Orchard Street Investment Management has received planning permission from Leeds City Council to transform the former Debenhams store on Briggate, Leeds, into a new mixed-use asset.

The development will see the former department store repurposed to provide 124 high-quality studio apartments while the basement, ground and first floors will offer c.45,000 sq ft of prime, flexible retail space.

Marcus Mann, Asset Manager at Orchard Street, said: “Redeveloping the former Debenhams will give the property a new lease of life, while providing a high-quality offering that meets the rising need for purpose-built student accommodation in the City Centre. This project will allow us to revitalise what remains a strategically placed asset whilst adding vibrancy to the area and complementing the commercial offer.” 

The scheme will preserve the listed building’s architecture while adding a fifth floor, redeveloping the fourth floor and comprehensively refurbishing the interior to include a modern atrium running throughout the centre of the upper floors.

It is due to complete in the second half of 2023.