47-51 North Road Limited has submitted planning to convert empty offices in Lancaster city centre into a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)development, which has been designed by Zub Architecture.
The plans are for 30-bedrooms – 15 couple studios and 15 single studios. The proposed scheme is being planned for the upper floors of 3-12 Gage Street in the city centre, with the shops below being retained. The top floor is designed to incorporate a games room for social interaction between residents.
The planning application has requested a change of use and conversion of the first, second and third floors of existing commercial building into 30 student studios including dormer extensions, a third floor extension and alterations to the roof, erection of a bin store to the rear, alterations to windows/external finishes and construction of a new entrance.
“The existing property comprises two sections, originally connected but now separated by a central retail unit.
“This retail unit once housed the common staircase that linked both buildings at the upper level. Both sections share a rear yard.
“Over time, both buildings have fallen into disrepair and require substantial refurbishment and investment to become viable again.”
Design and Access Statement, Zub Architecture
The upper levels are currently set up as an unoccupied office space and have been empty since 2021. Due to the lack of demand for office space in the centre of Lancaster, most of the upper floors are in a deteriorated condition.
Although neither the development site, or the immediate neighbouring buildings are listed, the proposal does lay within the Lancaster Conservation Area.
“As is often the case in city centres, the upper floors have been only partially utilised in recent years due to a lack of demand, and with the last tenants vacating mid-last year, now is the ideal time to repurpose the combined property.
“We believe that the benefits of revitalising the upper floors of 3-5 and 9-12 Gage Street far outweigh the loss of this relatively insignificant unit.
“This redevelopment will create additional jobs in security, cleaning, and property management and maintenance, thereby contributing to the local economy.”
Design and Access Statement, Zub Architecture
