‘I doubt anyone minds... it’s all students around here anyway’
CAR DEALERSHIPS CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR 700 NEW FLATS AND STUDIOS
THE demolition of two former car dealerships is Lenton is under way to make room for two new student accommodation buildings.
The site in Derby Road in Lenton previously comprised the Toyota and Lexus dealerships, will be replaced by two new buildings - three to six storeys in height - creating 661 flats and 39 studio apartments.
Toyota and Lexus relocated to the former Jaguar showroom next door prior to work starting, with Jaguar moving to new premises in Enterprise Way.
Residents, many of them students, thought that more purpose-built accommodation was positive for the area.
Onyeari Egbuji, 21, who studies economics at the University at Nottingham and lives in Lenton, said: “Lenton has been completely taken over by students. It’s a good location right next to the Jubilee campus and I doubt anyone really minds as it’s all students around here already really.
“The university could do with some new accommodation, because even the Riverside is a bit old now.
“It’s a good idea and it’s needed obviously or it wouldn’t be built - I would definitely live here when it’s all finished.”
Daniel O’sullivan, 19, and Ben Newton, 19, who both study at the University of Nottingham and live in Lenton, were impressed by the scale of the plans.
Daniel said: “I wouldn’t have guessed it would be a building that big. 700 is a bit mad; there can’t be that many students on the whole of Lenton Boulevard.
Ben added: “It might be a bit busier at the library or actually at the pub but that’s not the end of the world really.
“It’s probably in a prime location for people.
“There’s already enough people running around screaming down Derby Road in the night but I don’t think it will make that a lot worse.”
Harriet Fairbanks, 24, a University of Nottingham biology student, who lives in Lenton, said: “It’s a good location because it’s close to QMC and to the campuses.
“It’s probably better for people to be here than to be in any of the accommodation right in the city centre where it’s more expensive and worse quality.
“I think it’s better than private house shares.
“You might be a little bit frustrated if you’re a home owner and this goes up over the road, but there’s not really a perfect solution and a lot of the people here are students too.”
A spokesperson for the site’s developer, Unite Students, said: “Having secured planning approval for this exciting development back in March following extensive consultation with local residents, we have now begun work on this site which backs onto the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus.
“We intend for this property to be a safe and welcoming home for students where they can engage in the community, thrive and learn.
“Working in conjunction with the university, our core purpose is to create a home for success for all students who will live with us in this property.
“Once open, we aim for this property to be net-zero carbon, running on 100% renewable electricity with solar panels installed on the roof and an all-electric heating system, including air-source heat pumps.
“We will also be making substantial biodiversity improvements to the surrounding area, with improved access to the River Leen which the whole community will be able to enjoy.”