Leeds is well-known for its buzzing music scene and rich history, but there’s something new on the horizon that’s bound to grab your attention in the skyline — Arena Point. This building is set to rise to 134 metres, making it Yorkshire’s tallest student accommodation (to date) upon completion in 2026. The building comprises; 45 floors, over 600 beds, and a rooftop terrace alongside modern communal spaces. It is expected to create a welcoming gateway to the West End of Leeds.

For a Building Reaching Such Heights, Safety is as Crucial as Style.

In tall buildings like Arena Point, fire safety isn’t just an afterthought; it’s essential. With unique challenges such as longer evacuation times and smoke movement, it’s vital to plan thoroughly. Consider the fact that getting out of a 45-storey building is far different from leaving a small block of flats. From a fire engineer’s point of view, it’s paramount that those living there feel secure in their new home, just as much as it is to create a visually pleasing environment.

Why Tall Buildings Need Special Fire Safety Measures?

In high-rise buildings, smoke control and evacuation systems become top priorities. To further enhance evacuation routes, a second staircase was implemented into the original design, ensuring provision for an evacuation lift and lobby to accommodate the needs of disabled residents. Smoke ventilation systems have also been a priority, as we need to protect both the lift lobby and the stairwell from smoke – an essential aspect in our design. In short, there are many moving parts. For example, DFC undertook Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis to better understand how smoke could behave in an emergency, taking into account varying corridor lengths with multiple mechanical shafts.

Let’s not overlook the firefighters either. When a building reaches over 130 metres, we must find ways for firefighters to reach the top quickly and safely. Their ability to respond in emergencies is crucial and it’s an aspect we treat with the utmost seriousness.

This building is going to be a home for hundreds of students, many of whom will be living away from home for the first time. Therefore, fire safety measures need to do more than just meet legal requirements; they should provide reassurance for students and the wider community.

The project is progressing well, and the entire team has collaborated effectively throughout the process. Everyone has brought their unique skills and perspectives to the table, contributing to an approach that places a strong emphasis on fire safety. Regular communication and shared goals have kept us aligned, enabling the design team to tackle tasks efficiently and make informed decisions.

With input from DFC since 2022, we’ve been working closely with developers and contractors to ensure that safety and design go hand in hand. We focus on more than just compliance; safety is part of every part of the building’s design, from the stairwells to that rooftop terrace. As we look forward to its completion, DFC is proud to be part of a forward-thinking project and, we feel a sense of pride knowing that our efforts will contribute to the safety and well-being of hundreds of students.

Did You Know?

Yorkshire’s tallest building is currently the 114-metre, 38-storey Altus House in Leeds’ Arena Quarter, which recently surpassed the 112-metre Bridgewater Place.

At 134 metres tall, Arena Point will surpass Altus House (114 metres) to become the tallest student accommodation building in Yorkshire.

Relevant Source and Publication:

• Olympian Homes: Arena Point – homepage.
• RG Group: Arena Point – homepage.
• Insider Media, 2025, ‘Green light recommended for 45-storey tower‘.
• Construction Enquirer, 2024, ‘RG Group to build tallest student block in the world‘.
• PBSA News, 2024, ‘Leeds’ Arena Quarter PBSA tops out‘.

Featured image top: Arena Point, Leeds. ©Olympian Homes and RG Group.