Photographing Lucy Rigby MP at the Dyecoats Topping Out Ceremony for GRAHAM in Leeds
Construction Photography at One of Leeds' Most Significant Regeneration Projects
Recently, I had the opportunity to provide professional construction photography for GRAHAM during the topping out ceremony at the landmark Dyecoats development in Leeds. The event welcomed Lucy Rigby KC MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, alongside project stakeholders, local leaders, and members of the wider project team to mark a major milestone in the scheme's construction.
As a construction and architectural photographer, documenting events like this is about far more than recording a ceremonial moment. It is about capturing progress, partnership, investment, and the transformation of a site that will have a lasting impact on the city.
What is the Dyecoats Development in Leeds?
Located on Kirkstall Road, Dyecoats is one of the largest regeneration projects currently underway in Leeds. The development is being delivered by GRAHAM in partnership with Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group. Phase One will deliver 434 homes, including affordable rent, shared ownership, and private sale properties, with the wider masterplan expected to create more than 1,800 homes on the former industrial site.
The project is transforming a 13-acre brownfield site alongside the River Aire into a sustainable mixed-tenure neighbourhood, complete with public spaces, improved connectivity, and community-focused amenities.
Capturing the Topping Out Ceremony
Topping out ceremonies are significant milestones in the construction industry. They mark the point at which a building or structure reaches its highest level and provide an opportunity to recognise the efforts of everyone involved in delivering the project.
The Dyecoats event brought together representatives from GRAHAM, Latimer, Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Lucy Rigby MP. During the visit, attendees toured the site, reviewed construction progress, and celebrated the advancement of one of Leeds' most ambitious housing developments. The first buildings are now structurally complete and ready to be topped out.
From a photography perspective, the challenge was to balance documentary storytelling with commercial imagery that reflects the scale, professionalism, and significance of the project.
Project Information
Project: Dyecoats Development
Location: Kirkstall Road, Leeds
Main Contractor: GRAHAM
Client: Latimer (Clarion Housing Group)
Event: Topping Out Ceremony
Photography: Construction and Architectural Photography