Leicester City Council has granted planning for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leicester – on one of the city’s main Gateways.
The site is on the former Leicester antiques warehouse on Welford Road – near the junction with Victoria Park Road – will be demolished to make way for the new scheme. The PBSA development – designed by architects Ink Drawn – will include 43 new studio apartments across two blocks.
The front facing building on Welford Road will be four storey’s high and will include 22 student apartments. The building behind, at three storeys high will include 21 studios and is accessible via a connecting communal landscaped courtyard. The scheme will also have 48 bicycle spaces.
“This project has been three years in the planning, and we’ve worked extensively with the local authority, our client, UK Land Ltd, and Marrons Planning to bring forward a design that will integrate with the neighbourhood and benefit Leicester’s significant student population.
“The positioning and orientation of each block were informed by the surrounding properties to ensure privacy is retained, while the massing and materials are designed to complement the street scene.”
Dan Nestoruk, Director, Ink Drawn
The overall appearance for the PBSA development demonstrates a bold and ordered design with symmetrical fenestration. A multi-tone red brick is the principal material, and this will be enhanced with intricate detailing to respond to local character. Both buildings in this scheme will feature a mansard top floor – which will be clad with grey slate effect tiles. The floor to ceiling openings will have corresponding slim dark grey profiling. Internally, all apartments will benefit from plenty of natural light and an open plan layout. Renewable technology – including solar PV panels – will be installed on both roofs.
“186 Welford Road occupies a prime location in walking distance from the University of Leicester, which was recently named the biggest climber in one of the national university league tables. It’s therefore really important that the city continues to offer top quality student accommodation so the positive outcome from this planning application means 186 Welford Road can now echo the nearby regeneration at Freemans Common with a modern, thoughtful and functional design.”
Dan Nestoruk, Director, Ink Drawn
