Watkin Jones has received resolution to grant permission for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Nottingham. Designed by ECE Westworks, the scheme includes 354 student homes – a mix of 271 cluster beds and 83 studios. Amenities include beautifully designed social lounges, a gym and study space.
Located on Lower Parliament Street, the design will help to open up access to the independent shopping of the nearby Sneinton Market – and has been supported by the city’s Creative Quarter for the potential of the 100sqm ground floor commercial space to be used by a local independent business. Situated on a former Nottingham City Council car park, the development will deliver 48 new underground spaces back to the council for public use.
“We’re thrilled to be able to press on and start creating this development, which will deliver new, highly sustainable homes for the city’s growing student population. Nottingham’s universities are increasingly popular, and their success offers a huge economic boost, but this also brings challenges to local housing that schemes like ours significantly reduce.”
Alex Pease, Chief Investment Officer, Watkin Jones
The brownfield development is designed to be highly sustainable – targeting BREEAM excellent with a reduced carbon footprint through the use of Air Source Heat Pumps for hot water production, enhanced insulation and reduced air permeability through engineered façade, reducing heat loss and energy requirement. It will also include photovoltaic panels supplying renewable energy. Outside, new biodiverse landscaped spaces will enhance wildlife habitats and improve air quality.
The new PBSA scheme will be car free – and residents are encouraged to use the network of local cycle routes and streets that are recommended for cyclists surrounding the site – as well as buses, Nottingham Express Transit and the national rail station – which are all within easy walking distance of the development.
Watkin Jones is maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the local community throughout the development.
