“I could not think of a worse idea” were the words of one Leeds resident following news that more student accommodation could be coming to the city centre.
A new 35-storey tower with over 1,000 apartments to accommodate students could be built at the Merrion Centre, in a move that could see the shopping centre’s abandoned old cinema demolished.
The project would also potentially involve Wade House, the empty former office block at the centre, being extended to 15 storeys and converted into accommodation. No planning application has been submitted, but developers are presenting their plans to city councillors for their early opinions.
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However, this comes as developers recently got permission to turn two historic city centre pubs into 67 student rooms, communal lounges and a laundry room. There are also plans to bring student housing to the House of Fraser building, in Briggate.
Former nightclub Mayaimi Bar in Merrion Street is being transformed into 88 student studios. Work is due to start this summer so students can move in from 2024.
LeedsLive readers have slammed plans to bring more student accommodation into the city centre with some claiming it will see fewer people going into the city centre.
Ann Houghton said: “How many more student flats are they gonna build when there are loads empty.”
Kitty Callas said: “I wasn't a fan of the Merrion centre. But putting student flats bang in the middle of town like wow you could not think of a worse idea.”
Ginnette Bedford said: “Building all flats for students, why? fewer people will go to Leeds, and the remaining shopping side of it will dwindle away.”
Michael Hoyland said: “How can students afford City Centre accommodation? House of Fraser due to be redeveloped to make way for student flats as well, what is happening to Leeds City Centre?”
However, not everyone agreed and some approved of the plans which would see the cinema in Merrion Centre be put to use. The cinema was built in 1964, but closed after just 13 years in business. It has remained empty for the past 45 years.
Emma Stanford added: “Well it's about time something was done with it! It's been unused since before I was even born, and I'm nearly 40!”
Kieren Balkwill said: “To be fair that cinema has been empty since the 70s. Probably a bit overdue to consider using the site for something else.”
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