A 12-storey block for more than 400 students is taking shape and ‘on target’ to be completed by August 2024.
Development consultants Lichfields and architecture practice Consarc had submitted plans for the 12-storey block, purpose-built for 406 students, alongside a taller 22-storey tower, to accommodate 163 private rent apartments, and a smaller nine-storey block, to accommodate a further 75.
The entire scheme had initially been deferred by Nottingham City Council’s planning committee last year due to concerns over inadequate architecture and design.
After making some amendments, the developer resubmitted its plans for the 12-storey student block on its own, pending a “detailed review” of the 22-storey and nine-storey buildings.
Permission was granted to begin building the ‘L’-shaped, 12-storey building at the junction of Queens Road and London Road in December.
According to Ian Kettlewell, planning director at Lichfields, the construction is currently progressing “satisfactorily”.
He said: “We can confirm that construction work is progressing satisfactorily, and the development is on target for completion of this high specification purpose-built student accommodation in August 2024.”
Lichfield’s plans for the 22-storey and nine-storey towers for private residential accommodation are expected to return to the city council’s planning committee this year.
Planning documents say the removal of the two private rent buildings have allowed the student accommodation scheme to move forward.
A more detailed review of the design for the buildings, and the 22-storey tower in particular, is undertaken to address the concerns raised by the planning committee.
However, the exact date of the return is not yet known.
At the time, councillors on the planning committee had raised serious concerns over the look of the buildings.
Aspley Councillor Graham Chapman (Lab), a member of the planning committee, had said: “This is a gateway building, it is one of the gateways into the city from the east, and therefore it is even more imperative that is has some quality.
“I just think we have got to send this back to the drawing board.”
Some of the changes to the student block include the use of different materials and changes to the colour, while sharp edges have been rounded.
As part of the development of the student block, a central courtyard with landscaping and trees will also be built.
The site is situated within the Nottingham Station Conservation Area.
The Old Tracks pub had been located in the area before its demolition was granted back in 2001, and the site had then been home to commercial business including United Carpets, used-car sellers NottinghamCar and Magpie Security.
These commercial units were demolished beginning May last year to clear the way for the new development.
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