The Parklane Group has secured planning approval the first co-living scheme in Leeds, focussed on graduates and young professionals. The landmark development will transform the iconic and historic Burley Road Library building, delivering up to 60 luxury one bedroom and studio apartments.

Delivered through the new Livinc brand, this visionary development will spearhead the new concept and adds to The Parklane Group’s already extensive suite of successful brands. The development is set to address the changing lifestyle habits of the nation and introduce the emerging trend, for co-living, to the residential rental sector in Leeds.

Planning permission granted for Grade II Listed Burley Library site

The approval of plans means that the Group are now able to regenerate the former Burley Road Library, which will transform the Grade II Listed site in Headingley, and will include shared space and leisure provisions. The newly accepted plans have been developed to give the building, which dates back to 1926, a renewed purpose worthy of its former glory, providing up to 60 stylish one bedroom and studio apartments to address the housing demands of young people.

The site has strong personal resonance with The Parklane Group’s Directors

Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of The Parklane Group said: “Having these plans accepted is of immense personal and professional pride to me. Livinc will allow us to bring this amazing building back to life, following a period of neglect, and help it become relevant to today’s society. We’re really pleased to extend our leading position within the co-living space to young professionals and graduates, in so doing, bringing a trend to Leeds more commonly associated with global cities such as London or New York.”

“We’ve seen there is appetite through our IconInc brand, which delivers a similar proposition for the student rentals market in Leeds. Those graduates have seen the value in our developments, and those remaining in Leeds are now able to continue living within that concept. This new brand will allow residents to do away with many of the complications of modern living, with furnished accommodation, inclusive of bills, alongside excellent leisure facilities.”

“On a personal level, several of our Directors, myself included, have treasured memories of visiting the Library as children to choose our books. It was a formative part of our upbringing, and we were incredibly sad to see it close. These plans will bring a vibrancy back to the site and ensure that future generations can take as much enjoyment from it as we did. As a group, we’re incredibly proud of our Leeds heritage, and this project demonstrates our commitment to both the city’s past and its future.”

The new concept addresses changes in national housing trends

Co-living spaces and shared on-site community resources have seen popular uptake over recent years and have been pioneered in major international cities. The new development in Leeds will also promote co-working and networking, with communal spaces including kitchens and social areas, as well as having access to shared facilities, such as a cinema and gym.

Since the turn of the millennium, renting has overtaken home-ownership in the 21-25, and 26-30 age categories. Meanwhile, the number of young adults living with their parents has risen by over half a million, to more than 3.3million over the past two decades, all of which point to a shift in attitudes and circumstances.

Figures suggest that almost a third of university students in Leeds remain in the city following completion of their course. The wider impact of the graduate economy is demonstrated with the estimated £1.59bn generated by international students in Yorkshire and the Humber region.

Read more about Livinc, the latest brand developed by The Parklane Group, here.