A student apartment scheme has been approved in York after initial proposals were scaled down.
Property development company S Harrison worked with officers and councillors to update proposals, and will now deliver a 303-bed facility, a slight reduction on the 338-bed original revealed last September.
It is set for the former Alton Cars on James Street.
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Gavin Douglas, design manager at city-based S Harrison, said: “It’s a positive outcome that will help address the huge demand for student accommodation in the city, of which there is a chronic shortage. We look forward to delivering the scheme soon.
“Schemes like this not only regenerate and deliver a viable new future for a redundant site, but they bring added value to the local community by investing in the local infrastructure. Students provide a massive boost to the economy of this city, supporting jobs and creating a vibrant community.
“Specifically designed for the booming student sector in York, these new, modern, energy efficient spaces are within close proximity of the universities and an ideal home for students wanting to live in this popular part of the city.”
It will now include 231 study bedrooms in clusters of up to eight, which have shared living and dining areas. There will also be 72 individual studio rooms.
Previously it was working on a 308 and 30 ratio.
The development will also include communal areas on the ground floor, as well as soft landscaped areas, including a public ‘pocket park’ on the site’s southeast corner.
Mr Douglas said: “Our design will also deliver much-needed public open space in this area of the city, with more than 200 sq m of green space. The pocket park will be a great addition to this part of York and will be a usable outside space for all. South facing, it will benefit from natural sunlight and will be an attractive visual addition to the streetscape on Lawrence Street - a primary route into the city.”
Improved cycle infrastructure will also be provided. The developer will also create a shared pedestrian and cycle lane along the site’s eastern boundary, with junction modifications including new segregated raised priority crossings.
Mr Douglas added: “Our work will improve safety for all cyclists and pedestrians in the area, whilst also slowing traffic at the approach to the junctions from both sides – something that highways officers have welcomed.”
