Designs revealed for 103,000 sq ft Nottingham student scheme

Architect Franklin Ellis has revealed the design of the huge 103,000 sq ft student residential scheme on Talbot Street in the Canning Circus area of the Nottingham.

The scheme was granted planning permission for the development at the end of last year, and will bring forward 330 bedrooms.

As part of ongoing efforts to regenerate the area, Canning Circus was outlined by the City Council as a conservation area and is subject to special planning controls to ensure that the character of the area is preserved or enhanced.

The scheme has been designed to meet the increasing demand for affordable, sociable and fully-furnished student accommodation. Franklin Ellis has designed a range of ‘cluster’ flats. Cluster accommodation combines en-suite accommodation with shared living facilities, all accessed through one entrance to encourage interaction. The 55 flats will be four to eight-bed.

The ground floor of the development will feature a double-height communal area with direct access to a secure landscaped courtyard and will include a variety of seating areas, a kitchen with a free hot drinks station and a separate group study space. The lower ground floor will also feature a fully-equipped gym and secure bike storage with easy external access.

David Franklin, partner and design director at Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “Our knowledge of the area gained over the last 25 years combined with an appreciation of the key characteristics of the conservation area has allowed our team to deliver an appropriate scheme that protects and enhances the local heritage.

“Canning Circus is an important historic gateway into Nottingham and its regeneration and re-engagement with the city centre is very welcome. The scheme will complete the street scene along both Talbot Street and Wollaton Street adding much needed street animation and improving security along key pedestrian routes into the city.

“We are proud to be continuing to protect and enhance the Canning Circus conservation area and to be working on this exciting new development so close to our head office. We regularly work in conservation areas where our philosophy has always been to combine the best of modern with traditional.

“Our aim is for this scheme to stand out as a top-quality living environment for aspiring students that fits seamlessly into the existing urban environment.”

Work is expected to start on the accommodation, which is being delivered by developer RedOak Property and Unipol Student Homes, in autumn 2018 and is due for completion in time for the 2020 academic year.

Ria Lohse, senior architect at Franklin Ellis Architects and project-lead on the new scheme, said: “Student lifestyles are at the heart of our student resi design and we are pleased to be able to provide students with cost-effective options with contemporary and bespoke interiors in a fantastic area of Nottingham.

“The new accommodation will provide a stronger sense of community for residents and create a new streetscape in Talbot Street. I’m looking forward to seeing works commence on this exciting new scheme.”