Watkin Jones adds 230 co-living beds in Leeds

Build-to-rent developer Watkin Jones has been given the go-ahead to convert and repurpose Headrow House at 42 The Headrow in Leeds. The group has been granted planning consent from Leeds City Council to turn the vacant office block into 230 co-living homes. Watkin Jones said the project was a prime opportunity to “restore and repurpose a historic building and contribute to the regeneration of vacant buildings in the city centre”. The scheme is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification and will be retrofitted with electric heating to help it obtain net zero carbon status, along with energy-efficient windows and air source heat pumps. By reusing the building, which has also been known in the past as Direct Line House, Watkin Jones said the scheme would reduce its embodied carbon by 78%. Iain Smith, planning director at Watkin Jones, said: ”Leeds is a vital commercial and residential centre, and we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable co-living accommodation that will help to address the ongoing demand for rental homes in the city centre. “We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with Leeds City Council and our local communities to address this growing demand, while also supporting our ESG targets as a business.” View other planning applications in Leeds >> Image © Watkin Jones/Swap Architects, courtesy MHP Group