Watch: Plans for Shrewsbury student halls welcomed
Plans to build university halls for 217 students in Shrewsbury town centre have been welcomed by residents.
Proposals announced by Shropshire Council earlier this week will see the empty Shrewsbury Sixth Form Centre, known as the Tannery, the Tannery car park and the former China Rose restaurant on St Austin's Street demolished to make way for the University Centre Shrewsbury accommodation.
At a public consultation on the plans yesterday in Rowley's House, residents said they were in favour of replacing the disused buildings.
Chris Howell, of Shrewsbury, said: "I think it is a good boost for the town centre. I think the fact that Shropshire Council and the university are providing the accommodation is a major attraction for students thinking of coming to Shrewsbury, and for this part of town it will certainly be a great benefit."
Town centre resident Alan Shrank said the site will provide a good location for the halls. He said: "It is a great project and it is in the right place because the buildings are bad and the car park is ghastly so modern student accommodation is a super idea."
A full planning application for the project has not yet been submitted but it is hoped that the accommodation will be completed in time to welcome first year students in September 2016.
Shropshir Council is currently in the process of refurbishing Mardol House for the first undergraduates to arrive from September 25.
The latest proposal comprises three main buildings, each with four floors, housing 73 students, and a postgraduate building which will also include a laundry. All rooms will include an en-suite shower, a desk, wardrobe, and a bed, with a common room and cooking area serving six rooms.
John Evans, an architect with POD, which has designed the buildings, said: "I think we have got the balance between what is right for the town but at the same time creating a degree of modernity that goes with the image of Shrewsbury as a new centre for academic excellence."
Shropshire Council had asked for tenders to build accommodation for up to 800 students and the tannery project is the first successful bid, with the contract won by Morris Property and Guildhouse UK.
