Shrewsbury’s new university accommodation welcomes first students

Officially opening The Tannery student accommodation are: Jonathan Cowper, from AHR – project architect; Assel Adilova, student; Peter Nutting, leader of Shropshire Council; Paul Kirkbright, deputy provost, University Centre Shrewsbury; Steve Pummell, Morris Property

Students at University Centre Shrewsbury have taken up residence in their new home at The Tannery in Shrewsbury town centre.

Construction of the new accommodation block was completed in December [2018], with students starting to move in shortly after Christmas – and the building was officially opened this week (31 January 2019).

The construction of the new building was brought forward and overseen by Shropshire Council, in association with University Centre Shrewsbury, and was carried out by Morris Property Group.

It will provide accommodation for 54 students, in en-suite rooms, set out in cluster arrangements with shared kitchens, laundries and other facilities.

Peter Nutting, leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“I’m delighted that this fantastic new accommodation is now open and has welcomed its first residents. It really is a great place for students to live and I hope they’ll all be happy in their new home. Providing this new impressive  new building is a significant improvement for the area and will support the redevelopment of the west end of Shrewsbury town centre.”

Paul Kirkbright, University Centre Shrewsbury deputy provost, said:

“The opening of the Tannery is yet another significant milestone for the University. It offers our students access to high quality, purpose-built, modern accommodation right in the heart of our lovely county town. Our students are thrilled to be living there and the town centre location provides them with easy access to the high quality retail and leisure offer within the town .”

Two further blocks are now being constructed on the Tannery site. A second main block will house the Riverside Medical Practice, and a three-storey in-fill block will be built to house a pharmacy with further student rooms above. The new practice is set to open in 2020.

The latest student numbers supplied by UCS suggest steady growth in line with the previous more recent forecasts which indicate the student accommodation at Mardol House and the Tannery will provide adequate provision until 2021/22.