By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A developer says its plans to convert warehouses in Hockley into student accommodation will be “in keeping” with the industrial nature of the area.
Hockley Nottingham Limited has been given permission by Nottingham City Council to convert and extend three connected warehouses in Lennox Street into student accommodation with 49 bed spaces.
Hockley and the nearby Lace Market were once the industrial centre of the city, with many of the old red brick warehouses and factories now home to businesses, bars and accommodation.
Two new floors clad in aluminium will be built to create additional rooms, while the existing façade will be restored so that it is “in keeping with the warehouse-feel of the site while also providing more contemporary residential fenestration, including Juliet balconies”.
The site is currently made up of three warehouse buildings which are linked inside.
Plans say the properties have either been vacant or underused for many years.
Inside there will be five four-bedroom cluster flats, four three-bedroom flats and 17 studios.
The plans say: “To honour the historical and traditional architectural detailing of the building the existing structural openings of the windows will be retained.
“The proposed roof extension has been sensitively designed to ensure that its height, finish and appearance is respectful to the existing building.
“The new roof extensions will be clad with different shades of pre-coated aluminium to ensure that the plots are legible as different buildings.
“The new windows are inspired by the existing regularity in the building and will be in simple and contemporary design.
“Their unrelated sizes and rhythm are celebrated as they reflect the character of Lennox Street and the area in general.
“The contemporary look will subtly compliment the existing architectural features while also adding a new layer to the aesthetic history of the site and the area.”
Nottinghamshire Police asked the developer to address a series of security risks, planning documents say.
A full CCTV system will be installed alongside push-button and intercom entry, while the roof will only be able to be accessed for maintenance.
Nottingham Civic Society had raised objection to the design, scale and elevation of the building, however nearby residents did not object.
The University of Nottingham said while the application “does not meet our needs” and the use of studios in the scheme is not the preferred option, the three and four-bed cluster flats “are welcomed”.