Plans to create a huge 17-storey block of student flats in Nottingham city centre have been described as 'unwelcome' and 'upsetting' by some. A total of 57 shared flats and 40 students -totalling 401 rooms - could be built in Rick Street, opposite the Victoria Centre parking entrance, if the proposal gets the go-ahead.
An industrial building on the site, which is currently being used as storage for the construction of a six-storey development on the corner of Howard Street and Glasshouse Street, would also be demolished under the plans. Conservationists have previously raised concerns over a "wall of high rise buildings" to the city's eastside between the city centre, St Ann's and Sneinton Market, which they said could become 'another Maid Marian Way'.
Hilary Silvester, the executive chairwoman of the Nottingham Civic Society, said this new proposal had caused further alarm. "Haven't we had enough? It is contributing to the wall cutting off the eastern suburbs from the city centre. It is not just a barrier but also stops the viewing of the historic centre of Nottingham from St Ann's and Sneinton," Ms Silvester said.
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"It is very unwelcome, historically speaking, I have nothing against students but is there really room for however many more people in that area of Nottingham.
"It feels more and more crowded, soon it seems there will be nothing but students. It is building after building and it is very worrying and upsetting for people who like the city's character - it's being eroded and it is a great shame for the city.
"We need to look to the future as well as the immediate need for accommodation. We don't want to lose our city."
The building will run north east to south west in a double ‘T’ silhouette, with the largest 17-storey part being at the middle of Rick Street. Plans show provision for a ground floor games rooms, a movie room and study rooms as well as more functional spaces like a reception and bike store.
Although locals generally welcomed the investment into the city, some people had concerns over whether the number of students in the city was sustainable. Owen Perry, 26, a nurse who lives in Hockley, said: "Building new places is a good thing as the investment brings more people into the city. But I think that quite a few people might be bothered by it being more student accommodation.
"I think it is a very big population of students for the city and that maybe there are too many blocks going up for just them. But they do bring a lot to the city."
Shona Mooney, 55, a carer from St Ann's, said: "It is good because they are still running out of rooms, all the ones being built will be full. We can't leave things derelict just because people don't want more students.
"The students need it and I'm sure it'll be a nice building. These buildings that get left end up rotting away, anything that is empty and has no use needs to be used.
"Businesses will make money as well, there will be more people out shopping. There's never too much because you can't run away from development."
A huge amount of development, comprising mostly of purpose built student accommodation, is currently taking place in the local area. The six-storey building on the corner of Howard Street and Glasshouse Street is nearly complete and will have 69 bedrooms when finished, replacing a demolished Victorian era building which had previously housed a hairdressers.
Jay Wellington, 25, who is a security worker, added: "It feels like there are too many students. There's so much being built for them.
"On one hand it is good because it brings in more people in to spend their money. But I wish there would be more variety rather than all these new buildings being for students. I suppose they all keep me in a job though!"
A seven-storey student accommodation building will be constructed on the site currently occupied by Halfords Auto Centre and Archer Accident Group on Huntingdon Street. Permission has also been given for the former Royal Mail sorting office at the Bendigo Building on Brook Street, which has stood vacant for 20 years, to be demolished to make way for 692 beds.
A body representing businesses in Nottingham outlined that they thought the area was becoming a "hotbed for regeneration" after the latest plans came to light. East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The future of our cities is going to involve a healthy combination of living, working and leisure, so bringing a major residential development to such a well-located area in Nottingham can only be a good thing.
“The area immediately to the east of the city centre is becoming a hotbed for regeneration, which should have a knock-on impact in helping the more established neighbouring communities by bringing new economic activity to the area.
“There are already some great businesses located along this key arterial route and the potential arrival of hundreds of young people could attract more variety in future – not to mention bringing a new lease of life to an often-neglected part of the city, which ultimately creates a more appealing impression to visitors and passers-by.
“Students are hugely important to the city’s make-up – not only do they contribute to the community and making it a vibrant place to live, but they also spend money throughout the week both in suburban areas and the city centre, playing an integral role in sustaining the businesses used by the general population.”
In a planning document submitted in the plans for the 17-storey block, CPMG Architects on behalf of developers PMI Developments Limited, said: "The heights proposed are in keeping with the context of the recently permitted developments and intended growth in the area. Additionally, the location of the site is such that the tall building element of the proposal does no harm, given there are no key views affected.
"The architectural design delivers quality student accommodation with the inclusion of quality external amenity space to contribute to the vitality of the street scene. Therefore, we believe this design will provide a valuable asset to Nottingham’s Eastside and this regenerative area of the city." The planning application is currently pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
