Plans submitted to convert Guildhall into teaching and learning accommodation for University Centre Shrewsbury

A planning application has been submitted that would enable Guildhall in Shrewsbury to be converted into teaching and learning accommodation for the new University Centre Shrewsbury.

The ‘change of use’ application – submitted by the University of Chester – would see Guildhall become the University Centre’s teaching and learning centre.

It can be viewed on the council’s online planning register, at shropshire.gov.uk/planningregister, where people can also submit comments relating to the application. To view the application, search for reference 15/00160/COU.

The plans for Guildhall would see the refurbishment and conversion of the Upper Ground to third floors, excluding the area used currently by Shrewsbury Town Council.

The plans propose:

• A mix of high quality office accommodation and academic space fit for the style of lectures timetabled and offered.
• A secure entrance/reception area on the Upper Ground floor located in Block D.
• 20 secure cycle spaces located on the Lower Ground floor.
• Two shower areas located on the first floor.

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“This is another important development as University Centre Shrewsbury gets ever closer to welcoming its first undergraduates. We agreed last year that Guildhall would be the main site for academic teaching. If approved, this application will enable us to make the necessary changes to the building so that it is ready to welcome the students, and teaching staff, in the autumn.”

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, added:

“The Guildhall offers a centrally located building, within which we can provide a high quality teaching and learning centre.
“From here, we plan to deliver courses and wider opportunities which are designed to ensure that students excel in their chosen field; being extremely employable, highly innovative, enterprising, and benefitting from practical experience, alongside academic rigour as part of every course.
“Furthermore, we will aim to put the expertise and skills developed at the University Centre to the best use possible, looking at local, regional and national economic demands and needs, and where our curriculum, research and partnerships can really make a difference in our society.”

Last week an application was submitted by Shropshire Council that would allow Mardol House in Shrewsbury to be used for student living accommodation.