The demolition of the former Yorkshire Bank headquarters on Merrion Way is underway.
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00:00The demolition of the former Yorkshire Bank headquarters on Merrion Way is underway.
00:05Leeds City Council secured outline planning permission for a conference centre and student accommodation on the site,
00:12which is close to the First Direct Arena, in November 2022,
00:16despite opposition from the Harrogate Convention Centre over concerns about the impact on its business.
00:22In February 2024, the Council were thought to be exploring other options,
00:26but as things stand, the multi-use redevelopment is proceeding,
00:31with the Council saying the impact of the new venue on Harrogate would be minimal.
00:35Two blocks of student flats will be built alongside the conference centre.
00:39Initial plans said Block A will be 39 storeys, containing 714 student bedrooms,
00:46making it one of the tallest buildings in the city,
00:48while the 21 storey Block B will house 490 rooms.
00:53The conference centre is aiming to host corporate banqueting,
00:56awards ceremonies, live entertainment and conferences and exhibitions,
01:00and initial estimates suggested it could attract between 100 and 150,000 attendees per year.