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UK: A new 45-storey tower in Leeds is the tallest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) building in the world.
The 134-metre tower is located at Arena Point, Merrion Way, and features 633 beds. It has opened in time for the 2026/27 academic year following a six-year project with a gross development value of £95 million.
The building was funded by Cain International, designed by Cunniff Design, with interior design by Corstorphine & Wright. It was developed by Olympian Homes and RG Group.
In addition to accommodation, the scheme also features a roof terrace that overlooks the city, a recording studio, a photography studio, study spaces with bookable booths, a gym, a yoga studio, a private dining room and a games room.
Residents also receive free tea, coffee and breakfast, WiFi, free laundry, regular housekeeping, and events programme and access to counselling services.
“Leeds’ institutions have global appeal, attracting talent from the UK and around the world to come and study,” Fusion Students’ managing director Laura Kurt said. “These students are heavily invested into the futures and want to maximise their chance of success, Fusion Students Arena Point allows them to do just that.”
Leeds represents 633 of the 1,142 new beds Fusion Students is opening across the country this year.
“The business is committed to the long-term strategic investment opportunity PBSA provides and is actively looking to grow the platform, with new beds in the pipeline for 2027 too,” Kurt added.
Highlights:
- Fusion Students has opened a 45-storey, 134-metre PBSA tower at Arena Point on Merrion Way in Leeds, described as the world’s tallest purpose-built student accommodation building. The 633-bed development is open for the 2026/27 academic year
- The £95 million project took six years to complete and was funded by Cain International, developed by Olympian Homes and RG Group, designed by Cunniff Design, and given its interior design by Corstorphine & Wright
- Fusion Students Arena Point offers extensive student amenities, including a rooftop terrace, recording and photography studios, study spaces with bookable booths, gym, yoga studio, private dining room and games room
- Resident services include free breakfast, tea and coffee, WiFi and laundry, as well as regular housekeeping, an events programme and access to counselling services
- The Leeds development accounts for 633 of the 1,142 new beds Fusion Students is delivering across the UK in 2026, with additional PBSA beds already in the pipeline for 2027 as the company targets further platform growth
