University of Cumbria seeks approval for estate revamp
A student accommodation block, a supported living facility, and an extra care scheme are all proposed at the university’s Bowerham Road campus in Lancaster.
The 214-unit accommodation block would replace the existing William Thompson Tower, a 10-storey block that can house 165 students.
Following the demolition of William Thompson Tower, a new-build 10-storey block would be constructed in its place, according to plans lodged by the University of Cumbria.
The bedrooms would be arranged in clusters of five or six, with each cluster served by a kitchen/dining area and additional shared social space on each floor.
The main entrance to the block would be at ground level facing the Gateway campus building.
At lower ground floor level, further communal space is to be provided including conferencing facilities, and a bar and café.
In addition, the university proposes the demolition of several vacant buildings at the southern end of the campus near the junction of Coulston Road and Golgotha Road, and the construction of a four-storey extra care development comprising 92 one- and two-bedroom flats.
The extra care block is to feature roof gardens, communal kitchen and dining areas, on-site treatment rooms, a hairdresser’s, and a games room.
Meanwhile, two further buildings are to be retained and converted to provide 16 apartments without care provision.
The flats would be managed by housing association Progress Housing and would be available for affordable rent, according to the applicant.
The third element of the University of Cumbria’s estate revamp is the creation of a 13-unit supported living scheme on disused tennis courts off Coulston Road.
The two-storey, L-shaped building is aimed at young adults with learning difficulties.
All three schemes are to be determined separately by Lancaster City Council’s planning committee next Monday but all three are recommended for approval.
Day Architectural designed the schemes and Scalia Planning is the planning consultant.
