Share views on accommodation plans to regenerate part of Shrewsbury town centre
Artists impression
People are invited to take a look at proposals for the next stage of University Centre Shrewsbury living accommodation after careful consideration of the best potential options for students, residents, businesses and wider partners.
Morris Property Ltd and Guildhouse UK Ltd have been selected by Shropshire Council as the developer for the project, following a procurement exercise and the current conversion of part of Mardol House into student accommodation.
The proposals aim to breathe new life into land in the West End area of Shrewsbury. The plans are for new accommodation at land at St Austin’s Street comprising of the former Sixth Form Centre known as the Tannery building, which has been empty since December 2013, and the adjoining temporary car park, always intended for development.
Morris Property and Guildhouse have worked closely with Shropshire Council’s Conservation and Planning teams and Historic England to ensure that the designs for the four buildings, which also include administrative space and a laundry, are in keeping with existing town centre architecture.
The proposals have been put forward to regenerate this part of the West End with the construction of 217 high-quality ensuite rooms for September 2016. The land is owned by Shropshire Council and Morris & Company Ltd.
People are urged to look at the plans and find out more at a consultation event, hosted by Morris Property, Guildhouse and Shropshire Council at Rowley’s House in Barker Street on Wednesday 12 August, any time between 12.00pm and 7.30pm.
The drop-in event will provide the chance to see the plans and talk to the design team. It will give residents, businesses and anyone interested the opportunity to comment on the proposals before a planning application is submitted on 17 August.
A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the Tannery.
A further consultation will be held on the closure of the Tannery car park and details will be shared shortly.
Councillor Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for University Centre Shrewsbury said:
“The establishment of University Centre Shrewsbury is providing a range of opportunities, including bringing redundant buildings and land back into use.
“These proposals provide the chance to regenerate an area of the town’s West End, and further boost the town’s economy through new business and jobs.
“As the work at Mardol House, which had been empty for up to 15 years, is taking place we’re urging people to come and take a look at the proposals for the next stage.
“St Austin’s Street offers an ideal location for high-quality accommodation, within walking distance of other University Centre Shrewsbury sites.
“Due to the procurement process, this is the first opportunity we’ve had to share the details and are keen to hear people’s comments and any questions they may have.”
The Council is currently recruiting five Student Accommodation Concierges for Mardol House. The Concierges will help to ensure that students, staff, contractors and visitors enjoy an excellent learning and work experience, including being a first port-of-call on day-to-day accommodation matters for students living at Mardol House.
Longer term plans for student accommodation after 2016 are yet to be developed.
Further information
The selection of Morris Property Ltd and Guildhouse UK Ltd by Shropshire Council to develop further student accommodation follows an Official Journal of the European Union procurement exercise undertaken earlier this year, which is a legal requirement for such proposals.
Their selection is subject to formally entering into a contract between the Council and the Morris Group and Guildhouse. Morris Property and Guildhouse are forming a partnership called the Morris Guildhouse Student Partnership to design, build and operate the student accommodation.
It is planned that Morris Property would construct the property and Guildhouse would provide the Facilities Management. POD Architects are the designers.
Mardol House, between Shoplatch and Claremont Street, is being converted into a modern hall of residence for 86 students, ready for the first undergraduate intake who will be welcomed to Shrewsbury in September.
