Property firm shelves plans for young professionals accommodation

Plans to turn a former hotel in Nottingham city centre in flats for graduates and young professionals have been shelved by its owners… for now

Wilford Properties wanted to turn the vacant Park Hotel building on Waverely Street into 18  young professionals flats, but have withdrawn their application for now.

The proposals had led to  objections from local residents complaining that the building should be used to house people who wanted to put down roots in the area.

A design statement drawn up by Swish Architecting and Planning said: “The site has been a hotel for a number of years, but the recent decline in trade has resulted in the previous owner selling the building and the hotel closing down due to lack of demand and financial drain.”

It added: “Due to the high street competition, lack of hotel accommodation demand, the building location and poor condition of the existing hotel and building, we feel the existing building is better suited to residential C3 accommodation in the form of studio flats, one and two bedroom Flats.

“The location is perfect for working within the City Centre and is a great place to start a career as a young professional or graduate, that wants to further his/hers life in Nottingham.”

However, local residents had protested against the plans.

Ms Caroline Lopes-Salzedo of Portland Road, said: “This area needs housing for families and people who will settle here for more than a couple of years. It does not need more student accommodation or short-term accommodation for ‘young professionals’ who will then move on. This area is now almost all student housing and the few of us left who are long-term residents suffer from the lack of care, noise and litter left by people who live here but have no investment in the area.

“Please if this building is going to be refurbished (and it needs it) make it housing for key workers and people who need accommodation that is affordable.

“On top of that there are only two parking areas in the plan, which means even more people will park on Portland Road. There are not enough spaces already during term-time.
Please will the City Council make this area back into a mixed area which includes families, long-term residents and some but not majority students and short term residents.”

Yesterday, however, it emerged that Wilford Properties had withdrawn their application for the former hotel. It is not known yet what other plans they have for the building.