A planning application has been submitted that would see a modern student accommodation scheme built at an industrial unit which is occupied by Alton Cars. The scheme, by York based development company – S Harrison – is on James Street in York, close to both the University of York and York St John University.
Designed by York based CSP Architects, the new development will include 308 bedrooms in cluster apartments, all with their own communal kitchens, living areas and dining facilities, and 30 studio apartments. Amenities include a large central communal area offering study space, games room, cinema, gym, laundry facilities and two outdoor landscaped courtyards. The site’s central location means it will be almost entirely car-free and a large cycle store will also be incorporated into the scheme.
“Submitting this planning application follows a public consultation that didn’t generate a single objection and comes at a time when demand for student accommodation is significantly outstripping supply.
“This summer there have been numerous reports about York running out of student accommodation and there’s no doubt purpose-built student accommodation schemes can alleviate the problem, as well as freeing up existing housing stock for local families.
“We’ve specifically designed this development to sit comfortably in the largely residential surroundings at this end of James Street. The new building is a much better fit for the local streetscape and existing neighbours than the current industrial unit and it will significantly improve the view from the adjacent Conservation Area along Lawrence Street.”
Gavin Douglas from S Harrison
This planning application follows S Harrison successfully transforming the neighbouring former Working Men’s Club and The Tam O’ Shanter public house on Lawrence Street into a 115-bedroom premium student accommodation scheme, which completed in 2017.
S Harrison has delivered several other high quality student accommodation developments in York recently – including St John Central in the heart of the city centre, Abode on Navigation Road and Percys Place in York’s Walmgate conservation area.
Other successful schemes delivered by S Harrison in York include The City of York Council headquarters at West Offices, the adjacent Hampton-by-Hilton Hotel on Toft Green and Lidl on James Street.
The company won a prestigious industry award for the best refurbishment and extension of a listed building, for Groves Chapel in York city centre, which it transformed into a residential-led mixed use development. S Harrison was also behind the transformation of the Grade II listed Hunter House, which is just 120 metres from York Minster, into high quality apartments.
