New student accommodation in Shrewsbury set to be ready by September 2018

Students at University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) are set to move into new town centre accommodation in September 2018 after proposals were agreed by Shropshire councillors.

Work began last month (May 2017) to clear The Tannery site in readiness for the construction of new student halls. At a meeting of the full Shropshire Council last week (22 June 2017) councillors supported plans for two accommodation blocks on the site, with three units of retail and office space in the second block and a connecting two-storey infill between the two blocks.

The new accommodation will provide 120 rooms for students at UCS.

The proposed development of the site follows detailed analysis by council officers, and will fulfil the anticipated demand for student living accommodation, as well as providing jobs and enhanced economic benefits for the town centre.

As this option differs from the previously agreed plans for the site, planning permission will now be sought for these revised plans.

Shropshire Council – as the freehold owner of the site – is taking the lead in bringing forward the development with its construction partner Morris Property.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for assets, said:

“The construction of two blocks of accommodation, with an element of retail, provides a number of benefits. It’ll enable us to continue to provide high-quality student living accommodation, and meet anticipated demand for retail in an area of the town centre deemed to be a redevelopment priority. It’ll also enable us to promote, protect and enhance the vitality and viability of Shrewsbury by investing in the council’s land and estate in the west end area of the town.”

Robin Morris from Morris Property said:

“We’re delighted to be partnering Shropshire Council to bring forward this new student accommodation and secure the future prospects of the University here in the west end of Shrewsbury – ideally placed opposite the University’s Rowley’s House site. This is an exciting project for our versatile building team and the retail element is a welcome addition to serve this end of town.”

Professor Anna Sutton, Provost of University Centre Shrewsbury, said:

“The development of the second site of UCS student accommodation in Shrewsbury will enable us to continue to grow and to house our students in modern, first-class residences, in the heart of the town centre. We are looking forward to working with our Shropshire Council colleagues in continuing to make the UCS student experience personalised and of the highest quality.”

Nat Green, Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said:

“This development will be a great boost to Shrewsbury, both for students and for the town’s economy.”

The Tannery site comprises the former study centre on St Austin’s Street and the adjacent Tannery car park. The car park closed on 23 April 2017 and the study centre was demolished earlier this month.

The new accommodation will be provided alongside the existing student accommodation at Mardol House in Shrewsbury town centre.

Further information

New hoardings are going up around the Tannery site this week to highlight and explain the work taking place on site. The hoardings depict Shrewsbury as a great place to live, work, visit and explore by showcasing some of its best attractions such as the theatre, museum, and outdoors space.