Student flat complex in Lenton may ‘reignite’ community spirit
MORE student flats are to be built in Lenton with a view to ‘leaving the houses for families and community people’.
Works are on the way for a new student flats complex on Ilkeston road that is set to be finished on September 1. The building projected by the national ALB developer is designed to include 41 student studios, a communal gym and recreational area.
Site manager Kevin Levers said: “We have been slowed down by the weather, but it is looking good now. “The building is modern, and all the materials are eco-friendly.”
Speaking about how the new development could reignite the spirit of the community, he added: “We need to put students in student accommodation - we lost the Lenton community.”
A resident has echoed the positive predictions for the future of the area, saying that ‘change is inevitable in Nottingham’.
Roger Whitworth, 61, comes often to Lenton to do repairs in the flat located next door to the new development. He said: “I think it is good to have students all living together and then separate properties for families.”
But some students living in the area said they would rather continue to live in residential houses because they said “it is cheaper”.
Jacob Whelan, 20, a Biology student at University of Nottingham, said: “I do not see how people would choose student flats over houses because they are more expensive.” His housemate Max Greatwood, 19, a Psychology student at the same university, added: “As a student you just go wherever is cheaper.”
The new development has also brought critics from some residents, who said that having a student designated building on the main road will be a ‘let-down’ to the community.
Paul Musson, 63, living on Beechdale road, said: “Students are a nuisance, they are young and irresponsible.” Referring to how the building fits in the area, he added: “It is a bit of a let-down.
“This building is ugly and it is a shame it is located on the main road as well.”
Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB group, said: “It will be finished for September 1. We think by doing these purpose built student developments it will free up the houses in the surrounding areas to be made back into family homes instead of student houses of multiple occupation (HMOS).”