Plans revealed for 162 flats on former college site

Plans have been submitted to Broxtowe Borough Council to convert the former Beeston Castle College building into 162 student flats.

Nottingham developer ALB Group bought the 120,000 sq ft site in November for an undisclosed sum.

ALB wants to redevelop an initial 56,000 sq ft building, by demolishing some of the existing units on the site and converting the main college building.

The planning application is the first of a three-phase redevelopment of the site, which will include student accommodation alongside traditional residential space.

This first phase is being designed by CBP Architects.

A planning statement submitted to the council reads: “The conversion to student accommodation has been approached to establish a desirable student environment and utilises a building with distinctive character that is integrated into the local surroundings, located close to community facilities and provides good access to public transport.

“Connectivity with the existing four storey block to the rear of the main college building remains and the elevations to this will be upgraded and refreshed as part of the proposed redevelopment with the aim of reinforcing and improving the visual connection to the main college.”

Last November, Arran Bailey of ALB Group 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.”