The joint venture (JV) between real estate firm Tri7 and student accommodation provider Fusion Students have submitted a planning application for a new PBSA scheme.
Following extensive pre-application consultations held with the public across two events with the council, the Civic Society and Historic England, planning has been submitted to Leeds City Council.
The JV’s proposals will deliver a student-led mixed-use development on the site of The Core shopping centre, which will be demolished as part of the redevelopment.
“Our plans for this design-led scheme, shaped by extensive consultation with the community, will create beautiful and amenity-rich homes for students and a vibrant commercial offering. Located in the heart of one of the UK’s best cities for students, it represents exactly the type of opportunity that we seek to deploy our capital in – and the type of bed-led city centre regeneration development that the government just last week argued was a major part in tackling the UK’s housing crisis. We’re eager to continue working alongside Fusion Students, the council, and the community to deliver this first-class scheme.”
Samuel Castle, Partner, Tri7
Tri7 acquired The Core in July 2021 as part of its value-add real estate investment strategy alongside equity partners Alchemy.
Plans have been submitted to develop three towers between five and nine storeys, containing 807 student bedrooms and around 36,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space at ground level, including two new arcades that will further connect the city and enhance the community.
The scheme, designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, will target an EPC A rating, BREEAM Excellent for the PBSA space and BREEAM Very Good for the retail space.
“This truly stunning development, designed by a world-renowned architecture practice, will set the standard in the area, bringing high-quality modern architecture that complements the city centre’s historic buildings. Our ethos is to design spaces for positive living, and working alongside our partners at Tri7, the city council and the community, we’re looking forward to progressing the scheme and creating much-needed new student homes in a city that remains deeply attractive to learners from across the UK and the world.”
Ben Henry, Acquisitions Director, Fusion Students
The development will feature low carbon air source heat pumps, low water consumption fixtures and fittings, and low energy and controlled ventilation and lighting.
Bringing improved public realm and a better retail experience, the scheme will further improve east-to-west connectivity from Lands Lane to Albion Street.
Leeds has a population of nearly 40,000 students in full-time education and a significant number of international students, which The Core redevelopment will provide much-needed housing for.
