Student accommodation plans for city centre Argos building
TEN-STOREY REDEVELOPMENT SET TO INCLUDE A COURTYARD AND CAFE
A BUILDING currently occupied by Argos in Nottingham city centre is set to be redeveloped into purpose-built student accommodation.
The plans for Lombard House will include a total of 273 student bedrooms, with a mix of cluster apartments and studio flats that will be accessed from Clare Street at the side of the current Argos store.
The building fronting Lower Parliament Street, which was built in 1900 will be retained. But the Argos warehouse extension behind it will be demolished and a new building, up to ten storeys high, will take its place.
The ground floor will feature an outdoor courtyard and café and amenity areas for students.
James O’brien, head of planning at Bmor, the developer behind the plans, said: “We are delighted to have submitted the designs for Lombard House to Nottingham City Council as this development will rejuvenate an area of Lower Parliament street in need of investment.
“The plans create an appealing new setting thanks to the courtyard and café space and will subsequently breathe new life into this under-utilised site.”
Matthew Branton, partner at Franklin Ellis Architects, said: “The Argos building offers an attractive and detailed frontage to Lower Parliament Street but has a distinctive architectural language, with the adjacent streets offering a mix of architectural styles.
“The proposal, therefore, seeks to provide a well-integrated scheme, which not only enhances the heritage building but also the wider context of the adjacent Lace Market Conservation Area, making it a safer place for students, residents and the public.”
A new entrance point on Clare Street is proposed with access from Lower Parliament Street to Newcastle Street closed for pedestrians.
Plans for the scheme add: “The existing heritage building currently occupied by Argos, fronting Lower Parliament Street, presents several opportunities which would make a positive contribution to the character and amenity of the immediate area.
“The retention of the existing facade and refurbishment will uplift the street scene. The integration of both a food and drink use and amenity provision for the student accommodation fronting Lower Parliament will introduce high-quality frontage to the street, improving the public realm.
“The repair of the roof of the existing building will improve the presence of the building as a heritage asset as well as provide a more gentle stepping to the proposals behind.”
The planning documents add that Argos’ lease on the building is to expire shortly and claims that the company “have indicated they do not want to extend their lease” and the site “will become vacant in the near future”. The Post has contacted Argos for a comment but had not received a response by the time this edition went to press.
Bmor is also behind the proposed transformation of the Grove pub, Castle Boulevard, and the redevelopment of an old school in Ilkeston Road.
Meanwhile, student accommodation is also planned above Bon Marche and Poundland elsewhere in Lower Parliament Street.
■ Huge student accommodation complex planned for Island Quarter: Page 19
This development will rejuvenate an area of Lower Parliament Street in need of investment. James O’brien