The transformation of a group of empty offices to the city's east side into a vast new student housing development has been described as 'a step in the wrong direction' by conservationists. Hilary Silvester, executive chair of Nottingham Civic Society, was giving her views on the development which will span across King Edward Street, Glasshouse Street and Kent Street, on the fringe of the city centre.
Having previously spoken of the society's fears over a 'wall of high rise buildings' between the city centre, St Ann's and Sneinton Market, she said: "It's all part of the same old concern. Certainly I feel like it's a step in the wrong direction, and adding another platform for people to build other taller buildings nearby."
The development, near the Pryzm nightclub - which was approved by the city council earlier this month - will reach up to eight levels in height. Vacant office buildings will be demolished and the main part of the project will see 568 student bedrooms and amenities created.
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A outline application has also been granted for 96 apartments with a mix of one, two and three bed units, as well as commercial office space and shopping areas, on the ground floor. Ms Silvester added: "It's not a 13-storey building but it still adds a bit to the wall cutting off the city centre from the eastern parts of the city. It's not something we care for because it cuts it off visually, culturally, and historically.
"It's adjacent to a conservation area and close to the listed Salvation Army, William Booth Memorial Halls - we have concerns about all these multi-storeys going up around there. It will tower over the Palais [Przym], of course, which is the outstanding building in that area and which everyone knows.
"I would have preferred really to keep the lower buildings, those would have less impact on the city's character. I personally was a bit surprised that they were going to pull down relatively new buildings. I think it's just that there is a profit to be made but I was still surprised to see the original application as they were built fairly recently.
"It was once the Central Market, which was moved to the Victoria Centre after it was built in 60s, with them then demolishing the market. I believe those offices were only built 40 years ago in the mid-1980s."
Local opinion was divided on whether more student accommodation was appropriate for the area. Liam Butler, 23, who studies filmmaking at Nottingham Trent University and lives nearby at the Glasshouse building, said: "I can see why older people who have lived in Nottingham a long time would be annoyed by the amount of change.
"But some parts of Nottingham are a bit run down, and benefit from the modern buildings built for the students. I don't really see why not if the offices are not being used too much - there would probably more demand for student rooms than for offices."
Mark Mellers, 50, who lives in Mapperley, was concerned the city was 'putting its eggs in one basket'. "I've got nothing against students, but we are supposed to have an aging population, so in the long run it seems like putting our eggs in one basket.
"With all the building it's getting harder and harder for people to live close to the city centre. It's pushing people out and this building will dwarf everything else, they don't even look bad at the minute. Unless you're a bar or a nightclub who is Nottingham for really? Businesses moving out of Nottingham is a reaction to the Workplace Parking Levy, they find it cheaper to go elsewhere."
In 2021, Nottingham City Council said 5,000 extra student rooms would be needed by 2024/25. The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have both told the council they intend to increase their numbers of students in future years.
East Midlands Chamber, who represent businesses in the region, expressed support for the approved plan, which they said could draw in greater investment to a 'less prominent' part of the city. Scott Knowles, East Midlands Chamber chief executive, said: “The future of our cities is going to involve a healthy combination of living, working and leisure, so bringing a major residential development to such a well-located area in Nottingham can only be a good thing.
“The area immediately to the east of the city centre is becoming a hotbed for regeneration, driven by the successful reimagination of the Hockley area and the Motorpoint Arena continuing to be a key attraction for visitors. There are already some great businesses located around this area and the potential arrival of hundreds of young people could attract greater investment in future – not to mention bringing a new lease of life to a less prominent part of the city, which ultimately creates a more appealing impression to visitors and passers-by.
“Students are hugely important to the city’s make-up – not only do they contribute to the community and making it a vibrant place to live, but they also spend money throughout the week both in suburban areas and the city centre, playing an integral role in sustaining the businesses used by the general population.”
In a planning application, Corstorphine+Wright’s, on behalf of developer Fusion Students, said: "The building would promote active frontages to all adjacent streets, in addition to providing a new pedestrian link between Kent Street and King Edward Street, regenerating a prominent site that currently offers little to its surroundings. The Fusion Student brief for the site was to explore the potential for high-quality student accommodation that could revitalise a vacant, under-used site, and create a positive addition to the local community."
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