People living in Nottingham say they would prefer a restaurant or bar to replace an old pub rather than student accommodation. New plans have just been put forward to demolish what was once The Local in Alfreton Road, and redevelop the site with three shops and 25 student flats.
Built in the 1960s by Shipstones Brewery when it was known as The Windmill, the pub has under gone several name changes but has been vacant for the last 10 years. Plans were submitted back in 2020 to knock down the building and redevelop the site into flats. The site was subsequently sold ahead of its redevelopment, and people nearby said the pub was 'well-respected' when it was The Windmill.
Applicants on behalf of A and Q Properties (Nottingham) Ltd have tabled fresh plans in recent weeks to build the three shops and 25 student flats. People in the community, meanwhile, said they'd rather see a new restaurant or bar instead.
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“I disagree with another student accommodation," said Beryenebra Gerergris, 27. "There’s far too many. I’d like to see a restaurant or a bar, maybe." Similarly, Henry Nwagbarn, 21, said: “It makes sense that they want to make it a student accommodation, it’s a struggle for students to find places so it would be helpful. So I think I agree with the student accommodations or maybe a restaurant”
However, other people had other suggestions. “Other things are needed other than another student accommodation, for example homeless accommodation. There are so many homeless people who need sheltering," said 50-year-old Portia Jackson.
"What I’d actually like to see instead of student accommodation are homeless accommodation or small independent businesses. Small businesses actually pay taxes. I remember the pub back when no one used to walk around Alfreton Road almost around 30 years ago.”
Marlon Mpofu, 20, said: “I don’t think this would even make a good student accommodation because of the noise of the main road. I’d rather see a restaurant to be fair." Philip Davis, 60, added: “There’s loads of student accommodation. I’d like to see something different. It’s like the main attraction in this area. They should open something where families can go. Somewhere where communities mix rather than divide.”
Real ale campaigners fondly remember Alfreton Road as a stretch where "there was virtually a pub on every corner all the way down". Drinkers previously explained how the area has dramatically changed and become almost unrecognisable in recent years. The latest planning application is pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
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