UK: Property management company YPP has secured planning permission to convert a disused job centre in Leicester city centre into a 60-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme.
Located at 2A New Walk, the four-storey building has been vacant for over two years. Designed by Brewster Bye Architects, the redevelopment will offer self-contained studio flats with private kitchens, study areas, living spaces and en-suite bathrooms.
Planning officers acknowledged that some units fall below national minimum space standards, but accepted the design given the short-term nature of student tenancies. Larger studios include extra space for dining and living.
To help combat the potential for isolation in private units, YPP has included extensive internal and external communal areas on the ground floor to encourage student interaction.
The building’s central location means it will be car-free, with both Leicester’s universities within walking distance. Only minimal external alterations will be made, such as replacing windows and adding new planting along New Walk.
A planning condition has been attached limiting occupancy to full-time students only.
Brewster Bye Architects, in the design statement, said: “YPP understands its impact on the cities it operates in goes beyond the buildings themselves. High-quality design and strong relationships with local planners, universities and councils have been key to YPP’s sustainable growth.”
Highlights:
• Former job centre in Leicester to become a 60-bedroom PBSA
• All studio flats include en-suite, kitchen and study area
• The scheme will include shared spaces to reduce isolation
