Plans for the conversion and repurposing of an old office building into 230 co-living homes in Leeds as part of Headrow House have been approved.

Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, will transform Headrow House at 42 The Headrow into a supported communal living environment with a completion date eyed for 2028.

Leeds City Council green-lit the plans to help address the demand for rental accommodation that continues to outstrip supply in the city.

Headrow House will offer its occupiers a high-quality gym, shared kitchens and dining areas, a cinema, co-working lounge, library, laundry room and bicycle parking in addition to personal storage rooms.

The co-living design supports the Group’s ESG strategy, emphasising reuse and energy efficiency and attaining BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.

The retrofit enhances thermal efficiency and air permeability, with electric heating for net zero carbon, energy-efficient windows and air source heat pumps.

Photovoltaic panels, efficient lighting and energy-saving controls will optimise performance. By reusing the building, the scheme will reduce embodied carbon by 78% and Watkin Jones will use sustainable landscaping throughout.

Iain Smith, Planning Director at Watkin Jones, commented: “We are very excited to announce planning approval for Headrow House, our first co-living project in Leeds.

“Ranked the third largest city by population in the UK, 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 on-going demand for rental homes in Leeds 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.”

The scheme will also retain retail units on the ground floor, helping to support local residents and businesses and Headrow House will only be a short walk from popular restaurants and shopping centres.

Importantly, the design will serve evolving residents’ needs and will include many social benefits. The site offers excellent public transport links, located within a 300m walk from Leeds train station.

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