Whitbread, the owner of Premier Inn, has drawn up plans to redevelop one of its hotels into a 546-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Birmingham.
Under the proposals, the Premier Inn, in Essington Street, would be demolished to make way for a new 14-storey student housing scheme. Amenities would include study space, a garden and terraced areas. A specialist operator would be appointed to run the PBSA scheme.
The Premier Inn hotel will continue to trade during the planning process. Whitbread said the proposed move was part of its plans to build what it called a ‘perfect portfolio’ of locations across the city.
The business currently has eight venues in the city and is looking for two new locations in the Smithfield and Snow Hill areas.
A public consultation will run online from 10 to 21 February. A live webinar with members of the project team is being held at 7pm on Thursday 13 February.
“With a significant shortfall of student bedspaces across the city, our proposals would provide much-needed accommodation which offers the very best experience for students.
“The building has been carefully designed to complement other properties on Broad Street and provide high-quality landscaping to enhance the neighbourhood.
“I would like to thank our project team for all the dedication and commitment in getting the plans to the current stage and I am looking forward to talking to residents and our other local stakeholders through our plans in the next few weeks.”
Richard Pearson, Senior Development Manager, Whitbread
With an estimated shortfall of over 19,500 student bedrooms across Birmingham, this new scheme, if approved, would help bring additional student accommodation to the area.
