UK: Whitbread has drawn up plans to redevelop one of its Premier Inn hotels into a 546-bedroom PBSA development in Birmingham.
Under the proposals, the Premier Inn, in Essington Street, would be demolished to make way for a 14-storey student housing scheme. Amenities would include study space, a garden and terraced areas. A specialist operator would be appointed to run the PBSA scheme.
The Premier Inn hotel will continue to trade during the planning process. Whitbread said the proposed move was part of its plans to build what it called a “perfect portfolio” of locations across the city.
Richard Pearson, senior development manager at Whitbread, said: “With a significant shortfall of student bedspaces across the city, our proposals would provide much-needed accommodation which offers the very best experience for students. The building has been carefully designed to complement other properties on Broad Street and provide high-quality landscaping to enhance the neighbourhood. I would like to thank our project team for all the dedication and commitment in getting the plans to the current stage and I am looking forward to talking to residents and our other local stakeholders through our plans in the next few weeks.”
A public consultation will run online from 10 to 21 February. A live webinar with members of the project team is being held at 7pm on Thursday 13 February.
