Public invited to have their say on Leeds’ first co-living development

A public consultation has been launched on draft plans for Leeds’ first co-living residential scheme at 28-36 The Headrow, previously known as Direct Line House.

The proposed development includes 232 private studios across ten floors alongside extensive communal and outdoor spaces, with retail retained on the ground floor.

Repurposing one of the most prominent buildings on The Headrow, the scheme will bring a new residential offer to the Leeds city centre mix and support the rejuvenation of the city centre economy.

Co-living accommodation is designed to offer high quality, flexible, and modern city living. Co-living deliberately seeks to encourage social interaction and a sense of community, in order to enhance wellbeing. It does so through design and operation.

The plans feature studio apartments with a variety of additional shared spaces including kitchens, co-working spaces, lounges, gyms and studio spaces. Landscaped roof space will also be created for community leisure purposes including outdoor events, exercise, work, and dining.

The proposed plans will bring new life to the mainly vacant existing building, repurposing the empty office spaces into homes while retaining the retail spaces on the ground floor.

Alex Glenister, development director at Watkin Jones commented: “We’re excited about the potential to repurpose 28-36 The Headrow into active and vibrant homes in the heart of Leeds.

“Our proposal to bring Co-living to the city offers an innovative and sustainable housing choice for residents whilst the refurbishment and improvement to the existing building will reduce embodied carbon. We’ll continue to work closely with stakeholders and local communities to create a scheme we can all be proud of.

“All comments and thoughts are really welcome as the plans come together. Leeds has a great reputation for growth, regeneration, ambition, resilience and innovation, which we want our plans to be part of. We’re looking forward to playing our part and helping the city centre to be at the forefront of this rapidly emerging residential sector.”

A public exhibition is being held at The Courtyard, The Light, in Leeds City Centre on Tuesday, July 13th and Wednesday, July 14th.

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