A Huddersfield eyesore could be transformed into swanky student flats complete with a cinema, gym and rooftop garden.
Crown House at Southgate has stood vacant for years. The 11-storey office block dating back to the 1970s was once used by the Department for Work and Pensions and later becameHuddersfield’sJobcentre.
The building closed its doors in 2019 and has seen several planning applications over the years, most recently for 85 apartments in 2021, but none of which came to fruition. Now, a company specialising in student accommodation called Abode has submitted plans toKirklees Councilto bring 198 studio flats for students to the derelict property.
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The plans hope to reflect the architecture and building standards of theUniversity of Huddersfield’s £250m Health and Innovation Campus, with the first building - the newHealth and Wellbeing Academy- in progress. They also aim to meet the needs of international students and have a dedicated ground floor of amenities.
The flats will come with an en-suite bathroom along with a desk, convenient plug sockets, wifi, kitchen facilities and built-in storage. Students will also have access to a gym, cafe, cinema and study space which will be located on the ground floor.
The application has identified that there is already a range of student accommodation available in Huddersfield which “varies significantly between premises.” Earlier this year, the redevelopment of theformer Co-op buildingat Chapel Hill was completed bringing “executive” student flats to the town.
In a survey carried out during the planning process, it was revealed that 26% of students feel there is “insufficient choice” when it comes to their accommodation. The applicant says that studio flats will be “highly sought after” due to their location, being closer to town centre amenities compared to existing student housing.
As it stands, Crown House is said to be in a “very neglected state” having been vandalised with several windows broken externally. Ceiling and floor tiles have been removed and sanitary ware in the bathroom smashed.
The plans will see the exterior receive a modern makeover being constructed out of soft grey aluminium cladding with contrasting vertical panels in a copper colour. The contemporary design will continue internally.
Public consultation concluded earlier this month with just two representations received. One of which came from the Huddersfield Civic Society and spoke in support of the proposals.
However, the group raised a number of concerns requesting action from the applicant including details of how waste will be collected from each floor. They also say they expected a cycle route and bike storage to promote active travel.
A target date for the outcome of the application has been set for May 2, 2023.
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