Derelict building set for transformation as planners give green light to student scheme

PROPERTY company YPP has been given the green light to transform a derelict building on Cookridge Street in Leeds city centre into a student accommodation scheme.

The Leeds-based development, investment and lettings company YPP will demolish the existing building, which was previously home to Australian themed bar chain Walkabout.  The bar opened in 1999 but closed in summer 2013 due to poor trading conditions.  

It will be replaced by a part six and part eight storey building, that will house 96 self-contained student apartments.  The development will also offer two ground floor retail units, a lettings office that will be occupied by YPP, and a range of communal facilities for the development including a lounge, gym and study area.  
Omar Al-Nujaifi from YPP says: “Securing this resolution is a major milestone in this project.  It paves the way for YPP to develop one of the city’s flagship student accommodation schemes that sits in a superb, prime location, on the doorstep of both universities and just off Millennium Square.  

“It also contributes to a really exciting time for this part of the city, especially now that positive noises are emerging from the stalled hotel development next door to our site.  Both these projects have the potential to completely rejuvenate Cookridge Street and further enhance the areas around the Arena Quarter and Millennium Square.”

The development has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects and Indigo Planning advised on the planning application.   

YPP recently started work on another student development, Fairbairn Residences, that Brewster Bye and Indigo Planning advised on, consisting of 25 apartments at 12 Clarendon Road.  

The development, which is already close to being fully let, is due to complete this summer in time for the start of the next academic year in September.