Local developer Pullans has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction as main contractor for a 14-storey student tower at Joseph’s Well former factory site in Leeds city centre.

Full consent has been granted for the major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme, marking the biggest transformation of the Joseph’s Well estate in more than 45 years.

The project, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 student bedrooms and represents the single largest investment in Pullans 140-year history.

The wider project team includes Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent.

Managing director Andrew Beaumont said the job was a major win for McLaren’s regional operation and underlined its focus on long-term relationships and sustainable delivery in Yorkshire and the North East.

The scheme sits within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the city centre, targeting strong demand for professionally managed student living.

Designed around energy efficiency and long-term operational performance, the building will incorporate modern building services and a balanced mix of social, study and relaxation space.

Joseph’s Well was acquired by Pullans in 1979 and converted from a former factory and mill into offices, later becoming the headquarters for Hammond Suddards in 1990.