Developer Downing will offer an ambitious idea in the autumn for Leeds City student accommodation and events project, next to the Leeds First Direct Arena. It will look for detailed planning permission for the two purpose-built student accommodations in separate but adjacent plots, and profile planning to deliver a multi-purpose events space, which will be taken forward other days by Leeds City Council. A 38-storey purpose-built student structure is planned for Merrion Way featuring 728 student bedrooms in a mix of six-bedroom and 296 studios.
Meanwhile, the present Yorkshire Bank office block would be demolished to create way for the second phase, comprising a stepped building rising to 18 storeys, featuring 543 student bedrooms in a mix of 5 and six-bedroom clusters and 216 studios.
If approved, the plans will pave the way for 1,200 flats and therefore the creation of a 110,000 square foot facility including an 800-900 capacity auditorium at the centre of the Leeds Arena Quarter, planned to draw in additional corporate, live and cultural events. The sustainable in the Leeds City student accommodation and events project will consist of photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps.
Read also:The Hanging Gardens of Salford under construction in UK.
Economic benefit of Leeds City student accommodation and events project
Each element of the Leeds City student accommodation and events project promises to regenerate unused space in part of the town which will benefit economically from additional footfall. The proposals even have the potential to make approximately 390 jobs within the construction phase.
George Tyson, projects director at Downing, uttered that it has long been recognised that Leeds is in need of a further , flexible events space capable of hosting corporate banqueting, awards ceremonies and live entertainment. With 2,000 square metre flat floor space, the scheme has the potential to host conferences and exhibitions which can’t be facilitated at the arena or other venues within the city centre, allowing Leeds to secure business which will rather be lost to other cities and regions.
He added: “Attracting and retaining graduate talent is significant to the health of the regional economy and this relies on having the ability to supply attractive student accommodation. Our proposals will provide students with fresh , first-class lebensraum in a dynamic part of the city, with fast access to college buildings and facilities.”
