Cladding removed as student tower revamp continues

The 23-storey building is undergoing a "full refurbishment"

Cladding has been removed from a student tower block once voted the "world's best tall building", as upgrade work continues.

The 23-storey Broadcasting Tower on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds was undergoing a "full refurbishment", including the replacement of the external façade, operator Unite Students said.

The building, made from weathering steel which gives it a distinctive rust-like appearance, was due to open in time for the 2025/26 academic year, a spokesperson said.

In 2010, the block was named "best tall building" at a ceremony organised by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

Broadcasting Tower was completed in 2009 on the site of former BBC buildings

The tower was completed in 2009 on the site of former BBC studios.

Work was ongoing to renovate the 241 bedrooms ahead of an anticipated increase in the number of students coming to Leeds, Unite said.

“We’re currently carrying out a full refurbishment and upgrade to the interior of Broadcasting Tower with new kitchens, bathrooms and enhanced communal areas, as well as replacing the external façade," a spokesperson said.

"With student numbers expected to increase in the coming years, this refurbishment and upgrade work is vital.

"Our aim is to help address the UK’s housing crisis by making more privately rented homes available for families, ultimately enhancing overall affordability."

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