Plans For New Student Flats In Southampton

An accommodation block for more than 150 students could be built in Southampton city centre.

Developers want to turn Brunswick House, on the northern edge of East Park into 156 student flats, each with their own en-suite facilities.  
 
Plans for the twelve-storey 1970s office building, also include the refurbishment of six shop units at street level.  
 
The proposals, will be on display at a public exhibition taking place today (Wednesday 16th January 2013) in the building itself. Local people will have the opportunity to have their say on the plans before a planning application is submitted later in 2013.  

Developers Praxis say the project will create more jobs during its construction phase.

Commenting on the plans, Peter Disley, Development Manager for Praxis said:
 
"We believe that there is an excellent opportunity to bring this former office  block back into use as high-quality, self-contained student accommodation providing something new and different for the thriving and economically important student  community of Southampton. We are making a significant investment in the area and the redevelopment of the landmark Brunswick House has the potential to provide far ranging economic benefits both in the construction and occupation phases.
 
"We believe in consulting openly with the community and all stakeholders and have already met with a number of local stakeholder groups where the reaction to our plans has been positive.  I would urge people to come along to the exhibition, look at the plans and let us know what they think."
 
After the exhibition and further meetings with community and stakeholder groups, Praxis, will analyse all the feedback received and make any appropriate changes and refinements to its plans before submitting a planning application to Southampton City Council later in 2013.
 
The public exhibition will take place on Wednesday 16th January from 12 noon until 8pm on the first floor of Brunswick House, Brunswick Place, SO15 2AP.
 
more information on proposals can be found at www.brunswickconsultation.co.uk.