St John’s Centre Leeds: Plans for 300 flats with roof terrace for ‘new student community’

An office building in the St John’s Centre would be converted to house 287 students under the scheme.

Albion Leeds Ltd has applied for planning permission for the project, which includes studio flats and shared living spaces.

A consultation document said the scheme would bring and under-used building back into use and help boost the city centre economy.

It said: “Large parts of the existing office space remain empty due to changing work patterns and there is limited demand from new occupiers.

“The creation of a new student community at St Johns Centre would support existing retailers , increasing customer footfall for them and encourage additional spending within the local economy.”

The scheme would include a 950-square metre courtyard with landscaped areas.

The report said: “The proposals would also include a new private garden on the roof of the shopping centre, for the enjoyment of student residents.”

The proposal would not affect existing retail space at the centre, which was built in the 1980s.

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A planning report said: “The commercial floorspace within the shopping centre will remain fully operational and unaffected by the proposals.”

An initial survey found that external cladding on the building contained combustible insulation that would have to be replaced for residential use.

The report said: “Given that background, the proposed development therefore includes the full replacement and refurbishment of the external façades of the existing building.”

Pre-application discussions with Leeds City Council began last year and a public consultation event was held at the centre in April.