Work has started on the transformation of a landmark building, Fairfax House, in Leeds city
centre’s Arena Quarter, into a major new residential development consisting of 168
apartments.
Fairfax House, on the corner of Merrion Street and Wade Lane, is being developed by Leeds
based property company YPP and has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects.
The main seven-storey office building, which was built in the 1960s, is being transformed
into 154 studio and one-bedroom apartments, which already had permitted development
approval.
In addition, Brewster Bye secured planning permission earlier in the year for a two-storey
rooftop extension that will comprise of 14, one, two and three bedroom apartments, and will
replace an existing rooftop plant structure. Amenity space for residents will also be
incorporated into the scheme.
Colbre Projects Ltd has been appointed as principal contractor and work is due to complete
in August 2023. The development will then be managed by YPP Lettings and become part of
the Live Oasis brand which offers high quality rental apartments across numerous purpose-
built developments throughout Leeds and beyond.
A spokesperson from YPP said: “Securing planning permission and then immediately
starting work on the transformation of this iconic Leeds building, is a fantastic position to be
in.
“The scheme benefits from having both Leeds Arena and the city’s main shopping and
leisure areas on its doorstep. It’s also in a part of the city that is currently benefitting from a
huge amount of new development, as well as numerous new and completed tall building
projects, which all enhances the vibrancy of the area and will make it a fantastic place to
live.”
Andrew Chapman, associate director at Brewster Bye Architects, said: “Fairfax House is a
very distinctive Leeds building in a prominent city centre location, but it was no longer fit for
purpose and looked dated in this fast-evolving part of the city.
“As part of the development’s design, we’ve made major improvements to enhance the
building’s appearance which will include partial glazing and recladding, and a smart new
welcoming feature entrance will be created. This will be complemented by a generous
outdoor and indoor amenity space for residents to enjoy across the ground and upper
ground floors, that will offer landscaped seating areas and various other communal spaces.
“Once complete, there’s no doubt it will be a sought-after place to live in one of the city’s
most exciting areas.”
This is YPP’s latest development in the city’s Arena and Northern Quarters.
The company is also behind Havana Residence, Q1, Belgrave &
Warwick and Commerce House, which is currently under construction.
