Town Centre Securities (TCS) has secured planning approval from Leeds City Council for a student accommodation development at the Merrion Centre.
The approved project involves the revitalisation of Wade House, transforming the vacant 13-storey 1960s office building into premium, purpose-built student residences.
Additionally, the plan includes the construction of a new 37-storey tower on the neighbouring ‘100MC’ site.
Together, these developments will provide 1,039 student bedrooms, featuring a variety of studio and cluster apartments.
The accommodation will be augmented by a suite of high-end amenities such as residents’ lounges, collaborative workspaces, a cinema, fitness centre, karaoke facilities, outdoor terraces, and secure bicycle storage.
This project is said to be a “milestone” for the Merrion Centre, introducing residential living to the complex for the first time in its 61-year history.
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By GlobalDataA landmark since its inauguration in 1964, Merrion Centre continues to be a hub in the city, attracting over nine million visitors in 2024.
Spanning one million square feet, the mixed-use site encompasses over 100 units dedicated to retail, office, and leisure, a car park with 960 spaces, and is situated near the first direct Arena and major transport links.
This latest development is a continuation of TCS’s ongoing investment in the Merrion estate, reinforcing its status as a dynamic, mixed-use city destination.
TCS group property director Craig Burrow said: “It has been over three years since our initial pre-application discussions began, and we have worked closely with Leeds City Council and key stakeholders throughout to carefully refine the design and ensure the scheme is both sensitive and sustainable.
“We are proud to be repurposing Wade House in a way that respects its heritage, while unlocking the opportunity to provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation that will support Leeds’ growing population. This development is a vital part of our long-term vision to further diversify the Merrion estate, continuing to evolve our retail, leisure, office and now residential offering to meet the changing needs of the city.”
TCS chairman and CEO Edward Ziff added: “The approval of this significant scheme is a pivotal step in our journey to further enhance the Merrion Centre. We have consistently evolved the estate to meet the demands of the city, and this next phase represents a natural progression in our commitment to delivering a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use destination at the heart of Leeds.”
