Plans have been submitted by developer HG Living to develop a new creative co-working hub and mixed-use scheme in Leamington Spa. The development will include a 328-bed student accommodation scheme and creative hub comprising 18,392 sq. ft. of co-working spaces along with a café.
The canal-side site on the land on Althorpe Street is currently home to dated industrial buildings and the new proposals offer a significant opportunity to regenerate the area and foster growth of creative industries, with the establishment of a flexible co-working spaces for start-up and new businesses. The co-working space would act as a catalyst for employment-led regeneration in the area with the creation of 135 potential jobs, consistent with the Creative Quarter vision.
Warwick District Council (WDC) has estimated that whilst around 5,800 students are currently living in Leamington, less than 20% are currently being accommodated in purpose-built student accommodation. The new 328 bed student accommodation facility would be welcomed by local students and free up housing in the local area for other residents. Sustainable features of the scheme include onsite sustainable energy generation, rainwater harvesting, sustainable travel infrastructure and extensive tree planting and landscaping.
Rob Greaves, Director, HG Living, said:
“We are delighted to be submitting plans following many months of pre-planning work and community outreach. We have undertaken a significant period of engagement with both the District and County Council as well as residents in order to put forward our proposals to transform the site in line with the Creative Quarter vision for the area.
“Our proposals present a unique opportunity to reinvigorate the area and provide a boost to the local economy. We would like to thank local residents and other stakeholders for taking the time to provide constructive feedback on our plans to date. Looking forward we are committed to keeping the local community informed as the planning application progresses, and we encourage residents to get in touch if they have any questions.”
The scheme is set to deliver high-quality architecture to the local area, with the design reflecting the industrial and canal side warehousing. It will also incorporate high quality public realm spaces and been designed to become a focal point crossing of the canal and encourage the use of this by pedestrians and cyclists.
Further information about the scheme can be found at https://althorpestreet.co.uk/
