A Leeds city centre development has scooped two prestigious national awards

A Leeds city centre development, with six and a half acres of gardens and 97 allotments has scooped two prestigious national awards for its inspiring design and sustainability.

Saxton Gardens, based in the East Bank of Leeds and developed by Urban Splash has been held up as an exemplar of excellence by both the Housing Design Awards and the RIBA Awards, which set the standard for great architecture across the country.

The apartments, which were designed by architectural firm, Union North, boasts a mixture of 410 studio, one and two bed apartments, and is purported to have the largest private gardens of any city centre residence, including a wild flower meadow, orchard and BBQ areas, as well as an on-site gym.

Judges of both awards praised developer Urban Splash for its regeneration of the two previously derelict council house blocks, re-using much of the existing building's structure and creating a model of sustainable living.