More student flats in city seek change of use due to virus
MORE student flats in Cardiff are seeking a change of use because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The agents for two large student blocks in the Cathays area have asked Cardiff council for a temporary change in response to lower student numbers.
The Neighbourhood development includes one tower block in The Parade and a nine-storey block in City Road, which both want to be allowed to accept non-students.
The top-of-the-range complex has 240 rooms, a roof terrace, a private gym and a cinema.
It comes after the Zenith student block in Cardiff Bay, dubbed the “ugliest building” in the capital, also sought a change of use because of the outbreak.
The managing agent for The Neighbourhood, Collegiate, said in a letter sent to Cardiff council: “Since 2018 we have been operating two properties in Cardiff and in both sites we have found lettings to students to be very competitive.
“The Neighbourhood is not currently fully let and we are aware through conversation within the wider student housing sector in Cardiff that occupancy rates across the city are similarly below expectations this year.
“Looking forwards, bookings for September 2020 have virtually ground to a halt since Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University closed in March 2020.
“As a result of the coronavirus pandemic we are particularly mindful of the uncertainties for students planning to study from September 2020.”
It adds that during an “era of shortages” they “feel an obligation” to clients to try to fill the properties.
If the plans are granted, both students and non-students could live at the flats, for 12 months from September 1, 2020.
The Neighbourhood block includes private dining suites, a 24/7 gym and a private cinema.
The application comes after the Zenith student block in Cardiff Bay also asked for a change of use because of the outbreak.
The 26-floor, 675-bedroom Zenith building, in Herbert Street in Atlantic Wharf, has been dubbed the “ugliest building” in the city.
In 2019 the developers, Fusion Cardiff Capital Quarter LLP, successfully applied for permission from Cardiff council for a change of use to service apartments until the end of August 2020.
Now the firm has asked for this to continue until the end of September 2021, citing the “coronavirus crisis” and its impact on the student accommodation sector.
In its application to the council, the firm said that the students expected to occupy the accommodation are “highly unlikely” to fill the building in the coming academic year.