£22m studio apartments scheme submitted to Preston City Council

A plan to build 227 studio apartments near the main University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) campus has been submitted to Preston City Council.

Liverpool-based Caro Developments is behind the scheme on Lawson Street, following extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders.

The student development, rising from seven to nine stories, includes a gym, study zone, games room, lobby, laundry room, cycle storage and cinema. There is also a landscaped rooftop garden for residents’ use.

Caro managing director, Neil Carlyle, said: “Preston’s student market has evolved since the pandemic and expectations have risen.

“Students have a more holistic view of how they want their home to contribute to their study and leisure time, as well as to their health and wellbeing. Our proposals address these needs directly.”

Carlyle says the scheme, on the site of a previously-consented development, will offer a more ‘pastoral’ management regime that addresses students’ focus on togetherness and sociability.

“Preston’s student numbers have remained steady, but the sudden shift in how students want their homes to support their wellbeing means that the city risks losing out if its offer fails to keep pace with the market.”

The £22m development has been designed by Falconer Chester Hall, with Zerum acting as planning consultants for the project.

Carlyle added: “Preston is flying at the moment.

“Heaton Group’s latest tower scheme has topped out, the former indoor market site is going through the gears and the Station Quarter will deliver a modern central office district that will attract quality occupiers to the city. It’s a good time to invest here.”