New student accommodation project in Leeds reaches major construction milestone
The accommodation is part of one of Yorkshire’s largest residential-led regeneration projects
A new 291-bedroom student development project in Leeds at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter has reached a significant milestone as the structural construction has been completed.
Domo Leeds is student accommodation which is part of SOYO, a £300 million mixed-use regeneration project creating a new residential and cultural neighbourhood at Quarry Hill in Leeds city centre.
The construction of SOYO, which began in 2019, is one of Yorkshire’s largest residential-led regeneration projects.
Students from across Leeds’ education community joined rental living developer and operator Moda Living, construction partner Caddick and city leaders to celebrate the Domo Leeds reaching its highest point.
To mark the milestone, students took part in the final concrete pour at the highest point of the development.
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Supporting the delivery of learning and skills opportunities for all is central to the council’s ambitions for Leeds, where our student population already makes a really important contribution to local life.
“With its proximity to a whole host of educational institutions and occupying a prime spot within the impressive SOYO neighbourhood, Moda’s new development promises to enhance the city’s reputation as a brilliant place for young people, from Leeds and beyond, to fulfil their potential.
“It was great to see students on different educational journeys playing their part in the topping-out event and highlighting the breadth of opportunities that exist in this area of the city, from further and higher education to the creative industries and apprenticeships.”
Due to welcome its first residents for the 2027/28 academic year, Domo Leeds will offer 291 bedrooms across a mix of private studios and cluster apartments, as well as shared spaces designed around how students study, socialise and spend their time.
Amenities will include dedicated study and co-working spaces, a creative studio, 24-hour gym, yoga studio, karaoke room, lounges, bar and rooftop terrace.
The student development occupies the penultimate plot at SOYO, with just one remaining development site before the regeneration of the district is complete.
Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction, Yorkshire & North East, said: “Reaching the topping out of SOYO D is a proud moment for our team; it’s a privilege to work alongside our sister companies, Caddick Developments and Moda Living, as we continue to bring this ambitious masterplan to life and introduce high-quality, vibrant student living to Leeds.
“This project represents much more than construction; it is about people and the community we serve.”
Students have played a major role throughout the construction of Domo Leeds as Caddick has delivered over 747 hours of employment taster and work experience activities through the project, alongside 66.5 hours of support for students at local education institutions.
The property development business also recently welcomed 40 Year 8 pupils from Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust to Moda’s SOYO student development for workshops, site tours and practical construction experience.
Johnny Caddick, Chief Executive of Moda and Caddick, said: “SOYO has been a huge part of our journey in Leeds, and reaching this milestone at Moda’s first dedicated student community brings us another step closer to completing our long-term vision for what is already a thriving neighbourhood.
“We’re proud to be drawing on the breadth of expertise from across Caddick, with Moda, Caddick Developments and Caddick Construction all playing a role in bringing this development to life.
“We’re now looking forward to taking the project through its final stages as we prepare to open the doors and welcome our first students to the building next autumn.”