Proposal for 15-storey student scheme lodged as part of The Arcadian redevelopment

Sama Investments has submitted a planning application for a 238-bed student scheme on the former Goods Yard, as part of a phased redevelopment of The Arcadian Centre.

Phase one of the 15-storey building would feature six lounges, study rooms and a gym across 495 sq m of space, as well as a 14th floor terrace. Space has been earmarked for 86 cars, 18 motorcycles and 86 bicycles.

In its planning statement, Sama Investments outlined its frustration over the length of time taken to receive feedback from the council’s planning officers regarding the proposals.

The Shariah-compliant commercial real estate developer and investor said that, “it took a period of over 4 months to arrange a meeting (included within the preapplication fee) with the Council to discuss the proposals”.

And that given the delays during the pre-application process, “it is expected that the council will work proactively with the applicant during the course of the application and provide the applicant with an opportunity to make amendments to the scheme to address any concerns raised”.

The PBSA is set to be the first phase in the redevelopment of the Arcadian, which will increase the number of homes on the site, whilst “maintaining the quality of leisure and entertainment offer”.

Early phases of the wider scheme look to also increase the height of the Arcadian on the corner between Ladywell Walk and Pershore Street to 30+ stories, with the PBSA providing a transition up to this height and forming a gateway to the Arcadian from the northeast, Smithfield and the Bullring.