Demand for student accommodation in Birmingham is expected to rise in the coming years
CGI of what the proposed Birmingham student block in Edgbaston could look like(Image: Design document prepared by Glancy Nicholls Architects on behalf of Study Inn)
Proposals for a “large” student accommodation block in the Edgbaston area have been recommended for approval amid a ‘shortfall’ of beds.
Plans were lodged for a six-storey student block in Frederick Road, which would feature 184 self-contained studios and 55 en-suite rooms.
A gym, spa, cinema, games room, yoga room and lounge areas would also be included.
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If the application is approved by council planners later this week, an office building would be demolished to make way for the block.
The plans come amid rising demand for student accommodation in Birmingham, with a council report saying demand was expected to rise from 47,434 to 53,476 between 2022/23 and 2027/28.
“It is clear universities within the city will continue to grow,” it continued.
“The increase in demand [for student accommodation] is expected to be high in the Selly Oak / Edgbaston area.
“A shortfall of 14,936 bedspaces is predicted in this part of the city which is considered to be substantial.”
University of Birmingham campus with the shadow of Old Joe pointing towards the Arts Faculty and the Muirhead Tower(Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
The report said the application site was well located to access a number of local universities, with some a short train journey from nearby Five Ways railway station.
“The proposal would support the function of University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University as key providers of employment, culture, and learning,” it added.
While it acknowledged the six-storey building was “large for the location”, the report said the scale and appearance of the proposed development would be “acceptable”.
“It would sit comfortably in the street scene and have no adverse impact on designated heritage assets,” it continued.
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“There would be no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential occupiers and the development would provide an acceptable living environment for future occupiers.”
The proposal has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions, and will be considered by council planners this Thursday, July 3.