Hotel plan for half-empty student accommodation

Part of a student accommodation block in Leeds could be used for short-term hotel stays under new plans.

Threadworks, on Lisbon Street, is a 24-storey building with 548 bed spaces for students in the city.

According to lettings firm Mezzino, the block is currently only 50% occupied and is not expected to reach capacity within the next few years.

Plans have now been lodged with Leeds City Council to use four floors for non-student visitors, where they can stay during term time for between two and 28 nights.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the building could already be occupied by non-students outside of term times.

Planning permission being granted would free up 96 beds on levels two to six for a temporary two-year period.

A planning report said: "This would allow Mezzino to respond to initial fluctuations in demand for student accommodation until the scheme becomes established in the market, and to minimise the proportion of unoccupied bed spaces."

Use of the gym, private dining rooms, study areas and an external terrace would be restricted to students.

The report added: "Access to these spaces is controlled through electronic key systems.

"Procedures are also in place for managing noise and anti-social activity, supported by on-site staffing, CCTV coverage and controlled access arrangements."

The proposal argued it would support the visitor economy in Leeds, which included those travelling for business.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.