Student scheme takes shape
WORK has started on a scheme to provide 232 rooms for students in York.
It is hoped that the project in Walmgate will help to free up much-needed family homes in the city.
Plans to build additional halls for students of York St John University on the derelict Gray’s Wharf site off were approved by York Council last September.
Students’ Union president Pete Gorbert and York St John University’s director of facilities, Colin Parkin, joined Chris Hale of developer S Harrison Developments to see progress on the site’s ground works, which started this week.
Building work will be completed in time for students to move in in autumn 2010.
The 232 new rooms – study bedrooms and studios – will blend with the accommodation blocks on Percy’s Lane and Navigation Road, completed by York-based Harrison last September.
The two developments will be linked and provide a community police office within the complex, for the benefit of everyone in the Walmgate area.
Mr Hale said: “Good design with built in security features has been a major focus for both sites and we’re delighted to have won the backing of the police, the community and students for our schemes.
“The provision of purpose-designed accommodation for students will free up much needed family houses for rent in the city.
“Our idea to create a community police office is a way of giving something back to the community, as a direct response to the concerns of residents about the anti-social behaviour of a small minority of residents in the Walmgate area. The police would also be able to hold regular surgeries at the office.”
Mr Gorbert said: “Having seen the positive impact our students have had on the local area I can’t wait to see how the new development build on this.
“The community areas will only help build strong links between the students and local residents. I’m excited for the future.”
Mr Parkin added: “Providing high quality, sustainable and secure accommodation in such close proximity to our main campus on Lord Mayor’s Walk is an extremely important keystone to increasing the quality of the student experience, retention and recruitment performance in a highly competitive market place.”
