Final designs for student halls in centre of Shrewsbury revealed
The final designs for student accommodation in the centre of Shrewsbury have been revealed.
New Shrewsbury University halls are planned for the former Tannery site in Barker Street.
The plans replace an application previously approved in 2015 for three separate four storey blocks of student residential accommodation.
The development will be made up of two blocks, joined by an in-fill section, and will house student accommodation and offices, which will house retail premises.
The building will be opposite the town’s historic Rowley’s House Mansion, and within part of the Shrewsbury Conservation Area.
The previous scheme was just for student accommodation, with the aim of providing centrally located accommodation, close to the university, for the expected burgeoning student market.
The plan had originally been to build three blocks of accommodation for about 217 students. The proposal had included three main buildings, each with four floors, housing 73 students, and a postgraduate building.
But the take up of student places was not as expected so the three blocks are no longer required.
There would be 54 student bedrooms in Block C under the new plans, and a further eight bedrooms in the infill together with share kitchen areas and a small amount of ancillary space.
The plans say: “The layout of the student rooms of the infill gives all users views over the street.”
The retail space would be continuous between the blocks and infill, and car parking would be located on the vacant site of what was proposed for the third block.
The plans add: “An element of student accommodation remains appropriate;,central and within walking distance to the university accommodation. Office usage is concurrent with planning policy.
“Retail use will bring an active frontage at street level and continuity of shop front along Barker Street. This will contribute positively in terms of public amenity and response to the public realm.”
A retailer has not yet been identified for the ground floor space, which is next door to Albert’s Shed.
From the previous flat roof, parapet design, the blocks now incorporate pitched roofs and gables onto Barker Street.
The original designs had been criticised as ill-fitting for the area.
The site has been cleared with the demolition of the old Tannery and is currently surrounded by boards promoting the scheme.
A decision will be made on the plans in the coming months.
