World’s tallest student tower opens in Leeds - take a look inside the 45-storey building

A towering 45-storey building in Leeds has officially opened its doors, claiming the title of the world's tallest purpose-built student accommodation and becoming Yorkshire's highest structure.

Leeds has cemented its place on the global stage with the completion of Fusion Students' 45-storey residence at Arena Point on Merrion Way.

Standing at an impressive 134 metres (440ft), the structure is now recognised as the world's tallest purpose-built student accommodation and holds the distinction of being the tallest building across Yorkshire.

This £95 million development, a six-year undertaking, offers 633 beds and is ready to welcome students for the 2026/27 academic year. It will house those attending the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett, Leeds Conservatoire, and Leeds Arts University.

The building, which was funded by Cain International, was designed by Corstorphine and White and built by Olympian Homes and RG Group, sits alongside the 37-storey Altus House, previously Yorkshire’s tallest building.

Amenities include a large roof terrace that overlooks the city, a recording studio, a photography studio, study spaces complete with bookable booths, a gym, yoga studio, private dining room and games room. Residents also get access to free bike hire to help them get around the city cleanly.

Fusion Students residents get free tea, coffee and breakfast, there’s super-fast WiFi, free laundry, regular housekeeping, an events programme and access to counselling and wellbeing services. Free rice and pasta are also available to those who need it.

The building employs 15 people, with a mix of full and part-time staff, with the platform now employing 82 people nationally.

Laura Kurt, managing director at Fusion Students said: “Leeds’ institutions have global appeal, attracting talent from the UK and around the world to come and study.

"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.

"Amenities students need to make their coursework easier such as study spaces, recording studios and photography studios mixed with places to socialise and connect and incredible services such as free housekeeping and laundry, make life at University easier.”

Fusion Students also has residences in York, London, Liverpool, Nottingham and Manchester, and new openings on the way in Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow.