Multi-million pound plan to transform historic building
A PLANNING application has been submitted for the multi-million pound transformation of Lancaster’s iconic Gillows building into en-suite student accommodation.
Specialist consultancy HOW Planning has tabled a detailed application on behalf of CityBlock, a provider of high-end student homes.
Richard Barton, Partner at HOW Planning, said: “CityBlock have already delivered some of Lancaster’s most exclusive and ambitious student accommodation and plans for its latest scheme demonstrates their continuing commitment to investing in the city.”
Sean Smith from SSHARC architects has proposed a unique solution to transform the Grade II-listed building into luxury accommodation.
The central theme is to provide additional shared social spaces to aid and improve resident interaction as well as providing the necessary quiet bedroom study spaces.
“The proposals aim to deliver a transformational change for the site, providing bespoke accommodation of the highest standards, wrapped up in a key townscape building,” he said. “The designs respect the historic conservation area setting whilst outwardly expressing and celebrating the building’s main function as vibrant living space.”
The proposed plans have been welcomed in consultations with the city’s design advisory panel and other statutory consultants.
“We are delighted to be submitting plans for a 5th site in Lancaster”, said CityBlock chief executive Trevor Bargh, the entrepreneur who founded CityBlock in 2003.
“Our blocks in Lancaster are fully booked once again this year with long waiting lists supporting a strong demand for CityBlock’s student accommodation model.”
