Leeds City Council has granted permission for the development (pictured above) on the one-acre site on Bingley Street, which is currently occupied by Maxi’s Chinese restaurant.

Gregory Property Group plans to demolish the existing building and construct The Refinery, an 11-storey, purpose-built complex for students.

Work is scheduled to start in February 2019, with completion anticipated for mid-summer 2020.

Barry Gregory, chairman at Gregory Property Group, said: “We are delighted to secure planning consent to redevelop Maxi’s and create a key gateway site into Leeds city centre.

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“The appetite for high-quality student accommodation continues to grow apace…

“With a growing student population of around 60,000 students in the city, there remains sustainable demand for which we plan to deliver a scheme of exceptional quality.”

The scheme was designed by architectural firm AHR, while Cushman Wakefield’s Manchester office and Carisbrooke Estates acted on behalf of Gregory Property Group in the acquisition of the site.

Gurminder Sanghera, regional director at AHR, added: “We are delighted that The Refinery has secured planning permission. 

“The student accommodation will provide high-quality student living that creates a sense of home, supports socialising and enables them to build new friendships. 

“We look forward to continuing our work on this project with Gregory Property Group and delivering upon our shared vision.”