New purpose-built student accommodation in Whitelock Street, Leeds, which pays tribute to a celebrated abstract artist, has reached the topping out stage and is on schedule for an autumn completion.

Developer Alumno and principal contractor GMI Construction Group held a ceremony to commemorate the landmark event at the six- and seven storey Terry Frost Building, named in honour of the late artist who taught at Leeds University in the 1950s and who drew much inspiration from his Yorkshire surroundings.

Designed by Howarth Litchfield, the mixed-use 11,955 sqm development comprises 105 residential units that will house 411 students in 53 studios and a range of four to eight bed cluster flats. The development also represents a significant regeneration of the former disused site. Facilities will include communal living areas, together with a central hub, gym, study, cinema, laundry room, roof terrace with a garden, and extensive secure bicycle storage.

In addition, the ground floor features flexible spaces for local creative and hospitality businesses to create a vibrant, friendly community for students, visitors, and local residents. “The Terry Frost Building, which is ideally located close to the city’s universities and centre, will be a great addition to this emerging, creative Leeds district, and will offer significant regeneration benefits at a crucial time,” said Alumno Managing Director David Campbell. “It will also deliver more housing options, particularly to local people, by alleviating the need for students to rent family homes privately in the area.”