Student block could become city centre hostel in major change

Gradwell Street
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A student accommodation block in the heart of Liverpool city centre could be repurposed to provide new short-term hostel accommodation under new plans. Since 2012, an eight storey development on Gradwell Street has provided lodgings for learners across 50 bedrooms.

Fresh planning permission is now being sought to change the university accommodation into hostel and short-stay use.

While the proposals will result in the loss of student beds, applicant Bold St Hotel Limited has argued this would not lead to a harmful reduction in the city. According to a design and access statement, the building contains a ground floor level office and ancillary facilities with seven storeys of student accommodation on the upper floors.

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There are a total of 54 units of accommodation on site, alongside suitable shared kitchen and living facilities. The block is situated within Duke Street Conservation Area and is in close proximity to all amenities and easily accessible to public transport.

All of the existing rooms would be retained for the hostel-style accommodation. The documents said: “The application retains an effective and efficient use of a previously developed site and buildings, within a suitable and sustainable location.

“The scheme will not have any detrimental impact on the character of the local area, and protects the amenities of neighbouring residents and uses.” There are no plans to extend the building or its existing floor space under the fresh application.

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The decision to opt for short stay lets over student bedding was said to have been riven by a decision to “meet the needs of a varied client group, which can be seen to support wider commercial and hospitality uses in the wider local area.” The planning statement added: “The scheme will also assist in supporting the local economy and job creation.”

A change of use will impact the city’s learner accommodation capacity, as noted by the applicant, but was considered a worthwhile risk. The documents said: “While the scheme will result in the loss of some existing student accommodation within the city centre, this is not felt to result in a harmful reduction in the levels of provision in Liverpool.” A date has yet to be confirmed for the plans to go before Liverpool Council.