and re-energise Leeds Dock, the waterfront area located on Leeds’ South Bank, has entered a new phase, as major landscaping work begins ahead of this weekend’s Leeds Waterfront Festival (28 and 29 June).
With thousands of visitors expected to descend on Leeds Dock this weekend to take part in the festivities, site owners Allied London have begun work to install approximately 60 metres of stepped ‘grass’ banking next to the waterfront area.
The banking, which is made out of astro-turf, will provide seating for hundreds of spectators during outdoor events, starting with this weekend’s festival.
Over the next few weeks, work is also expected to begin to create new public gardens along the main approach to the waterfront, offering a mixture of relaxation and play. At the same time, improvements are also being made to the pedestrian route linking the site to the rest of the city.
The work is part of a bigger project by owners Allied London to give Leeds the waterfront destination it deserves, by transforming Leeds Dock, formerly Clarence Dock, into a vibrant, must-visit destination which is home to creative and innovative industries and a thriving social scene.
Last week, hoardings decorated by some of the UK’s top street artists were erected in front of buildings where Allied London is working to create some of the most exciting and desirable work and play space anywhere in the UK.
Lucy Whalley, project co-ordinator for Allied London, said:
“There’s a real buzz around Leeds Dock at the moment, as work progresses to transform the area into an exciting, lively waterfront destination.
“On the back of work beginning to revamp the existing office space, we’ve begun a major landscaping project to revitalise the area, starting with the installation of these giant green banks.
“As well as bringing a big splash of colour to the area, they’ll provide seating for hundreds of visitors during outdoor events, beginning with this weekend’s Waterfront Festival when we expect there will be a real carnival atmosphere down at Leeds Dock.”
Now in its seventh year, the Waterfront Festival will offer two days of live music, a vintage market, street food and drink stalls and a host of activities for all the family including a fairground, bouncy castle, circus acts, craft workshops and a bird of prey exhibition.
The highlight of the weekend is the Dragon Boat Race at Leeds Dock on Saturday 28 June which will see local businesses pitting their rowing and fancy dress skills against one another in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy live music from local bands on a floating stage at Leeds Dock on Sunday, compered by Kiki deVille from BBC One’s The Voice.
For more information on the events taking place at Leeds Dock over the coming weeks and months, visit www.leedsdock.com. For more information on what’s happening during the Leeds Waterfront Festival, visit www.leedswaterfrontfestival.com.
