It's the first time the site will have seen any form of refurbishment since 2005.
We've all had a stroll through the St John's Centre at one point in our Leeds life.
Wether it's posting a letter in the Post Office, grabbing some CDs from HMV or getting your beauty essentials from Bodycare - it's a Leeds staple that has stood on the Headrow since 1985.
And this is the first time it will have a refurbishment since 2005.
The plans submitted will see the old office spaces into new purpose-built student accommodation.
There would be 287 high-quality student bedrooms, including 170 studios and 117 bedroom clusters, all with access to 78 cycle parking spaces.
Image: Global
And it doesn't stop there, the central courtyard of St Johns, currently used for car parking, would become a private roof garden for residents of the building.
The new proposals would also see the entire complex get a makeover fit for the 21st century, helping to create a more attractive street scene, complete with new landscaping and tree planting.
Senior Development Manager at Global Mutual, Brett Radley, explained, “As student numbers continue to rise, there is a continued demand for new student accommodation to support the vibrancy of the city’s universities and reduce the pressure on family housing from students in search of somewhere to call home whilst they study.
"This part of the city centre has become increasingly popular for the development of new student accommodation, given its location close to university campuses, city centre amenities and Leeds train station.”
“Sustainability is central to our plans, which is why we’re aiming to convert and repurpose the existing office space, rather than demolish it and start again. This will significantly reduce the carbon emissions that are typically associated with new major building projects."
A public consultation has already been held at St John's Centre already, but a full planning will be submitted to Leeds City Council in the coming months.
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Clementine Hall -
29th April 2024 
