Downing’s own construction arm, George Downing Construction will build the next phase of the Central Village scheme, designed by architects John McAslan + Partners.

The £25m tower will house 400 rooms and sit alongside the 577-bed first phase of Central Village, which is due to complete in September.

Paul Houghton, development director at Downing, said: “We’re committed to delivering the highest-standard student accommodation, offering the best housing at affordable pricing, and our plans for Phase 2 of the scheme deliver exactly that.

“We’ve been active in Leeds for a number of years and we know that there is a robust student market here that demands quality, city centre accommodation.

“The ambitious nature of our Phase 2 plans, plus the pre-let for Phase 1 is testament to that.”