City office space could be converted into 287 student apartments

City office space could be converted into 287 student apartmentsReal estate investment business Global Mutual has launched a public consultation on proposals for conversion of office space at the St Johns Centre, in Leeds, into new student accommodation.Its plans would see the development of 287 new student bedrooms arranged as either studios or cluster bedrooms.The central courtyard of the shopping centre, currently used for car parking, would be turned into a private roof garden.Senior development manager at Global Mutual, Brett Radley, said: “As student numbers continue to rise, there is a continued demand for new student accommodation to support the vibrancy of the city’s universities and reduce the pressure on family housing from students in search of somewhere to call home whilst they study.“This part of the city centre has become increasingly popular for the development of new student accommodation, given its location close to university campuses, city centre amenities and Leeds train station.“Sustainability is central to our plans, which is why we’re aiming to convert and repurpose the existing office space, rather than demolish it and start again.“This will significantly reduce the carbon emissions that are typically associated with new major building projects.”A public display of the proposals will be held on the mall at the St Johns Centre on 18 April between 11am and 5pm.