Caddick reaches topping-out milestone on Leeds student scheme

By Danny BallPublished On: September 29th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Construction of a 291-bedroom student accommodation development at SOYO in Leeds has reached its highest point, marking a key milestone in the delivery of the scheme.

Domo Leeds is being delivered by Moda Living and construction partner Caddick on one of the final development plots within the £300m SOYO regeneration scheme.

The development is scheduled to welcome its first residents for the 2027/28 academic year.

291-bedroom student development reaches highest point

The topping-out milestone was marked by a final concrete pour at the highest point of the building, with students from Leeds City College, Leeds Conservatoire and Caddick’s T-level and degree apprenticeship programmes taking part.

Domo Leeds will provide 291 bedrooms across private studios and cluster apartments.

The development will also include study and co-working spaces, a creative studio, gym, yoga studio, karaoke room, lounges, bar and rooftop terrace.

The project occupies the penultimate plot at SOYO, with one remaining development site before the regeneration of the district is complete.

Johnny Caddick, Chief Executive of Moda and Caddick, said: “SOYO has been a huge part of our journey in Leeds, and reaching this milestone at Moda’s first dedicated student community brings us another step closer to completing our long-term vision for what is already a thriving neighbourhood.

“We’re proud to be drawing on the breadth of expertise from across Caddick, with Moda, Caddick Developments and Caddick Construction all playing a role in bringing this development to life.

“We’re now looking forward to taking the project through its final stages as we prepare to open the doors and welcome our first students to the building next autumn.”

Construction project supports local employment and skills

Caddick said the development has supported local employment and construction skills activity throughout the programme.

The project has generated more than 747 hours of employment taster and work experience activity, alongside 66.5 hours of support for students at local education institutions.

This has included work experience placements for Leeds College of Building students, careers talks, CV and interview workshops and construction site visits.

The project has also employed or retained 377 local people to date, while apprentices have been working towards qualifications and gaining experience in areas including site management, civil engineering, quantity surveying and bricklaying.

Caddick is also working with education and skills organisation Ahead Partnership through its four-year Shaping Our Future programme. As part of the programme, 40 Year 8 pupils from Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust recently visited the SOYO development for workshops, site tours and practical construction activities.

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction, Yorkshire & North East, said: “Reaching the topping out of SOYO D is a proud moment for our team; it’s a privilege to work alongside our sister companies, Caddick Developments and Moda Living, as we continue to bring this ambitious masterplan to life and introduce high-quality, vibrant student living to Leeds.

“This project represents much more than construction; it is about people and the community we serve.

“By driving social value, our team is creating local jobs and providing opportunities for hands-on mentoring and work experience for the next generation. Investing in local people is at the heart of our work, and I’m proud to see the positive, lasting impact that SOYO D is already making in Leeds.”