Proposed Development
What is being proposed?
The plans would keep the existing Design4Life centre in place (ground and first floors) and add four new storeys above to create purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The aim is to make better use of the site, improve the building’s appearance, and generate long-term value that can be reinvested into Design4Life.
What will the new student accommodation include?
The new upper floors would provide 72 student bedspaces in a mix of:
- 29 studio apartments, and
- Cluster flats (4, 5 and 6 bedroom shared apartments).
Students would also have indoor shared spaces throughout the building (e.g. lounge/study/social spaces), with a larger top-floor communal area.
Access – How will people enter and move around the site?
A key part of the design is that Design4Life and the student accommodation will operate independently, with separate access arrangements. The main student entrance would be from Lodge Causeway at first floor level, via a new entrance terrace.
At ground level, the area used today for “back-of-house” functions would be reorganised to support the student accommodation (for example, refuse and servicing), with access controlled from the main internal core.
Travel, parking and cycling
The scheme is designed to be car-free for students, supported by a management approach and tenancy requirements. There would be a managed drop-off arrangement for arrivals and departures of students at peak times and this would not impact the daily activities associated with the Design4Life service. Secure cycle parking is proposed, including 53 cycle spaces.
What will the proposed building look like?
The building has been development to respond to its mixed surroundings, using a form that includes set-backs, stepped levels, curved facades and green roofs. The elevation drawings show the proposed treatment and materials (including light and dark buff brick tones) across the new upper levels.
