Green light for city centre student scheme

Planning has been secured for a 928-bed student accommodation scheme in Leeds city centre.

The site, located on Merrion Way in the city centre, is close to the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University.

Unite Students, the company behind the scheme, said the building will increase its Leeds portfolio to 4,376 beds, serving a student population of 58,000.

In the last five years, Unite’s occupancy in the city has been 99% with over 1,800 beds subject to nominations agreements with Leeds universities.

It is expected to be open for the 2020 academic year.

Nick Hayes, group property director, Unite Students said: “Leeds is a strong performing market, with a diverse and growing student population.  With two high quality universities, we expect demand for quality, affordable student accommodation to grow and this development will help to fulfil that need.”