Travelling to The Merrion Project
The Merrion Project is in a highly accessible location and we are doing everything we can to encourage residents and visitors to access the building in sustainable ways.
No car parking spaces are proposed, apart from two disabled spaces with our plans focussed on making the most of the excellent bus services which use Merrion Street and the good pedestrian links across the city centre.
Our plans will see improvements to both Briggate and Merrion Street, with wider pavements, better cycling infrastructure and a reduction is clutter along the street scene.
Tackling the Climate Emergency
To help tackle Climate Emergency the building is designed to be highly sustainable and substantial new tree planting on the site will further enhance the area.
The public realm will be extended and enhanced with gardens and street trees to create a greener streetscape, with seating areas created off the main pedestrian route. Planting will provide year-round interest and character to the courtyard, mezzanine and roof terraces. Climbers or green walls will further enhance the outlook.
The building has been designed with sustainability front and centre, with energy from waste, solar power and high thermal efficiency among the approaches proposed. Estimated carbon emissions are below the Leeds city Council target and the development is aiming for the highest BREEAM score it can achieve.
Leeds is in-demand for more student accommodation
Leeds has a shortage of specialist student accommodation with around 38,000 university students in the city currently having to find alternative living arrangements. This puts pressure on other houses across the city, which in-turn means that local families sometimes struggle to find the right type of home for them.
The Merrion Project will deliver living space for 660 students right in the heart of the city centre, within walking distance of both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, as well as other higher education institutions.