NEW ACCOMMODATION BENEFITS

VIEWS ON PROPOSED STUDENT ACCOMMODATION BY EXPLORING THE PROS AND CONS

When we hear devistating news regarding traumatic and life-changing events - such as Bridgwater Place and Grenfell - it affects us as a nation. Generally speaking, society pulls together to better understand what came of the situations, alongside what we can do to avoid similar occurrences

If you're wondering why any of this is relevant, this is why...the proposal for a 32-story building for the purpose of student accommodation is slightly worrying. At least it was for me.

Needless to say, that doesn't mean it's a bad idea. The sudden change of heart doesn't come lightly, though - it came to be following a few thought-provoking (and some rather infuriating) conversations with people living locally.

The concept of having an on-site cinema alongside other facilities, made it feel a little exclusionary to me - my thoughts were that it would seclude students who would otherwise burn a hole in their wallets in the city centre

That being said, students who own a car prior to attending university may need a plan in advance where they'll part. As long as it's not the entire 693.

In terms of height, hopefully we've learned from previous mistakes. With 693 bedrooms, sprinklers, fire escapes and non-flammable cladding are essential; as well as lifts, for the same reasons, alongside accessibility.

By the time it's finished it may not even end up being the tallest building in Leeds - as it's currently being set out to be.

The building of this accommodation will, however, offer opportunities to job prospects. Also, having students in blocks such as these boosts the economy - the people who lose out are those student landlords who charge an extortionate amount for many-bedroomed houses.

These properties can be seen in areas such as Headingley, so it may also benefit the local community by freeing up those areas so that families can move in.

It would also cut down on tracel between current student-filled areas and the University of Leeds. However, above all, the city centre is a much safer area to live in.

So I think it's fair to say always keep an open mind. This new development is not only beneficial to local students, but it could change the city - hopefully for the better.