Plans approved for £100m "crystalline" accommodation building in Leeds

Plans for a £100m accommodation redevelopment project have been approved by a Yorkshire council.

The architects of the scheme, SimpsonHaugh, have received “unanimous” approval from Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel to redevelop 44 Merrion Street.

The site, which is currently home to a 1970s office block previously used by Santander, will be transformed into accommodation for 660 students in a “world-class” building that rises to 32 storeys.

The development company, Merrion Street Leeds, has said that the project will generate construction jobs in the area, as well as some permanent jobs.

Richard Cutler, director of Merrion Street Leeds, commented: “We are delighted to receive detailed planning permission for this landmark scheme.

“It has taken 18 months of hard work from the whole team to get to this stage and we are very grateful to our stakeholders and Leeds City Council for the support shown.

“The redevelopment of 44 Merrion Street will bring a world-class tall building to the city, help 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 said: “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 32-storey 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.”