Selly Oak Student Scheme: Amended Plans
REVISED plans have gone in for a 523 bed canal-side student redevelopment on Elliott Road, Selly Oak.
With a new architect also on board, the scheme has been vastly improved to connect to arguably Birmingham’s greatest asset - its canal.
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Located at Selly Oak Industrial Estate, Units 5-8, Elliott Road, the revised proposal - brought forward by Watkins Jones Group - will see the site reconnect with arguably Birmingham’s biggest asset - its canal, through the demolition of vacant industrial builds (as seen above) before redevelopment can deliver:
- Part 5-8 storey accommodation;
- 523 student beds (135 studios/388 clusters);
- 11 contemporary townhouses along Elliott Road;
- Central courtyard gardens;
- Secure indoor & outdoor amenity spaces;
- Zero parking/ 128 cycles;
- NEW fluid connections to the canal towpath and beyond.
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With a new design team in place, Glenn Howells Architects & Layer Studio Landscape set about delivering on three fundamental principles as they redesigned the scheme. These are:
An expansive courtyard garden will become the beating heart of the scheme, providing students with ample space to study and relax, or simply to collect their bike before venturing out and about.
Lively amenity spaces (gym, lounges and study spaces) will be at ground floor level, with the area set to bring much-needed activity and interest to the canal system and its new area of public realm.
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Eleven contemporary townhouses will replace vacant warehouse units, and these will be positioned along Elliott Road - each purposely designed in response to the scale and context of the neighbouring area.
Before & after:
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With the shock refusal of The Triangle (student development) site nearby, a student needs assessment document has been added to the application, fully outlining the significant demand for PBSA, not just in Selly Oak, but across the city.
Fresh Student Living - formed in 2010 by Watkins Jones Group - will operate the scheme if/when the scheme gets the go-ahead in the coming months. Certainly one to keep an eye on!
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All images the property of Glenn Howells Architects