海角视频

Oops.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

PRIVACY
Commercial Property

Key workers could move into student accommodation as demand shifts

The firm behind the Preston site is seeking permission for key workers to be able to move in

There could be big changes for the Jubilee Court student accommodation block in Preston(Image: LDRS)

The operator of a Lancashire student accommodation site is seeking to allow its tenants to remain post-graduation and is also looking to open its doors to key workers such as nurses, teachers, and council staff. The company behind the Jubilee Court student accommodation in Preston says it has observed a saturated market for student flats in the city, leading to a decline in occupancy rates over the past five years.

Fylde Road Management Company Limited (FRMC) has told Preston City Council that amendments to the usage of its 246-capacity Fylde Road development, which was established in 2016, are crucial for its sustainability. In a planning application submitted to the council, FRMC highlighted a decrease in student demand but noted an inability to accommodate interest from non-students who wish to reside at the property or extend their stay.

"Jubilee Court's on-site office receives multiple enquiries each week for accommodation, mainly from young professionals who have recently graduated or are looking for cost-effective housing solutions," the planning statement detailed.

"In addition to the walk-in enquiries, approximately one third of the current student tenants enquire about staying at the accommodation following graduation. This [would] provide a platform for graduated students to access the local jobs market or provide a bridge for further education. The accommodation is also well suited to young professional key workers who want to work locally and take advantage of the very sustainable location close to the local public transport infrastructure."

Under the proposed plans, graduates could reside at the site for up to two years post-graduation. The accommodation comprises 44 flats, with clusters of five or six rooms sharing a kitchen and dining area, as well as 20 'studio bedsits', reports .

If FRMC's proposal gets the green light, key workers and students would not be allowed to share the same space, with block 3 on the site earmarked for those established in the workplace. However, graduate tenants already residing in Jubilee Court would be permitted to "remain within their social groups in their existing rooms and blocks".

The company argues that it is at "an economic disadvantage" compared to similar, newer developments in Preston which are not restricted to only accepting students – as well as other facilities which have successfully applied to have their governing rules altered.

FRMC noted in its application that despite an earlier shortage of student housing for the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, there was recognition even then that upcoming developments could potentially result in a "surplus of supply".