STUDENT HOUSING
Fresh bid in city
FRESH plans have been submitted to turn a former Debenhams store, now called Castle Hill Arcade, into a student apartment development.
A previous project to build 65 student flats at the arcade on Bangor High Street was rejected by Gwynedd council.
Now, a fresh application is in to change the use of the existing shop, install a new shop front and construct a single-storey extension on the rear extension to provide two shops and accommodation for 49 students.
The developer, John Sutton, says the apartment scheme will boost the city centre economy and free up student housing for local residents.
But the previous plan came under fire over concerns about the amount of student housing in Bangor.
In a statement, agent Cadnant Planning said: “Not only will the proposed development be of benefit to individuals moving into the accommodation but, also, it will have the added positive impact of freeing up the current private housing stock for families and younger couples.
“One of the problems facing Wales is that young people are moving out of areas such as Gwynedd due to the lack of housing available to them. This proposal will, no doubt, help to alleviate this problem.”
He added: “In terms of economic benefits, the residents will be a valuable source of trade, all year round, to the businesses of Bangor and North Wales as the university study period lasts from September through to May/June.
“Student accommodation schemes have a vital role to play in the success of the local economy as students contribute significantly to the revenue of local shops and services.
“The development will also cre- ate locally-based employment, including managers and cleaners, and will also generate additional work for local trades including electricians and plumbers.
“There will also be a substantial amount of local investment generated by the actual building of the development itself.”