In the May edition of Outlook, there was a note about Leeds Civic Trust’s support for a planned Leeds city living survey. It’s been fifteen years since there was a special report on the residential market. Here’s more about the purpose of the proposed survey, how it can be carried out and what you might be able to help.
Why do a city living survey now?
Detailed surveys of the Leeds city centre residential market were carried out in 2003, 2005 and 2007 by Rachael Unsworth on behalf of the University of Leeds School of Geography. They included supply statistics, occupier surveys, and commentary.
In 2010, a post-financial crash survey drew together evidence on occupancy, values, stalled sites and continuing investment in city centre facilities.
Much has changed since then, including the wider scope of the area, which now includes more emerging ‘fringe’ neighbourhoods. We have an approximate idea of the scale and shape of the residential market in the city centre and how it relates to wider trends in the economy, society and policy, but we have no detailed, reliable market intelligence to share across all the decision makers. We need more accurate information on the development pipeline, the positive and negative characteristics of the current range of accommodation and the aspirations of local residents – including students who may stay on as residents – for living in the city. All of this will help us to make practical suggestions for shaping the city in future.
How can we do this?
- Update supply statistics – by sub-area & status (completed – with date, under construction, proposed & other characteristics)
- Examine opinions, behaviour & outlook of samples of occupiers & potential occupiers
- Gather insights from a range of market actors: trends, expectations & aspirations
- Set findings about developments, occupiers & professional opinions in a context of relevant policies and actions affecting the city
- Draw conclusions to help inform decision makers
- Create a professionally-designed digital report
- Distribute the report
Where are we now?
We have enthusiastic support from Leeds Civic Trust, Leeds City Council, several property market firms and some city centre residents. Some supply data is already available and we know how to compile a more accurate picture. Ideas have been drafted about how to gather insights from occupiers and potential occupiers. We have plenty of sources for linking city living to the overall direction of change in Leeds.
What next?
We need more stakeholders to get involved: those who have an interest in how this phenomenon of city living is evolving and how it might be shaped in future to maximise positive outcomes. Ideally this project should be co-created, so that the findings are accepted as credible to as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, will be widely shared and will be used to inform future decision making.
It’s great that Leeds Civic Trust has put forward some funding and is contributing time and expertise. Now we need to gather more support, including towards the costs of survey work and the report design.
Please let us know if you can help directly, or suggest individuals or firms who might be approached to be involved.
More information is available from Rachael Unsworth via office@leedscivictrust.org.uk Please include ‘Leeds City Living Survey 2025’ in your email subject so it can easily be redirected.
