Proposal for major two towers scheme in city centre

A pre-application request to build 28-storey and 33-storey residential towers in central Sheffield has been submitted to the city’s council.

The scoping request, submitted by Howes Percival on behalf of Code Student Accommodation, said the proposals would see existing properties demolished at the 3,040 sq m site, which is on land bounded by Rockingham Street, Wellington Street and Trafalgar Street.

They would be replaced by development featuring 1,228 beds of student accommodation, 136 beds of private rented accommodation as well as retail, business and leisure properties on the ground floor.

The two towers would be linked by an eight-storey podium.

A design and access statement for the plans has been prepared by Staniforth Architects, on behalf of Code.

This states: “The proposal seeks to develop an under-utilised city block at the junctions of Wellington Street, Rockingham Street and Trafalgar Street with a mixed use scheme, predominantly based around student living with associated ancillary spaces, including a gym, cinema rooms, dance studios, cafes and other related uses, along with ground floor retail units which will add life and vibrancy to this location.

“Long gone are the days of cold, damp student rooms with questionable landlords and poor conditions. It’s Code’s belief that as today’s students are investing so much in their education and their future, they deserve a top-class experience to go with it.

“The site lies within 1km of University of Sheffield and 0.5km of Sheffield Hallam University and has excellent public transport links. The nearest bus stop is located on Charter Row approximately 50 metres away.

“All access arrangements aim to guarantee safety and convenience first for pedestrians, then for cyclists, and then for vehicles.

“The principal approach will be via Wellington Street as this presents a wide extent of level ground thus eliminating the need for ramps and steps.”

The pre-application request for these plans has asked the council for a ruling on the scope of the Environmental Impact Assessment that would need to be conducted to accompany a formal planning application.