Plans have been approved for a new student accommodation scheme in the heart of Leeds.
The new student halls will be located on Merrion Street, knocking down an old bar and nightclub in the process.
The high-spec studio apartments is going to be a huge undertaking for the popular night out location. The new building is set to be a part-five, part-seven and part-nine storey building, with almost 88 apartments and associated amenities like a lounge, cinema room, study spaces and gyms.
Merrion Street. / Image: WikiCommons
The new building will see the shell of former bar and nightclub Mayaimi Bar transformed. The Merrion Street bar was well known around the city for its extensive list of cocktails and laid-back atmosphere since its opening in 2012, but the bar closed a few years ago.
Attempting to replicate the Miami nightlife scene across the pond, Mayaimi Bar hosted a huge dance floor with 'state of the art sound and light' and cabanas inside the nightclub building.
Since closing between 2018 and 2019, the bar's location it appears that nobody took over the bar, allowing plans to go ahead for the student accommodation.
Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye Architects, said: “This is the second purpose build student accommodation scheme we have designed and successfully achieved planning for with Urban under the Engage brand, following the approval of a large-scale development in Nottingham city centre.
“It’s a great location for students, in the very heart of Leeds, and our design sees the building step down in height and complement the surrounding streetscape. With ground floor glazing that creates an attractive and continuous street frontage on Merrion Street, our scheme will mirror the frontage of neighbouring The Merrion Project and really add to this part of the city centre.”
Merrion Street currently hosts some of the city's best nightlife offerings and is well known for its late-night parties, relaxed dining options and is home to an impressive list of independent and national chain bars and nightclub.
The new student apartments, been designed by Brewster Bye Architects for developer Urban Developments (York) Ltd, will replace buildings from 26-34 Merrion Street and is due to start its transformation process this summer, due to be completed for occupation by 2024.
Feature Image- Brewster Bye Architects
Leeds
A popular Caribbean street food restaurant is coming to Leeds this spring
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
4th April 2022 
