New plans have emerged to convert the former House of Fraser building into student accommodation have been submitted to the council.
The plans include a new retail store and huge student accommodation complex that would include space for almost 400 residents.
The new plans include the full conversion of 140-142 Briggate, formerly House of Fraser, into eleven storeys of new space right in the heart of the city centre.
The huge plot on Briggate is right in the city centre, with shops like Zara and Foot Locker on its doorstep.
The new space will be named Grand Central Place, as a homage to the Grand Central Hotel which occupied the site in the early 1800s.
The proposal for the site is to create two storeys of retail space, assumably on the lower levels where House of Fraser operated from, then above will be nine floors of student accommodation.
The living quarters includes 131 self-contained studios and a further 47 cluster flats, bringing the total number of flats to 178.
Image: WikiCommons
The flats will be aimed at students: an ideal location for those studying at either Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, as both university campuses are less than a mile away. Overall, 369 beds will fill the building and a further communal areas and shared living spaces will be provided throughout.
Sustainability will be at the heart of the planning, and the plans hope to rival the popular accommodation available at present.
Plans need to be approved for construction to begin, but once confirmed the last of the House of Fraser signage would be removed and the building would take a step back in time to reignite the luxe Grand Central Hotel that once stood in its stop- just reimagined in the 21st century as a modern, sleek block of flats.
Feature Image- WikiCommons
Leeds
Northern rock and blues veterans Proud Mary announce run of reunion shows in 2026
Veteran Manchester rock and blues band Proud Mary recently announced a limited run of UK reunion shows, including one right here in Leeds.
The seasoned Northern outfit may have seen plenty of lineup changes and a long hiatus of sorts, but now they’re returning for just a small handful of comeback gigs across the country.
Ahead of their seminal debut album turning 25 years old this year, 2026 also seems them steadily creeping up on the best part of three decades as a group in some form or another.
For anyone uninitiated, the native 90s and early noughties name was the first band signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash Records in 2001.
Their first-ever LP, The Same Old Blues, still remains their most revered work to this day.
Dubbed by the older Burnage brother and legendary Manc musician as “a lesson in songwriting” in an interview with the NME way back when, they started out as long-time friends and turned into fellow studio peers.
As well as supporting the likes of Oasis, Neil Young, The Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Ryan Adams, Noel’s High Flying Birds and more on various tours over the years, they also famously headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004.
Having collaborated with the likes of another Britpop legend, Gem Archer, as well as The Smiths’ Andy Rourke, not to mention gaining plaudits from so many other contemporaries, they’re likely one of your favourite bands’ old faithful bands.
Moreover, in regional terms, rising local indie rock quintet Rosellas are also joining them on the road for their shows.
Proud Mary will be playing at The Warehouse in Leeds on Friday 8 May and you can grab your tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Proud Mary (press shots supplied via Sonic PR)
Leeds
Independent Nordic-inspired homeware shop closes Leeds store after six years
Clementine Hall
After six years in the city, independent homeware retailer North Home is closing its Leeds city centre shop.
If you're a lover of all things home then you'll have most likely visited the gorgeous North Home shop in the Victoria Quarter.
Stacked to the brim with unique pieces from striking ceramics to stylish soft furnishings, North Home is known for its well-curated stock and great customer service.
Seriously, we've probably spent a good hour in here in awe of all the beautiful pieces.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Last week, curious shoppers noticed the three-storey store was suddenly empty and now the company have confirmed that they have closed for good.
In a statement, they said: "After nearly 6 wonderful years trading in Leeds, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our physical store while we restructure the business and explore the next chapter for North Home.
"Retail has changed significantly in recent years and, like many independent businesses, we’ve faced increasing costs.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Taking this step now gives us the opportunity to protect what we’ve built and focus on the future of the brand. North Home continues to operate online and all existing customer orders will be fulfilled as normal although delivery times may be slightly extended.
"We’ve loved being part of the Leeds retail community since 2020 and are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received. We hope to share more about our plans soon."
We'll be sad to see them go and we hope this isn't goodbye forever, but you can still shop from North Home online here.
Sophie Smith -
9th February 2022 
