Plans for St John’s Centre to be turned into student accommodation have been revealed
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.
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.
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Featured image – Cavendish