400-bed student accommodation block proposed for city site

More than 400 new student apartments could be built in central Leeds, if planners agree.

An application has been lodged with Leeds City Council to redevelop the site of King House, in Regent Street.

PPG Leeds Ltd wants permission to knock down the existing building on this land and replace it with a new 11-storey development.

It intends to construct 148,000 sq ft of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), comprising 402 studio flats.

There would also be shared amenity provision, including a study zone, meeting rooms, gym, a yoga studio, communal gathering space, a cinema room, gaming zone, laundry facilities and a lounge area.

A planning statement accompanying the application explains: “It is considered that the proposals accord with the aims of national policy by promoting the efficient use of land by reusing a previously developed site and being situated in a highly sustainable location.

“The provision of PBSA in this locality will also contribute towards reduced pressure on the conversion or redevelopment of existing private housing stock, ensuring this can be retained for use by families, and the high-quality design of this scheme will facilitate the continued regeneration of the Mabgate area of Leeds.”