New PBSA scheme will deliver 1,039 beds
An ambitious scheme to deliver 1,039 purpose-built student accommodation beds in a city centre has been approved by planners.
Along with the conversion of an office block into student rooms, the project will also see a new 37-storey tower being constructed.
It's the brainchild of Town Centre Securities (TCS) which will now carry out a major redevelopment of the Merrion Centre in Leeds – which includes building the first residential homes on the 61-year-old popular site.
Three years in the planning
Craig Burrow, the group property director for TCS, said: "It has been over three years since our initial pre-application discussions began, and we have worked closely with Leeds City Council and key stakeholders throughout to carefully refine the design and ensure the scheme is both sensitive and sustainable.
"We are proud to be repurposing Wade House in a way that respects its heritage, while unlocking the opportunity to provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation that will support Leeds' growing population."
He added: "This development is a vital part of our long-term vision to further diversify the Merrion estate, continuing to evolve our retail, leisure, office and now residential offering to meet the changing needs of the city."
37-storey tower will be built
The ambitious development focuses on reimagining the 13-storey Wade House office block which dates from the 1960s and is vacant, into quality student housing.
Alongside this, a striking 37-storey tower will be built on an adjacent site to replace a four-storey block which is home to a disused cinema and retail units.
The project also includes reconfiguring retail spaces and mall walkways within the Merrion Estate to improve accessibility.
When complete, the two buildings will offer a mix of cluster and studio apartments, catering to Leeds' growing student population.
PBSA with top-tier amenities
Student residents will enjoy an array of top-tier amenities, including lounges, a karaoke room, co-working areas, meeting rooms, a gym, a cinema, outdoor terraces and secure cycle storage.
The project team, comprising Enjoy Design, ID Planning, Homes for Students, re-form, Hoare Lea, Gia and Adept are prioritising sustainability and sensitivity to the site's history.
Chairman and chief executive of TCS , Edward Ziff, underscored the project's significance, and said: "The approval of this significant scheme is a pivotal step in our journey to further enhance the Merrion Centre.
"We have consistently evolved the estate to meet the demands of the city, and this next phase represents a natural progression in our commitment to delivering a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use destination at the heart of Leeds."
Since opening in 1964, the Merrion Centre has remained a cornerstone of Leeds, attracting more than nine million visitors last year.
Its strategic location near the first direct Arena and major transport hubs, combined with more than 100 retail, office and leisure units, ensures its status as a bustling destination.
PBSA scheme is a 'game changer'
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "This impressive development signals a robust opportunity in Leeds' thriving student housing market.
"The addition of 1,039 modern bedrooms with premium amenities like co-working spaces and a karaoke room positions the Merrion Centre as a top-tier choice for students.
"It will drive demand for high-quality student accommodation."
He added: "In many ways, this project is a game-changer, weaving student life into the fabric of Leeds' city centre with real flair.
"To me, this amenity-rich hub will set a new benchmark for student living, sparking fierce competition in the rental market."
