Leeds City Council searches for development partner for city centre heat network

The AZP was launched in October 2024, and has been working with six English towns and cities to develop the country’s first heat network zones. Heat networks recycle excess heat in order to heat several buildings in the same area at once.

The joint venture would develop the Leeds PIPES network in line with the Golden Share Development Agreement, developed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for the AZP.

The total estimated value for the project is £4.1m, and the contract dates would run for 50 years from March next year to February 2076.

Enquiries will be accepted until the end of this month, with the tender submission deadline set for autumn this year.

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd will provide procurement support and advice, Addleshaw Goddard LLP will deliver legal services, Hermetica Black Ltd will act as technical advisor and Asteros Advisors Ltd will take on a commercial advisory role in the project.

Chris Small, head of projects (south) HNDU at DESNZ, said: “This [project] builds upon the successful track record of delivering the fastest growing heat network in the UK over the last 10 years.”