Planning secured for major student accommodation scheme

The scheme on Blenheim Walk in Leeds will be developed by York-based S Harrison and will offer 180 en-suite bedrooms spread across 29 cluster apartments.

There will also be a range of communal facilities including a reception area, study rooms, games area and common room. Externally there is a large, green courtyard area, and cycle parking.

The seven storey building will sit between Leeds College of Art and Leeds Student Medical Practice and will replace an existing office building that is part occupied by Rex Procter & Partners.

The firm of construction consultants, which has been there for 23 years, is planning to move its 25 staff into new city centre premises in March.

Gavin Douglas, design manager from S Harrison, said: “Securing planning permission for this scheme will enable us to create a standout development that is within a few minutes walk of both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University.

He added: “The development should complete in time for the start of the 2018/19 academic year.”

Andrew Cooper, managing director at Rex Procter & Partners, added: “We’ve been at our current Leeds address for the last 23 years and whilst it’s been a great base for us, the location is ideal for this type of purpose built student accommodation scheme. As a result, the development will make way for us to relocate into Leeds city centre.”