Plans for a block of flats in Westgate have been submitted to Gloucester City Council
PLANS have been submitted to turn former council offices into student flats in Gloucester.
The empty site in Westgate Street could become a 32-bed property. It was originally used by Gloucester City Council as offices.
A planning application for 32 bedrooms, facilities for a shared kitchen, lounge, laundry room and post room have been submitted to the council by Turville Estates Ltd, in Buckinghamshire.
Welcoming the bid, Barry Leach, secretary of Gloucester City Centre Community Partnership, said students helped to liven up the place at night.
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"We fully support this planning application," he said.
"For three main reasons, it brings back into use a building which has stood empty for several years," he said.
"Secondly the frontage of the property will be improved thus enhancing the street scene. Thirdly it will help regenerate the area by bringing residents back into the city centre."
He added there were already a student population there.
"As to any concerns that the residents are students. There are already far more students residing in neighbouring properties in the Westgate area," he said.
"The fact remains their presence not only livens the evening social scene in the city centre but also helps regenerate the economy of the area. So this ticks all of the boxes, regeneration of an empty building; brings social activity in the city centre and adds support to the economy."
Ivan Taylor, chairman of the Westgate Quarter Traders' Association, is in favour of the building being put to good use. He said: "It is ideal for the situation. It is in the centre of town and the building has rear access."
Dean Willetts who works at The Old Crown pub in Westgate, said: "It is a good idea."
Comments
by NibNobs
Saturday, March 09 2013, 6:51PM
“Why has it been empty for several years with all the demand for housing these days?”