Leeds is now home to the tallest building in Yorkshire.
And you'll never believe what it is...it's student accommodation of course.
Created by Fusion Students, the new 633 bed student accommodation building on Merrion Way stands at 134 metres (440 feet) and 45 storeys high, making it Yorkshire’s tallest building, as well as the world’s tallest student only accommodation building.
Boasting jaw dropping, panoramic views of the city, these aren't just your average student flats.
There's a roof terrace, private dining rooms, games room, gym, you name it - they've got it.
Image: Supplied
Lindsay Hamilton, general manager of Fusion Students Leeds said: “I honestly wish I could go back to being a student just so I could live here. It’s such an incredible space, with so much to offer residents.
“You can see how excited they are when they come for a tour, but what’s been really lovely is seeing how much they actually use and benefit from the space once they move in. It’s much more than just somewhere to live, it’s a space that really supports them.”
Image: Supplied
Speaking about the new opening, Laura Kurt, Managing Director for Fusion Students said: “Whilst we’re thrilled to have the accolades of tallest PBSA building and Yorkshire’s tallest building, what we’re really proud about is the incredible building we’ve been able to create for students coming to study in Leeds.
"This is a very special building, carefully designed to provide everything students need to get the most out of their journey through higher education. From industry leading amenities such as recording and photography studios, to wrap around care and support, to make settling into a new city, making friends and leaving with the best outcomes possible, that’s really what Fusion Students Leeds is all about."
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Clementine Hall -
2nd October 2026 
