A planning application has been put forward to Leeds City Council to transform the former Yorkshire Post site in Leeds city centre into a new private rented sector (PRS) build-to-rent development.

The project would provide 237 purpose built rental apartments for Grainger PLC, the largest specialist residential landlord in the UK, and is one of the first PRS schemes to be brought forward in the city.

Architects practice The Harris Partnership designed the scheme on behalf of Sterling Investments. It will feature a residential tower stepping from 18 to 11 storeys as it approaches the River Aire.

The development will provide 121 two-bedroom and 116 one-bedroom apartments beneath a bronze-clad, rooftop residents lounge, with restaurant and bar provided at the ground floor and basement parking for 72 vehicle and 140 cycle spaces.

Chairman of The Harris Partnership, Paul Mitchell commented: “This is one of the most significant redevelopment schemes in the city centre and a truly exciting opportunity to create a unique and visually arresting residential building on a key gateway location into Leeds.

“Our proposals for the Yorkshire Post site are designed to maximise its land potential whilst delivering a transformational impact at the top of Wellington Street.

The Harris Partnership is already involved in some of the largest commercial, leisure and retail developments in the Leeds City region, including Thorpe Park and White Rose, and we are delighted to extend our presence in the private rented sector on a scheme that will go some way to help meet demand for premium accommodation in the city.”

Quod advised the planning application, while Fox Lloyd Jones acted as development managers on the project.

Meanwhile, the transformation of a historic Leeds building from a fire-ravaged shell to a gleaming new office block will help create a world class new gateway to the city, it is hoped.