PBSA stage of SOYO progresses

Moda Living’s first student accommodation scheme is being delivered through a joint venture alongside Aermont, adding to Caddick’s £300m Leeds cultural quarter neighbourhood.

Plans for SOYO Block D received the green light at the end of 2023, and is being funded through real-estate investment firm BGO.

This development will deliver 291 bedrooms, supported by resident amenities including a 24-hour gym, rooftop terrace and dedicated study spaces.

Completion is scheduled ahead of the 2027-2028 academic year.

Located on the south side of York Road, close to Leeds Playhouse, the BBC studios, Leeds City College’s Creative Arts faculty, and Northern Ballet, construction began on SOYO in 2019.

The first two buildings, Moda New York Square, opened in 2022, comprising 551 studios and apartments.

This was followed by the completion of nearby residential buildings Madison East, Mercer West, and Moda New York Square, which together now provide build-to-rent accommodation to more than a thousand residents.

Caddick’s project team includes ID Planning, Box Clever, DLG Architects, Fuse Architects, landscape architect re-form, Roscoe, Tate Consulting, Richard Boothroyd and Associates, Fore Consulting, Jensen Hughes, Jameson Acoustics, Stroma Building Control, Ridge and Partners and Carbon-Climate-Certified.

Rachel Groves, project director at Moda Living said: “We’re excited to begin the next chapter of the SOYO neighbourhood, as we look forward to providing students with accessible and sustainable accommodation that meets the needs of the next generation.”

Steve Ford, regional managing director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, commented: “The pace and quality of our progress at Block D represent the energy and drive behind the new SOYO neighbourhood, and its place as a landmark destination for culture and community.”