World’s tallest student tower opens in Leeds at 45 storeys
Leeds has a new landmark on its skyline – a 43-storey student tower that is now the tallest purpose-built student accommodation building in the world.
Standing 134 metres (440ft) high, Fusion Students’ 633-bed residence at Arena Point on Merrion Way is also the tallest building in Yorkshire, marking the completion of a six-year project with a gross development value of £95m.
The 45-storey tower, at Arena Point on Merrion Way, has opened in time for the 2026/27 academic year for students studying at the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett, Leeds Conservatoire and Leeds Arts University.
The building, which was funded by Cain International, designed by Cunniff Design and built by Olympian Homes and RG Group, sits alongside the 37-storey Altus House, previously Yorkshire’s tallest building.
Amenities include a large roof terrace that overlooks the city, a recording studio, a photography studio, study spaces complete with bookable booths, a gym, yoga studio, private dining room and games room. Residents also get access to free bike hire to help them get around the city cleanly.
Fusion Students residents get free tea, coffee and breakfast, there’s super-fast WiFi, free laundry, regular housekeeping, an events programme and access to counselling and wellbeing services. Free rice and pasta are also available to those who need it.
The building employs 15 people, with a mix of full and part-time staff, with the platform now employing 82 people nationally.
Laura Kurt, managing director at Fusion Students said: “Leeds’ institutions have global appeal, attracting talent from the UK and around the world to come and study.
"These students are heavily invested into the futures and want to maximise their chance of success, Fusion Students Arena Point allows them to do just that.
"Amenities students need to make their coursework easier such as study spaces, recording studios and photography studios mixed with places to socialise and connect and incredible services such as free housekeeping and laundry, make life at University easier.”
Fusion Students also has residences in York, London, Liverpool, Nottingham and Manchester, and new openings on the way in Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow.