Nottingham’s Creative Quarter has welcomed Watkin Jones Group’s plans for new student homes close to Sneinton Market at 135-137 Lower Parliament Street.
Speaking ahead of a Planning Committee decision next week, Creative Quarter Chief Executive Tamily Cookson said:
“It’s fantastic that Watkin Jones Group has engaged with us and other local organisations in such a meaningful way during the planning process “
“The plans for 135-137 Lower Parliament Street will help transform a derelict site into a vibrant new development that will help draw visitors into Sneinton Market.”
“At the Creative Quarter, we champion Nottingham’s creative and digital economy helping to create an environment in which small businesses can thrive and grow. The inclusion of new commercial space as part of Watkin Jones’ proposals as well as space for public art provides an opportunity to foster a close relationship with the Creative Quarter.”
“Should the plans get the green light next week we look forward to welcoming future residents of the building to get involved with the wider Creative Quarter community.”
The proposals, which Nottingham City Council’s Planning Officers have recommended for approval, would deliver over £1m to the community through funds from Watkin Jones, the developer of the site, including over £600,000 towards creating more affordable homes in the city.
Should members of the Planning Committee accept officers’ recommendations at their meeting next Wednesday, then work could commence on the new 354 bed scheme, which includes extensive high-quality landscaping and a public walkway through the site to improve connectivity between the city centre and Sneinton Market.
The plans would also deliver a new ground floor commercial space on Lower Parliament Street aimed at local independent businesses along with a secure, basement level 48-space car park complete with electric vehicle charging points that will be returned to Nottingham City Council upon completion.
Kenny Oke, Development Director at Watkin Jones Group said:
“We’re delighted that planning officers at Nottingham City Council have recommended our plans to create new homes at 135-137 Lower Parliament Street for approval. This is an underutilised site, in a great location and new purpose-built space will go a long way to fulfilling the large deficit in student housing Nottingham currently faces while helping to take the pressure off family housing in the city.
“Our model is to create future-proofed places and these homes will meet high environmental sustainability standards, measured as BREEAM Excellent, and will include the use of air source heat pumps, a highly insulated green roof and photovoltaic panels.
“Alongside creating space for local business to thrive, we are also keen to ensure that the future residents of the building are a positive part of the local community, and we look forward to continuing to engage with local people and organisations to make that happen.”
During the planning process, Watkin Jones Group has carried out extensive community engagement through an online public consultation, as well meetings with local organisations such as the Creative Quarter, the Salvation Army and the Students’ Union.
If permission is granted, construction is expected to begin as soon as possible with completion due for Summer 2023.
