University 'can't support' student tower block plans

CONCERNS ABOUT AN OVER-SUPPLY OF STUDIO FLATS THAT ARE NOT AS 'ATTRACTIVE' AS SHARED HOUSES

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

The former Central Police and Fire Station on Shakespeare Street is now boarded up and covered in graffiti

THE University of Nottingham says it “cannot support” plans to transform a landmark city site into a huge 18-storey block of student flats.

The university has raised concerns over the now-approved redevelopment of the former Central Police and Fire Station building on Shakespeare Street.

The Grade-II Listed site has been empty since 2016 and is now boarded-up and covered in graffiti, despite various failed attempts to bring it back to life.

Hope is now finally in sight for the building's future, with councillors voting in favour of plans to convert the 1930s station into an 18-storey block of student flats.

The proposals by student accommodation providers Vita, approved in December, will also see a public food hall created as part of the huge student tower.

Whilst campaigners and nearby businesses say the plans will “lift the area”, some have questioned the need for more student accommodation in the city.

In particular, concerns have been raised around the number of studio rooms in the new development, with 246 single-occupancy apartments planned.