Leeds approves 280-bed student living conversion

Plans brought forward by joint owners Global Mutual and Patron Capital to convert existing office space at the St John’s shopping centre into student accommodation have been approved.

Located in the centre of the city on Merrion Street, the offices will be replaced with 287 student bedrooms, arranged as either studio or cluster bedrooms.

The current car park, located in the central courtyard of the shopping centre, will be turned into a private roof garden, and the building will aim for a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Plans were submitted in May of this year. Construction is due to complete in time for students starting in September 2027.

The project team consists of Leonard Design, Savills, Hoare Lea, MPN UK, Curie & Brown, and Cavendish Consulting.

Global Mutual is seeking a commercial operator for the scheme, and Allsop has been appointed to oversee the process.

Speaking after planning consent was granted, Brett Radley, senior development manager at Global Mutual said: “As demand for student accommodation grows, this development will deliver new accommodation in an increasingly popular part of the city, supporting the vibrancy of Leeds’ universities and reducing pressures on family housing.

“The creation of a new student community within the St Johns Centre will support retailers at the centre, increasing footfall and providing a new customer base from within the building.”

Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s pleasing that the original building structure of the St John’s Centre will be retained by converting offices to accommodation, rather than have to demolish the building and rebuild from scratch.”