Developer – Urban Developments (York) Ltd – receives planning permission for its new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central Leeds. Located at 26-34 Merrion Street, the site was previously a bar and nightclub. The new scheme will be delivered under Urban’s Engage student brand.
Designed by Brewster Bye Architects, the scheme will deliver 88 high specification studio apartments with en-suites across a part five, part seven and part nine storey building. Four of the studios are accessible and there are two larger premium studios.
“This is the second purpose-built student accommodation scheme we have designed and successfully achieved planning for with Urban under the Engage brand, following the approval of a large-scale development in Nottingham city centre.
“It’s a great location for students, in the very heart of Leeds, and our design sees the building step down in height and complement the surrounding streetscape. With ground floor glazing that creates an attractive and continuous street frontage on Merrion Street, our scheme will mirror the frontage of neighbouring The Merrion Project and really add to this part of the city centre.”
Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye Architects
Amenities at the new Engage new PBSA include a lounge, cinema room, study rooms and laundry facilities. The development will also include a staffed reception area and 23 cycle spaces. Work is due to start this summer with the scheme is expected to be ready for occupation by 2024.
The scheme is located on the northern edge of Leeds city centre’s main shopping and leisure quarters. Victoria Gate and Trinity shopping centres, as well as the city’s main university campuses and Leeds General Infirmary are all under a 10-minute walk away.
“We have worked closely with the owner of the site, Mahmood Mazhar, to find a viable use for this vacant plot, which sits between the city’s universities and key retail areas.
“The scale, form and position of the building were all praised in the planning officer’s report, which stated that it would enhance the conservation area, as well as providing much needed student accommodation and local employment opportunities during construction and the subsequent operation as a student scheme.”
Nick Gould from Urban Developments (York) Ltd
