Plans have been submitted for refurbishing the now vacant Merrion Hotel in central Leeds.

Unused since July 2012, the seven-storey property which forms part of the wider Merrion Centre in central Leeds, had previously been a hotel since 1966.

Ibis Styles has agreed a deal to operate the new 134-bedroom hotel if plans are approved. The existing bedrooms within the building are considered too small by current standards and larger accommodation would be created by combining three bedrooms to form two larger rooms. A new two storey extension would provide additional bedrooms as well as a new restaurant. The existing restaurant and kitchens would be removed and replaced with family and accessible bedrooms.

The scheme will also house a Marco Pierre White restaurant.

The Merrion Centre is a two minute walk from Leeds Central station.

Details: www.insidermedia.com