Plans to transform a tired Leeds office block and build a new 37-storey tower as part of the Merrion shopping centre overhaul have cleared a major planning hurdle.

Town Centre Securities has secured the go-ahead to convert Wade House, a 13-storey 1960s building, into student flats, while also developing a new landmark tower next door on the 100MC site.

Together, the two buildings will deliver 1,039 student bedrooms in a mix of studios and cluster apartments.

Amenities include a cinema, gym, karaoke room, lounges, co-working spaces, and rooftop terraces.

The project marks the first time in the Merrion Centre’s 61-year history that residential use has been introduced, as part of a long-term strategy to diversify the estate.

The two buildings will deliver 1,039 student bedrooms, comprising a range of studios and cluster bedrooms

TCS property director Craig Burrow said the scheme had been in the works for more than three years and was developed in close collaboration with Leeds City Council.

He added: “We’re proud to be repurposing Wade House in a way that respects its heritage while unlocking high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation for Leeds’ growing population.”

TCS chairman and chief executive Edward Ziff said the new project was a “pivotal step” in the evolution of the Merrion Centre as a sustainable mixed-use destination.