By Haley Welsh-
Discussions to build a 36-tower block of flats for the cities students are to be presented to the Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel today.
The block of 754 flats would sit on Wade Lane, within walking distance of Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds.
Although ideal for students, residents of Leeds are concerned that the new addition will cause the city centre to become a no-go zone for families. The reason for this is because students comprise a notable percentage of those who frequent Leeds City Centre, ,leading to the concern that many residents of Leeds will be put off attending the centre often, or even living there because of the prospect of students taking it over.
University undergraduates attend the respected University of Leeds, and Leeds Becket University, which specialises mainly in sports although also teach other academic courses. Students from Leeds Beckett University are generally considered not to be as mentally astute as the high fly entrants of Leeds University with top A levels. The perception may not do complete justice to those students who are nonetheless bright. The issue of concern is that when students from both Universities decide to party, they party hard. Exam and coursework pressure can be so demanding that social pleasure is not one ambitious and hardworking students take lightly.
Clubs and bars in town are in abundance, guaranteeing an avalanche of party goers in the City Centre late in the evenings and in the early hours of the morning. Aleisha Phillips, 32 told The Eye Of Media.Com ” we all had plenty of fun when we were young and there is nothing wrong with that. However, I think there is a bit of concern that a whole crowd of students will be moved to the City centre. We know students can be very loud and even party into the early hours of the morning on weekdays. It’s not the ideal scenario for working people”.
Currently, there are approximately 51,661 students choosing to study in full time, higher education within the city. With an abundance of nightlife and various universities and colleges, Leeds is a popular destination amongst students.
Alongside this popularity comes the needs for accommodation. Not counting those already living in student flats, there is a need for 35,000 further bed spaces solely for Leeds students, according to the report that will be presented to the City Plans Panel today.
Martin Hamilton, director of Leeds Civic Trust said to the Yorkshire Evening Post: “It’s hard to argue the site being used for student accommodation, because it is a short walk from the universities.
“It’s not 3,000 student flats being erected in the middle of a family residential area, but how do you manage 3,000 students turning up on the same day?
“It’s a big challenge and there needs to be co-operation and co-ordination between operators.”
In attempts to make the tower building more favourable for Leeds residents, the creation of a viewing platform or restaurant and bar is hoping to cause the building to be accessible by the general public.
“You would be able to see as far as the Humber Bridge, it will be incredible views on a clear day,” Hamilton added.
If the plans by owners of the site, Olympian Homes, are given the go ahead by the City Plans Panel, the new tower block will be a significant addition to the ever growing Leeds city skyline and will be a huge contribution to Leeds’ journey in becoming a northern powerhouse.