Seems developers have been listening to the local community when it comes to one city proposal.
Following a public consultation concerning the Regency Laundry site on Lower Bristol Road, new plans have been unveiled.
In February the Watkin Jones Group asked the local community and other stakeholders for feedback regarding its proposals to create Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) on the site.
The results of the consultation show that PBSA is not the preferred use of the site, with members of the public and local stakeholders expressing a clear preference for a more residential type scheme that will meet the needs of young people who are currently priced out of more traditional forms of housing in Bath.
As an emerging concept in the UK, co-living is intended for young professionals and graduates who are looking for cost-effective accommodation in a highly accessible location with a community feel and extensive shared amenities.
Studies suggest that living or working with like-minded people can potentially reduce the feeling of loneliness that often comes with the isolation of urban living nowadays, and also increases the opportunity of networking with other professionals.
In addition to including residential apartments, the scheme would also include break out areas for dining and recreation, communal cooking areas, seating pods for socialising and workstations to allow people to work individually or in groups.
Each apartment will have its own bathroom, kitchenette and desk space whilst other facilities such as a laundry and secure cycle storage will be available in communal areas.
A spokesperson for the Watkin Jones Group said, “We would like to thank the people of Bath for engaging in our consultation for the Bath Laundry site. We have listened carefully to the views expressed by the public, politicians and other stakeholders during the consultation process and Watkin Jones Group is pleased to be offering an alternative use for this site which will provide the numerous benefits of co-living.
The scheme will allow people the opportunity to live alongside other professionals in a sought-after location close to the city centre, with excellent bus, rail, cycle and other transport links easily accessible.
“As a new concept in Bath we anticipate a great deal of interest in this scheme and we look forward to submitting a planning application in due course.”
The co-living scheme will be overseen by a management company and will be a car-free development.
The building itself will be created with a highly sustainable design and incorporating renewable technologies. Biodiverse roofs and external landscaping proposals will maximise green spaces and enhance the setting.
Updated proposals will go online during the summer and it is anticipated that an online public consultation will be held at this time at www.stpetersterrace.co.uk
This is a much better proposal! I went personally to protest most strongly at the original one and was told by one of the company’s reps that it was all they could do with that particular site. Obviously, now they have had a re-think.
I only wish the Cricket Club would do the same!