120,000 sq ft Beeston site changes hands

A major property deal could bring forward a huge student accommodation scheme in Beeston.

ALB Group, based in Nottingham, has bought the Nottingham College campus on the town’s High Road, for an undisclosed sum.

Bosses at the firm have earmarked the 120,000 sqft site for potential student apartments, with the main building converted into accommodation, and older buildings on the site which are not fit for purpose, such as the gym, demolished.

The company says it considering building a number of houses there, as well as apartment blocks.

Arran Bailey is managing director of ALB Group. He said: “We are delighted to have acquired this former educational establishment, which is right next to a tram stop, providing fantastic transport links.

“Pending planning permission, we hope our potential plans for student accommodation can help to alleviate some of the concerns residents may have had about student properties and houses of multiple occupancy in residential areas

“This site is away from those neighbourhoods, and we are pleased to be involved in the transformation of this part of a main Beeston gateway.

“It isn’t far from the Beeston Square development, which will feature an eight-screen cinema, creating a great night-time economy for students and locals alike.”

Keith Clark, director at CBP Architects, said: “CBP Architects is delighted to be continuing our association with the ALB Group on this high-profile project.

“This is an exciting opportunity to re-purpose and revive the redundant college buildings, bringing them back into the community and maximising the site potential for a mixture of residential uses, including three-bedroom and two-bedroom houses, apartments and student accommodation. This would provide living accommodation across the spectrum, from family accommodation to young couples, the elderly and students.”

There will be three planning applications consisting of a mixture of student accommodation and residential, with the conversion of the main building to student residential forming the first application.

Nottingham College, which was formed after a merger between Central College Nottingham and New College Nottingham. Students from the Beeston campus will be moving into a £58.5m City Hub this term.