May mooring event at Granary Wharf celebrates restored Leeds waterfront
The coast or the country side usually spring to mind when people think of spending a day by the water’s edge but many great European cities, most famously Amsterdam and Venice, have been built around inland waterways with the canals and rivers acting as arteries which pump life into the heart of these urban centres. Inspired by these cities, as well as London hot spot Camden Lock, award-winning development Granary Wharf on Leeds Liverpool canal is to host a special free ‘May mooring’ event on May 14th which will give visitors an insight into life on and alongside, Britain’s increasingly popular urban waterways.
Leeds is built on two important waterways, the River Aire and the Leeds Liverpool Canal, and although they have lost the industrial purpose they used to serve, each is a valuable natural resource and growing leisure attractions, as witnessed by a new wave of humble canal boat enthusiasts around the UK that includes Keira Knightley, Kevin Spacey, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, Prunella Scales and Timothy West.
Granary Wharf, which was once a industrial centre for Leeds and played a vital role in the export of goods from Yorkshire to locations across the globe, is now known for its growing community of independent food and drink establishments and the stunning architecture of its contemporary residential developments. It is extremely popular with residents who are attracted to the proposition of a home overlooking a working waterway. As part of the regeneration of the development, ISIS invested heavily in landscaping the public realm and transforming the site into an active water space which now features a fully-restored Dry Dock and Graving Dock.
On May 14th, visitors can view both the development and the city from the water by taking a special free cruise aboard the Kirkstall Fly Boat, a purpose built passenger boat, which will set sail from Granary Wharf at 3:30pm and return at 5:30pm. Spaces are limited so booking is essential, interested punters should contact debbie@anitamorrisassociates.co.uk to secure a place.
Those who would like to find out more the history of the area can listen to a talk by Mike Clarke, president of the Leeds Liverpool Canal Society from 1 – 2pm in Arch Z. Mike will talk about the history of the Leeds Liverpool canal and the important role the waterways have played in the growth of the city of Leeds past and present.
Members of the public who would simply like to know more about how to enjoy the waterside including the habitats and wildlife which flourish around the Leeds Liverpool canal and River Aire, can come to a temporary British Waterways information point in Unit 1, Granary Wharf where volunteers will be on hand throughout the day between 12 – 5pm with leaflets and advice including waterside walks and leisure activities available here in Yorkshire and further afloat.
Those considering buying a new property and who are attracted to the idea of a waterside dwelling can take a tour of the two residential buildings; the copper-clad stepped design Waterman’s Place which is already two-thirds sold and the cylindrical Candle House. They can also take in the stunning 360 degree panoramic views of Leeds from the highest residential garden in the city on the twenty-first floor of Candle House, residing at an impressive 75 metres above the ground. Potential purchasers can visit the sales office between 10am and 4pm when ISIS is offering £1,000 of sales incentives for anyone who makes a reservation on the day as well as information on its current shared equity scheme ‘Loan2Own’ which allows buyers to purchase a property with just 5% cash deposit.
Granary Wharf is also offering boaters two nights free mooring from 1st to 31st May if they dock at Granary Wharf and take advantage of the full range of boating facilities available on the ground floor of the residential Candle House building including a water point, showers and waste disposal area. There is an additional charge for the use of the facilities.