Green light for Leeds shopping centre PBSA redevelopment
Plans for the redevelopment of a shopping centre in Leeds to create purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) have been granted planning approval by councillors.
Under the proposals, put forward by property investment and asset management firm Tri7 in conjunction with student accommodation developer Fusion Group, The Core Shopping Centre will make way for 807 student bedrooms across three buildings.
The development will also include 36,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space on the ground level, including two new arcades connecting Lands Lane to Albion Street.
Tri7 acquired The Core Shopping Centre in July 2021.
Dan Green, partner at Tri7, said: “This development in the beating heart of the city centre will provide a benchmark for student living in Leeds and beyond. It will deliver best-in-class student accommodation, surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, that also improves the public and community space around it.
“With significant capital to deploy on bed-led regeneration opportunities in town and city centres across the UK, we’re eager to explore similar such mid- and long-term acquisitions, particularly where they could involve achieving complex planning permissions, in order to drive value to our investors.”
Paul Miles, construction director at Fusion Group, added: “Achieving planning permission on this scheme is a reflection of the commitment from our team to create a truly exceptional development that benefits both its future residents and the people of Leeds through much improved public realm and commercial space.
“With Fusion’s typical focus on designing for positive living, we look forward to beginning construction on a scheme that will support residents to enjoy an active lifestyle, excellent focused study spaces, and an all-around well-balanced time throughout their academic years.”