Sheffield's tallest building gets planning approval

The 40-storey building will contain 428 accommodation units mostly aimed at students

A plan to build one of Yorkshire's tallest skyscrapers in Sheffield city centre has been approved.

The 393ft (120m) King's Tower will replace the empty Primark building on the High Street.

Its 40 storeys will contain 428 "co-living" studio units mostly aimed at students.

A Sheffield City Council planning meeting heard the developer had agreed to contribute £75,000 for improvements at the Castle Square tram stop.

Planning officers said co-living was a new concept where residents live in small studios and share communal living and dining areas.

Shared units on each floor will have a large family room including a kitchen and dining area, TV/gaming room, work and study room, guest toilets, storage and a unit for overnight guests.

Residents will also be able to use workspaces, cycle stores, private meeting and dining rooms, cinema/presentation rooms, as well as a gym, bar and lounges.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the tower will also have commercial units on the ground floor.

The existing building has stood empty since the fashion retailer moved out seven years ago and will be demolished as part of the redevelopment.

Labour councillor Peter Price said the development would help meet the "growth in popularity in city centre living".

"It helps to meet this dilemma we have trying to provide 30,000 new homes in this city and unless we build upwards, we're going to be building on more green spaces and the greenbelt," he said.

"This type of venture is a way forward."

St Paul's Tower is currently Sheffield's tallest building

Councillors raised concerns about potential overheating due to the amount of glass that would be used during construction, the number of co-living spaces in a 40-storey building and the potential lack of extractors in individual kitchens.

The project was approved with one vote against and two abstentions.

It would be the second tallest building in Yorkshire, just behind the 45-storey Cirrus Point, currently in development in Leeds which is set to stand at 436ft (133m).

Sheffield's current highest building is the 32-storey St Paul's Tower.