Headingley development for city living and working

Leeds based developers, ParkLane Properties, has applied for planning permission to turn the grade 2 listed building that was Burley Library into a co-working space and to also build a contemporary block of 60 apartments behind it.

It is intended that free-lancers and start-up entrepreneurs will live in the apartments and operate businesses from the work hub on Cardigan Road, where there will be accredited training provision residents.

The developers say: “It can be seen that many young people appreciate the convenience, security and social aspect of managed student accommodation facilities but are compelled to leave at the end of their studies.

“This proposal offers an opportunity for young people to remain in similar accommodation once they begin their professional careers.

“This helps retain more students in Leeds after their studies and helps foster a more sustainable local community.”

Plans show that the new venture will mix the old with the new as original features such as brick, ironworks and windows from the library, which opened in 1926, will be retained and even the old bookshelves will be re-used.

It contrasts the modern features such as brand new glazed winter garden balconies and the facilities that residents and workers will also have access to at over at The Glassworks. The luxury student accommodation which was built by the same developer, has a cinema, spa, sauna, gym and 24 hour concierge.