Leeds Student Tower Approved

Plans have been approved to build a 33-story student tower on a former Santander bank site in the heart of Leeds.

11 August 2020 | Leeds, United Kingdom

The £100 million (US$130 million) scheme has been designed by architect SimpsonHaugh for developer Merrion Street Leeds, owned by Real Estate Capital Holdings.

The proposed accomodation at 44 Merrion Street will provide a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate student accommodation with associated ancillary facilities.

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44 Merrion Street

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A total of 87 self-contained postgraduate studios and 573 undergraduate bed spaces will be provided.

The client team of the 99-meter tall building includes project manager Paragon and WSP as structural and building services engineer.

Richard Cutler, director of Merrion Street Leeds, said: “The redevelopment of 44 Merrion Street will bring a world-class tall building to the city, helping to meet the need for student accommodation from the 60,000 students in the universities and colleges of Leeds, and generate much needed construction jobs and permanent jobs in the process.”

Ian Simpson, founding partner of SimpsonHaugh, added: “Tall buildings are markers for ambition, pride and confidence. They tell a story about a city and its direction of travel and in turn attract people to both visit and put down roots.

“It is very pleasing to be awarded planning for a 33-story tower in the current market where investment injections are needed to stimulate the economy.

“Once built, this evocative, sculptural crystalline form will become home to 660 students, many of whom will hopefully choose to permanently reside in the city region following their graduation.”

For more on this story, go to Construction Enquirer.