By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A student tower block up to nine storeys in height could be built on the site of an old cinema next to Nottingham Railway Station.
Developer Zen Nottingham Limited is looking to demolish the former cinema building, off Queen’s Road, and construct a six to nine-storey block in its place.
The old cinema auditorium is nestled between the 10-storey Picture Works apartment block, the NET tram bridge and an office block which faces Arkwright Street.
The office block is currently home to Carringtons Solicitors.
If approved, the scheme will provide a total of 31 studios and 50 shared accommodation beds.
“The building has been divided into two elements, with nine storeys adjacent to the NET bridge and six storeys next to 1 Arkwright Street,” planning documents say.
“The nine-storey element is proposed in a grey and brown brick and the six-storey element a red brick.
“Stone detailing is proposed below the first floor of the nine-storey element to strengthen the base of this element of the building.”
Planning permission for a nine and six storey building, providing 39 apartments and retail units, was originally granted in September 2020.
However this scheme, from a different developer, failed to progress.
The University of Nottingham had raised concerns over the new scheme, owing to the studio accommodation which conflicted with its student living strategy.
Zen Nottingham Limited has since revised its plans to include ‘cluster’ shared accommodation flats, following discussions with the university.
Councils typically grant planning permission to developers on the proviso they contribute financially to affordable housing, local education, employment and infrastructure improvements to reduce the impact of a scheme.
The developer has promised to pay a financial contribution of £176,018 towards affordable housing in lieu of on-site provision, as well as £106,460 towards the provision or enhancement of off-site public open space and a local employment and training contribution of £22,595.
Nottingham City Council’s Planning Committee will discuss the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, August 21.
The plans have been recommended for approval in reports by officers.
