Green light for co-living scheme at Grade Two listed library building

Planning approval has been granted for a co-living scheme in Leeds focused on graduates and young professionals, which will transform a former library into a 60 apartment development.

Parklane Group, through its new Livinc brand, will build up to 60 luxury one bedroom and studio apartments at the former Burley Road Library.

The approval of plans means that the group are now able to regenerate the former library, transforming the Grade II Listed site in Headingley, and will include shared space and leisure provisions.

Dating back to 1926, the site has strong personal resonance with The Parklane Group’s Directors.

Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of The Parklane Group said: “Having these plans accepted is of immense personal and professional pride to me. Livinc will allow us to bring this amazing building back to life, following a period of neglect, and help it become relevant to today’s society. We’re really pleased to extend our leading position within the co-living space to young professionals and graduates, in so doing, bringing a trend to Leeds more commonly associated with global cities such as London or New York.

“We’ve seen there is appetite through our IconInc brand, which delivers a similar proposition for the student rentals market in Leeds. Those graduates have seen the value in our developments, and those remaining in Leeds are now able to continue living within that concept. This new brand will allow residents to do away with many of the complications of modern living, with furnished accommodation, inclusive of bills, alongside excellent leisure facilities.

“On a personal level, several of our Directors, myself included, have treasured memories of visiting the Library as children to choose our books. It was a formative part of our upbringing, and we were incredibly sad to see it close. These plans will bring a vibrancy back to the site and ensure that future generations can take as much enjoyment from it as we did. As a group, we’re incredibly proud of our Leeds heritage, and this project demonstrates our commitment to both the city’s past and its future.”

The new development in Leeds will also promote co-working and networking with communal spaces including kitchens and social areas, as well as having access to shared facilities, such as a cinema and gym.

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