Councillors back plans for hundreds more student beds in city centre
Plans to turn the site of the former House of Fraser store in Briggate, Leeds, into retail and student accommodation, have been backed by councillors.
The proposals, which would feature a total of 369 student beds, had been put forward by forward by Dukelease, under its development brand, Manner.
A project team supporting Manner include planning consultants Spawforths and project architects Corstorphine & Wright.
Plans involve demolition of the existing 1950s building and the construction of a new 10-storey building containing retail and commercial uses at ground and basement levels and student accommodation on the floors above.
Members of Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel considered the plans earlier today – 16 June. Councillors agreed the new building would be a significant improvement on the current 1950s property.
About 34,800 sq ft of retail space will be created across the basement and ground floor and the building – to be named The Store House – will also have communal areas and shared living spaces.
Panel members voted unanimously to defer and delegate the proposals to the Chief Planning Officer for approval. This will be subject to no objections being received from the Health and Safety Executive and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Richard James, managing director at Manner, said: “This significant investment will provide safe, modern and high quality accommodation for students in Leeds, allowing them to enjoy all this fantastic city has to offer, right on their doorstep.
“And alongside the refreshed retail offer and improvements to the public realm on Central Road, we will ensure an active and vibrant future for this landmark site in the city centre.”
Work is expected to begin on the scheme in early 2023.
