Go-ahead given to £11.5m York student complex scheme

City of York Council has given the greenlight to York-based development company S Harrison to transform a listed building into a high quality student complex.

The £11.5m development will see a former working men’s club and The Tam O’ Shanter public house, which occupy a prominent position on Lawrence Street, restored and turned into a 115 bed student residence.

S Harrison plans to start work during April and will complete in time for the 2017 student intake.

The secure development will offer a range of one, two, three and five bedroom apartments complete with their own kitchen, bathroom and living areas. In addition, there will be communal work space and leisure facilities including a gym, cinema, common room and study areas.

Chris Hale from S Harrison, said: “We are delighted to secure planning permission for this development. The main building has been derelict for years and has deteriorated into an eyesore, so we’re looking forward to safeguarding its future and creating a superb student development that is within easy reach of both York city centre and The University of York.

“This development will also relieve pressure on York’s private rented sector because there will be 115 fewer students competing with families and other local residents who are trying to rent homes in the city. From the positive feedback that we’re receiving, it’s clear that lots of local people share this sentiment and are keen to see this building brought back to life and contributing to the local community again.”

Chris continued: “Our plans will see the more recent extensions and outbuildings removed, which will bring the original architectural features of the buildings back to life. We’ll also build a new wing, which is designed to complement the existing buildings, and create an attractive courtyard area which will become an integral feature within the scheme.”

S Harrison has previously completing three other student accommodation developments in York in recent years, consisting of 762 beds. The developer is also currently working on a 240 bed student development in Edinburgh and a 63 bed scheme in Newcastle that are both due to complete later this year.