Work has begun on a new block of student accommodation on Cookridge Street in Leeds city centre.

Leeds-based YPP is developing the £12 million student scheme, which once complete will consist of 96 self-contained student apartments split across blocks of between six to eight storeys.

The plans have been designed by Brewster Bye Architects and in addition to the student flats, the building will have two ground floor retail units, a lounge, gym, cinema room and study area.

The site was previously home to a Walkabout bar, but was demolished to make way for the new purpose-built student accommodation.

If all goes to plan the development is due for completion in the summer of 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year.

Commenting on the development, Omar Al-Nujaifi from YPP said: "Seeing work start on this major development is great news for everyone involved in the project as well as the Cookridge Street area as a whole, because it will breathe new life into a formerly derelict site that had stood empty for nearly four years."

According to Brewster Bye Architects, the development has been designed to offer some of the best student accommodation in Leeds and it's hoped the site will become one of the city's most sought after student addresses.