The Junction offers a modern and fresh design, with spacious and open flats. Flats and lifts are accessed via a fob which provides a feeling of a fancy hotel and the welcome package with products from local and environmentally friendly brands was a nice surprise.
The development has its Secret Garden at the doorstep, but also has an internal garden for residents between The Exchange and Signal Apartments with a short trail to walk and ping-pong tables. There are two co-working spaces for those who work from home, complete with bookable meeting rooms and a coffee machine with free coffee. There are also two bookable dining rooms for when you want to host a dinner party but want more space.
The staff and management are extremely friendly and responsive, with a focus on building a community, including regular community events and a resident app that allows you to meet and communicate with your neighbours. The Junction also has it’s own service team and service requests are addressed swiftly.
However, as a new development, there are still some kinks to iron out. The ongoing construction may be a turn-off for some, and the planned stores and businesses in the arches under Monk Bridge may not suit everyone’s preferences especially if they want a very quiet area. Parcel delivery may also be delayed for couriers still unfamiliar with the area. There is no gym yet, but plans are in place to add one within the next year.
My least favourite aspect of living at The Junction has been the wifi. It is included in the rental price which is great! However, the maximum speed is only 200~250 Mbps. Admittedly, I work in the software industry so my needs are different from the average person but I currently have no option to upgrade to a higher speed. I originally had 300~500 Mbps and with the slower speed, it struggles with 4K content and larger content that may be required for my work.
The public internet in the co-working spaces is also slower. I would suggest that management consider switching to Hyperoptic. They cater to high-rise developments, have been very reliable for my wife and I, are super-fast, and have responsive and knowledgeable staff just like the Junction!
Please tell us what you like and dislike about this area:
The Junction is an excellent place to live outside of Leeds City Centre, offering residents the best of both worlds. The location is prime, providing easy access to city life while still avoiding the noise and commotion that comes with it. Leeds Train Station is only a short hop away, opening up a world of possibilities for those who want to explore the city’s various offerings or simply get away. There are plenty of bars, cafes, and eateries around for the foodies, as well as convenient corner stores to pick up that one grocery item you’re missing.
In addition to its excellent location, The Junction has many natural attractions that offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. The canal and river are perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog, and the Secret Garden is right at your doorstep, offering a natural escape from city life. The Junction also provides plenty of transportation options, including nearby bus links to get around Leeds, or you can even hire a car through the Junction’s partnership with Enterprise’s Car Club.
However, as of April 2023, there is a significant amount of construction going on in the area. While the Secret Garden and the other towers of The Junction are in the midst of completion, other nearby residences and the arches underneath the Monk Bridge are still under construction. This results in some construction noise, but the flat itself has excellent noise isolation, minimizing the impact on residents.
Overall, The Junction offers an excellent location and many natural attractions, making it an attractive place to live. While the ongoing construction may be a temporary inconvenience, the noise isolation of the flat ensures that it doesn’t cause too much disruption.
Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:
During our viewings, we didn’t get quite how loud the construction can be at times but we don’t expect the construction to stay around too long during our tenancy. We would’ve also liked faster, more reliable internet as software professionals.
Regarding the good: the apartment has killer views that we just couldn’t appreciate as much when we were viewing haha.
How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:
I originally had issues with smoke alarm low battery chirpings in unoccupied apartments near mine and raised this concern with management. They immediately responded and replaced those batteries so my wife and I did not have to hear the chirp any longer! Other issues stemming before move-in such as loose bolts pertaining to a balcony railing and minor issues with the door latch or toilet seat were also immediately addressed which was greatly appreciated!