Plans for 37-storey student tower block at Leeds Merrion Centre
Part of the Merrion Centre could be turned into a 37-storey housing scheme for teenagers attending city universities.
More than 1,000 students could be housed in a huge tower block planned at a city shopping centre.
Part of the Merrion Centre could be turned into a 37-storey housing scheme for teenagers attending city universities.
The project, which involves the redevelopment of Wade House, was first proposed in 2023 by Town Centre Securities.
A public consultation is being held on revised plans which will be considered for planning permission by Leeds City Council.
A design report said: “The current proposal intends to deliver 1,039 total beds, comprised of 612 cluster bedrooms and 427 studios across Wade House and 100 Merrion Centre.”
A Student Needs Assessment report said the number of youngsters studying in Leeds increased by 24 per cent between 2012 and 2022.
The proposed scheme is close to the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the city’s Art University.
The report said more students would boost revenue for city centre businesses.
It said: “By providing modern amenities and comfortable living spaces, the scheme will support student well-being and the student experience, and will contribute to the city’s vibrant educational environment.
“Additionally, the proposed development will deliver significant student spend in central Leeds, supporting local businesses.”
Study spaces, a gym and a karaoke room would be included in the new housing complex, along with a lounge and breakfast area.
The report said Leeds had more than 25,000 purpose-built student bedrooms, provided by Universities and private companies.
It said: “En-suite beds dominate the room types offered in the Leeds purpose-built student accommodation market, accounting for more than two-thirds of the available bed spaces.”