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As the recession has caught hold the news has carried regular reports about projects being put on hold, or cancelled, and now BBC Radio Leeds has learnt new planning applications for tall buildings in the city have virtually dried up.

Trinity: a hole in the ground

So what's the future for new projects in Leeds, for the building sites left untouched, and the people who rely on them to make a living?

When the iconic Bridgewater Place opened two years ago a further 22 tall buildings were going through the planning process. Now five of those have been finished and just two other proposals are being considered.

Richard Wormald is a plasterer based in Wakefield who's been hit by the downturn in Leeds. Richard says, "Unfortunately a lot of the flats are not selling anymore so there's not a lot of work in Leeds city centre.

"You're lucky basically to be in work at the moment.

"A majority of work was in Leeds 'cos it was a massive, massive boom."

Chris Gilman is director of Bridgewater Place -  opened two years ago. He says, "The well located schemes are doing OK. Sales aren't at the level they were two years ago. The rental market is very strong.

"It is a positive future but it is going to take some time to evolve. Leeds is a pretty resilient city. The next 12-18 months (will) start to see signs of recovery."

John Thorp is the Leeds Civic Architect. John says, "There maybe a sudden dip in the evolution of the city... of which the skyline is just one part.

"The emphasis is shifted. There is less emphasis on residential and office accommodation at the moment and more on student accommodation, teaching accommodation for the universities and cultural projects.

"I feel the city is in a robust condition to adapt to the new circumstances.

"I think there will be fewer (buildings), of higher quality, giving distinction to the skyline."

What stage are some of Leeds's high profile developments?

• The International Pool site
  Plans for flats and shops here have been dropped. BBC Leeds understands the pool will be knocked down in 2009 and it's likely to become a car park.
• Trinity
  The most recent casualty is on Boar Lane. A huge crane is still in place but the Trinity shopping centre was delayed in early April and won't be open until, at least, the end of 2012.
• The Eastgate development
  Was due to have a John Lewis store as its flagship, it is on hold and will remain a car park for the time being.
• Wellington Street
  A big hole remains by the train station - site of the proposed Lumiere Towers. Foundations are in place but there's no fixed date for building work to resume.
• Wellington Place
  A proposed site the size of 11 football pitches, it is on hold but developers are planning to spend £1m on an open space with trees, vegetable plots, paths and benches.
• Criterion Place
  Plans for a 53-storey tower have been cancelled. Now Leeds City Council is planning a permanent park on the site.