Flats ‘could be turned into hotel’

STUDENT flats in Cardiff city centre could be converted into a hotel as a developer has admitted demand is dropping.

The 34 flats at Park Lane Student Living, near Cathays Park, could be turned into serviced apartments for tourists if Cardiff council approves the plans.

Serviced apartment company A Space in the City is applying to convert Park Lane because large developments of student accommodation in Cardiff, combined with a reduction in student applications, have led to a decline in the occupancy rate at the building.

Figures sent to the council show just 65% of the development was occupied in the 2017/18 academic year – down from 94% just a year before.

And applications to live at the development next year are down 6% from this stage last year, a statement says.

Rates for the studios have also been cut significantly to keep up with the competition, A Space in the City has told the council.

“With the continued growth of large student accommodation developments within the market combined with a reduction in applications from students the ongoing occupancy decline is a concern,” the statement says.

The new apartments would be for short-term stays of two nights or more, offering facilities much like a traditional hotel, A Space in the City has said.

“Our business model will provide an opportunity to convert the small development, Park Lane Student Living, into an a part-hotel product,” the company has told the council.

“We believe the variety of accommodation offering will be attractive to the city region and will support to win business for the city and ensure Cardiff remains a must-see city for tourists.”

A huge number of major developments of purpose-built student accommodation are in the pipeline for Cardiff.

They include the Capital Quarter development of 674 student flats, which is currently being built, 711 rooms at a 10-storey block planned at the former Evans Halshaw Citroen, and a further 1,000 beds at Howard Gardens and Bradley Court.