18-storey tower block will have sky lounges and ‘insect hotels’
REVISED PLANS SUBMITTED
A TOWERING 18-storey apartment block could be built in Nottingham after earlier attempts to construct an even larger building were rejected.
MRP Nottingham Ltd has brought forward revised plans to continue “The Place” at the junction of Queen’s Road and London Road near Nottingham Railway Station in the city centre, .
The developer initially proposed a 22-storey tower and two smaller blocks to replace three previously demolished industrial units, but Nottingham City Council’s planning committee opposed the scale of the tallest tower.
As a result, the council only approved the smaller 12-storey student building which will provide 406 bed spaces, which is now partially constructed.
MRP Nottingham Ltd has now submitted a new planning application which reveals the tallest part of the structure would now be 18 storeys high and house 274 apartments.
These apartments would comprise a mixture of studios, one, two and threebedroom apartments, and shared four and five-bedroom apartments.
There would also be a ground-level café, meeting rooms and co-working space, a reception area, and private spaces for residents in the form of sky lounges and a roof terrace.
The eighth-floor roof terrace would have covered seating and co-working pods, accordinbg to the plans.
On the 18th floor a “green roof” is proposed, which would aim to increase wildlife by using wood piles to create habitats for amphibians and invertebrates, planting wildflowers and shrubs, and providing “insect hotels” that the creatures can shelter in.
Planners have also explained the scheme includes “green infrastructure, landscaping and trees where possible,” which would improve the appearance of the site.
The redevelopment of the site at 1-4 Queen’s Road was first presented to the city council in February 2019.
Initially, the proposals were for a hotel, student accommodation and build-to-rent apartments.
Commenting on the most recent plans, a consultant on behalf of applicant MRP Nottingham Ltd, said: “It will redevelop an underutilised site for residential use and add to the choice of housing available in the city centre.
“The proposed development will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Station Conservation Area and improve the wider street scene.”
The planning application is pending consideration by the city council.