Tower Works, Leeds

GIA was commissioned by Leeds City Council to conduct a wind microclimate analysis for the proposed Tower Works development. As a local authority, Leeds are particularly cautious around the wind impact that new tall buildings can have on the safety of ground level pedestrians.

To assess whether the development’s wind conditions were suitable, established safety and comfort categories were used. This involved analysing the wind strength for pedestrians who would be sitting, walking, or cycling in the surrounding area, including thoroughfares, roads, and popular leisure spaces during the summer months. Computer simulations, using benchmark wind data, determined the existing wind speed and direction and how the new development could potentially disrupt the natural wind flow, leading to unsafe or uncomfortable conditions.

As a result of the analysis we demonstrated that the Tower Works development did not present any significant adverse effects. As a result, no wind mitigation measures were required, saving time, costs, and the need for complicated planning conditions.