Welford Road student scheme gets the go-ahead

Leicester City Council has given the go-ahead for a new student accommodation scheme on one of the city’s main gateways.

Designed by local architectural studio, InkDrawn, the scheme will see the demolition of the former Leicester antiques warehouse on Welford Road, nearby the junction with Victoria Park Road, and the creation of 43 new studio apartments.

“This project has been three years in the planning, and we’ve worked extensively with the local authority, our client, UK Land and Marrons Planning to bring forward a design that will integrate with the neighbourhood and benefit Leicester’s significant student population,” said InkDrawn’s director, Dan Nestoruk. “The positioning and orientation of each block were informed by the surrounding properties to ensure privacy is retained, while the massing and materials are designed to complement the street scene.”

He added: “186 Welford Road occupies a prime location in walking distance from the University of Leicester, which was recently named the biggest climber in one of the national university league tables*. It’s therefore really important that the city continues to offer top quality student accommodation so the positive outcome from this planning application means 186 Welford Road can now echo the nearby regeneration at Freemans Common with a modern, thoughtful and functional design.”