Neville’s student accommodation plan to be axed?
OFFICE BLOCK EARMARKED TO HOME STUDENTS IS NOT FOR SALE
PLANS to turn a tired Stretford office block into digs for students at Gary Neville’s new university could be scrapped - because the building isn’t up for sale.
Bosses at T-Space Developments and Equity Solutions submitted blueprints to turn Warwick House, on Talbot Road, into an accommodation block for University Academy 92.
They wanted to transform the block and create 200 rooms for students, along with a lounge, bar, cafe and communal facility.
But the plans are in doubt after the building’s owner Beech Holdings said it isn’t for sale - despite the plans being submitted.
The scheme would have supported UA92, which will offer sports and media courses, and is the brainchild of Manchester United legend Gary Neville and former Reds Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and brother Phil.
It is expected the university, which will be across the street in the former Kellogg’s building, will open in time for the 2019/20 academic year.
The council and Equity Solutions are now considering leasing the West Point building on Chester Road, which would house 317 flats.
There are proposal for the town hall to acquire the derelict Charlton House building, on Chester Road, either by an agreement or by a compulsory purchase order.
A town hall report read: “The option agreement would allow the council to serve notice on the owners of West Point to take on a lease of the whole or part of the property, to be sublet as student accommodation.
“The agreement itself does not commit the authority to anything at this stage.
“However, it would provide certainty for UA92 in promoting the university to students that there will be dedicated student accommodation available.”
The report continued: “In addition, the council will make full use of its powers to support the development of student accommodation by others and enable land assembly as required.”
It is expected more than 650 students will enrol at the university in 2019 - and that figure will double by 2020. According to reports, the university could generate £33m per year for the local economy and will provide 800 jobs .