Major mixed-use scheme receives ‘plenty’ of positive feedback

Plans for a major mixed-use scheme in Beeston have received “plenty” of positive feedback from the public, the developer behind the project says.

Cassidy Group, DPP Planning and Maber held two engagement sessions last week and say they will now review the plans following discussions with councillors, local residents, students and Beeston Civic Society.

The scheme will be located on what is currently a derelict site on Station Road opposite the Arc Cinema in Beeston town centre.

It will include 419 student beds, a selection of commercial and retail units and a green roof to improve biodiversity. There will also be wall space set aside for a piece of local street art.

More than 60 people attended the sessions to share their views, including the University of Nottingham’s head of accommodation, Broxtowe Borough councillors for Beeston West, Janet Patrick and Greg Marshall, and representatives from the Beeston Civic Society.

Patric Cassidy, director at Cassidy Group, said: “It’s important to us that this development benefits Beeston’s current residents, as well as the new students who will make it their home. We were delighted to see so many people from a range of backgrounds come along to hear about the scheme and communicate to us the issues most important to them.

“We were pleased to receive plenty of positive feedback on the proposal, with many expressing a great need for purpose-built student accommodation in Beeston, strengthening what we learned from the independent student need report we commissioned.”

Following the sessions, the architects said they will look at opportunities to create increased biodiversity on the site.

Maber’s Janette Clarke said: “It was great to see so much engagement from residents and students alike. As a local practice we know the brilliant impact that new student schemes can have on suburbs, rejuvenating the area, boosting local business, spend and freeing up homes for families.”

Lydia Iremonger, a student at the University of Nottingham, added: “There’s a real need for supported accommodation schemes like this. In the type of accommodation that Cassidy Group is building, there is a guarantee that students will be supported and can thrive in their environment.

“It’s an ideal location with bus and tram stops below, so the fact that a tram pass is included is a big boost. Being so close to the amenities of Beeston and its town centre, as well as the university campus also alleviates the need for cars.”