Located on St George’s Road, the new student apartments is being constructed by Esh Build on behalf of new owners Rushbond Group. With wide-ranging conversion of the previous building, the scheme is designed to accommodate 110 people.
Designed to protect the historic façade of the old building, the new scheme features 17 cluster flats, with each flat including four and eight en-suite bedrooms, communal kitchens and living space.
In addition to that the project also features 26 studio flats, individual sole occupancy apartments. For the convenience and use of the residents, a fitness room and laundry are also being built in the basement.
Featuring a sustainable travel plan, the scheme will promote walking, cycling and use of public transport. Residents’ parking on site is predominantly for bicycles with minimal vehicle parking for servicing and access.
Built between the World Wars, the Algernon Firth building is named after Yorkshire industrialist and benefactor, Sir Algernon Firth, and was designed by Yorkshire architect John Clifford Proctor. Originally part of the Leeds University, the building was opened in 1933 as the University’s Institute of Pathology.
Seven Architecture has carried out the design work, while structural engineering and quantity surveying services are being provided by Adept and Richard Boothroyd Associates. The project is expected to be completed by August 2013 and would be available to students seeking accommodation for the new academic year.
