Vita presents plans for a mixed-use development in place of the former central fire and police stations on Shakespeare Street.
The plans should be submitted this month.
The proposals “will reactivate a significant and currently disused site in the city centre”, with 967 high-quality student rooms, gym facilities, a dance studio, student play and cinema spaces, as well as ‘a double-height, two-tier, publicly accessible Market Food Hall on the corner of Shakespeare Street and North Church Street, with space for approximately 500 diners.
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The program is sensibly and sustainably designed to sit appropriately next to the listed buildings and arboretum conservation area.
The project benefits from wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, with extensive new tree plantings adding significant biodiversity and amenity interest to the street scene.
Vita will offer two types of student accommodation Vita Student – self-catering studios – and House of Social – mainly 4 and 6 bed apartments designed to keep students in the city center and free up family homes in other parts of the city .
The documents in support of the proposals indicate:
‘Vita Student – the best student life experience in the world. It offers student accommodation with large self-contained studios including double beds and private kitchens large enough to serve meals to new friends.
“Vita Student combines world-class amenities such as shared study suites, gyms and private dining facilities with exceptional resident-focused services that support wellness, community and future careers.
“Students will find everything they need to start big at Vita Student – student accommodation they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.”
The proposals specify:
“House of Social provides unparalleled access to college campuses and the city, with designer shared apartments that encourage collaboration, independence and productivity.
“An escape from convention and a place to belong for independent spirits, House of Social brings together the elements of city life that residents love and adore, such as food halls that bring communities together and provide a change of scenery to inspire the mind.”
