Apartment plan aims to keep graduates in city
SCHEME DRAWN UP FOR DERELICT POOL SITE
A DERELICT building on London Road could be brought back to life as a 150-apartment complex.
The building is located between London Road Fire Station and the Hooters bar.
A hand car wash, Car Jacuzzi, which is also on the proposed site would be demolished as part of the plans.
The complex would also provide shared communal facilities including a lounge, gym and secure parking for cycles and cars.
The apartments will be aimed at new graduates who are leaving university to enter the world of work.
People in the area were excited by the plans.
Mark Roper, 50, of West Bridgford, said: “Houses or apartments in the city centre are always welcomed I think. It’s good for businesses in the area and the city as a whole to get people living here, working here and spending money here.
“There’s a lot of development in the area what with Bridgford House being turned into apartments on Trent Bridge. So I think it’s exciting news for the city.”
The name of the proposed development is currently planned to be Chainey Place. This is reference to the historic Chainey Pool that was previously on the site.
Jeremy Dillon, a 24-year-old designer, of Nottingham city centre, said: “I live in a bit of a shabby flat near the station so this sounds really promising if it went ahead.
“I will definitely keep my eye on it and look at prices. I work in Nottingham so I want to stay as city centre as I can. This would be perfect for that.
“I reckon they would be snapped up pretty quickly due to the location. If they are in my price range I’ll be interested.”
Sarah Gregory, 28, of Lenton, said: “I think it’s good that the building will get done up. It looks a bit of a state at the minute so it would be good to see it brought back and used.
“This is a great location. I think it’s a great idea.”
Details in the design and access statement said: “The current condition of No. 66 London Rd is very poor. The exterior of the building has fallen into disrepair and the interior is unsafe in it’s current condition.
“This provides the opportunity for development to enhance the existing streetscape by cleaning and making good the facade and rebuilding the interior in accordance with the proposed scheme.
“The demolition of No. 68 has left an empty plot on London Road which is currently being used as a car wash.
“This is not a suitable use for this prominent urban site and could be better utilised.
“The proposed scheme would continue the regeneration of this area that has already been started with the adjacent buildings and provide a much better visual impression at this busy route into and out of the city.
“It is intended that the proposed development be marketed towards post graduate rental who are looking to secure accommodation upon leaving university and starting work.
“This is in line with the Graduate Retention Partnership that aims to increase the graduate retention rate for Nottingham, which is currently among the lowest of all the core cities in England.”
Plans were submitted to Nottingham City Council by Cassidy Group Ltd and are pending consideration.