The developer behind a new mixed-use scheme in Beeston says that plans will be reviewed following discussions with councillors, local residents, students, and Beeston Civic Society at two engagement sessions in June.
Developer Cassidy Group, alongside urban planning consultant DPP Planning, and architect Maber, held the events last week at Beeston’s Arc Cinema, adjacent to the proposed site, inviting interested parties to hear about Cassidy Group’s plans.
More than 60 people attended and shared their views, including head of accommodation at the University of Nottingham, Broxtowe Borough councillors for Beeston West, Janet Patrick and Greg Marshall, and representatives from the Beeston Civic Society. Their feedback will inform various changes to the high-quality student accommodation plans.
Patric Cassidy, director at Cassidy Group, said: “It’s important to us that this development benefits Beeston’s current residents, as well as the new students who will make it their home. We were delighted to see so many people from a range of backgrounds come along to hear about the scheme and communicate to us the issues most important to them.
Following the sessions, the architects say they will look at opportunities for increased biodiversity on the site with proposals including green roofs and the potential to incorporate more green space, and ways of ensuring student wellbeing.
The scheme is set to bring life to the derelict Station Road site opposite the Arc Cinema in the town centre with 419 student beds as well as retail and commercial units. The new development is the same size as the previously approved 2018 planning application for apartments, with the addition of a green roof to improve biodiversity, and wall space for a piece of local street art to be commissioned.
The student accommodation will also feature a gym, cinema room, private dining space, study and chill out areas for its residents. Students will have access to secure cycle storage and be given a free tram pass to encourage the use of green transport.
Janette Clarke architect at Maber said: “It was great to see so much engagement from residents and students alike. As a local practice we know the brilliant impact that new student schemes can have on suburbs, rejuvenating the area, boosting local business, spend and freeing up homes for families.”
The events were well attended by representatives from the University of Nottingham, with students keen to give their views on issues they have faced in houses of multiple occupancy.
Lydia Iremonger, a student at the University of Nottingham, said: “There’s a real need for supported accommodation schemes like this. In the type of accommodation that Cassidy Group is building, there is a guarantee that students will be supported and can thrive in their environment.
“It’s an ideal location with bus and tram stops below, so the fact that a tram pass is included is a big boost. Being so close to the amenities of Beeston and its town centre, as well as the university campus also alleviates the need for cars.”
For more information, visit https://www.cassidygroup.com/projects/student/the-square-beeston.