Conversion plans for listed building set for green light

OFFICERS ADVISE COUNCILLORS TO APPROVE MOVE TO TURN IT IINTO STUDENT FLATS

- By JOE LOCKER Local democracy reporter

A PLAN to restore a bombproof police and fire station building from the 1930s and transform it into student flats looks set to get the green light.

Plans to demolish the former police headquarters and central fire station, fronting Shakespeare Street in the city, were shelved in 2023 after the building was given Grade II-listed status just days before the plans were due to be approved.

An appeal against the listing failed - sending the developers back to the drawing board.

New plans to retain the police HQ and fire station emerged in September and are now recommended for approval by councillors on December 17.

Under the plans, the interwar building would become home to 248 students and be complemented by an 18-storey, 364-bed tower block. A publicly accessible food hall is also planned at the base of the tower.