Avant Homes has unveiled plans to transform the 49-acre former Burtons clothing factory site in Burmantofts, Leeds, into a new sustainable community.

The development, named Montague Place in honour of Sir Montague Burton, the founder of the Burtons factory in 1921, is set to breathe new life into the historic area.

The initial phase of the project will include 302 energy-efficient homes, designed to blend seamlessly with the cultural heritage of the site. The proposed homes will feature a mix of three- and four-storey one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as semi-detached and terraced houses ranging from one to four bedrooms. The development will also include a combination of affordable housing and homes for private rent.


In addition to residential homes, the plans propose public green spaces designed to encourage active lifestyles, built on the footprint of the site’s original bowling green and gardens. Existing woodland will be carefully preserved and managed, enhancing the site’s natural environment.

The project will also feature 8.5 acres of land designated for employment use, offering a range of potential job opportunities for local residents and contributing to the area’s economic regeneration.

At its height, the factory was the largest employer in Leeds, employing 10,500 people and producing 30,000 suits per week for the Burton tailoring chain which became the Burton Group.

To reflect this, Avant Homes has developed a heritage strategy which will see a number of features retained including art deco motifs and iconic Burton signage panels.

In addition, the housebuilder's design code for Montague Place will inform the materials to be used on the proposed properties to reflect those currently found on the site.