The University of Nottingham has voiced its inability to endorse plans for the construction of a massive 18-storey student accommodation block atop one of the city’s most infamous eyesores.
This esteemed Russell Group university has expressed significant apprehension regarding the recent approval for the redevelopment of the former fire and police station located on Shakespeare Street, a building that has been vacant and neglected since 2016, now marred by boarded windows and graffiti.
After years of failed attempts to revitalize the site, there finally appears to be a glimmer of hope, as city councillors have voted in favor of transforming this 1930s structure into a large-scale student housing facility. The plans, proposed by accommodation provider Vita, also include the addition of a public food hall within the towering student residence, which was greenlit in December.
While some local activists and business owners advocate that these developments will enhance the neighborhood, others are questioning the necessity for additional student housing in the city. A particular point of contention revolves around the inclusion of numerous studio apartments within the project, with 246 single-occupancy units planned.
The university has stated that it cannot fully back the initiative, voicing concerns that many of these studio flats may remain unoccupied. "The University welcomes the idea of redeveloping this site for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and supports its overall use," a university representative remarked in a planning document submitted to Nottingham City Council. "However, we cannot support the overall application due to the entirely studio-based nature of the refurbishment plan."
Specifically, the institution highlighted worries about an existing surplus of studio flats in Nottingham, coupled with declining interest from undergraduate students, which raises the likelihood of vacant properties. Furthermore, the university noted a drop in both international and postgraduate student enrollment—demographics that typically favor studio accommodations—as a major concern.
In 2024, the vacancy rate at PBSA facilities in Nottingham surged as international student numbers dwindled and more individuals opted to live at home while pursuing their studies. A city council survey conducted in September revealed an alarming 11.2% of student housing in Nottingham was unoccupied, leading the council leader to acknowledge that demand for such accommodations was "cooling."
Elaborating on its stance against the proposal, a university spokesperson explained to NottinghamshireLive: "While we generally agree that this is a promising potential use for the building, it’s evident from our strategy that PBSA needs to appeal to those who typically choose houses of multiple occupation (HMOs). Unfortunately, the proposed design focusing solely on studio rooms fails to meet this requirement."
The University of Nottingham emphasized its collaboration with the city council in developing a student living strategy aimed at addressing the critical supply and demand challenges faced in the area. "In partnership with the council, we have been evaluating planning applications for purpose-built student accommodation in light of this strategy to ensure that new projects meet student needs and help balance the availability of student housing with family homes throughout the city," the spokesperson added.
On the other hand, Nottingham Trent University has yet to clarify its position regarding the plans for the old fire and police station building. Although we reached out for comments, they did not respond before publication.
The initial plans to demolish the large 1930s structure to make way for new student flats were withdrawn in June of last year after the building received protected status from the government, preventing its demolition. However, in early July, it was announced that a revised planning application would be submitted, which ultimately led to the approval of plans that involve converting and extending the existing station.
When approached for comments, developers Vita declined to provide a statement.
