Starlight Investments Reaches Topping Out Milestone at 300-Suite The Millworks Build-to-Rent Development in Leeds

Starlight Investments has announced the topping out of The Millworks, a 300-suite build-to-rent (BTR) community under construction in Leeds, UK. The topping out ceremony, held March 11, 2026, marked the completion of the development's highest structural point and the transition into the next phase of construction at the Flax Place site near Leeds city centre.

Project Overview: Two Towers, 300 Suites, Premium Amenities

The Millworks comprises two residential towers of 10 and 17 storeys, offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed to serve a broad cross-section of Leeds' renter population. The development includes an array of resident amenities: a gym, dedicated yoga studio, co-working space, cinema, residents' lounge, bike storage, parking, and a rooftop garden.

Located within walking distance of Kirkgate and other leisure destinations, The Millworks offers convenient access to public transit for residents commuting throughout the region. The development's name draws on Leeds' industrial heritage — specifically the textile mills that shaped the city's identity — and is anchored to its street address on Flax Place, recontextualizing that history for today's rental market.

Starlight Investments and Torsion Group Partnership

The Millworks was developed in partnership with Torsion Group, whose CEO Dan Spencer commented on the milestone. "Reaching the topping out milestone at The Millworks marks a significant achievement and reflects the commitment, expertise and collaboration of everyone involved," Spencer said. "Our partnership with Starlight has been instrumental in driving this development forward, and we are proud to be contributing to delivering high-quality, thoughtfully designed homes in a location that continues to flourish."

Jonnie Milich, Head of UK Residential at Starlight Investments, also noted the significance of the construction progress. "We are pleased to recognize this important milestone and the significant progress our teams and partners have achieved," Milich said. "Leeds continues to be one of the UK's most dynamic cities, and The Millworks is an example of how we are working to deliver high-quality, well-designed rental housing in locations where demand continues to grow."

Starlight's UK Build-to-Rent Platform Reaches 4,000 Suites

The Millworks topping out contributes to a growing UK residential platform that Starlight Investments reports has now reached 4,000 suites under management. The Toronto-headquartered firm manages over 70,000 multi-residential suites globally and holds approximately CAD $30 billion in assets under management.

Starlight's UK strategy, as described by the firm, centers on creating professionally managed rental communities in high-growth urban centres where housing supply remains constrained. Leeds, the third-largest city in the UK and a recognized financial and employment hub, fits that profile.

Industrial Heritage and Development Identity

The Millworks name and brand identity reflect Leeds' industrial past, specifically the textile mill culture that defined the city's economic development. The Flax Place address itself references the raw material central to that history. The development has been positioned as a bridge between that industrial legacy and a contemporary residential environment, aiming to create a sense of community identity rooted in the neighbourhood's character.