Plans have been formally submitted for a new 307-unit student accommodation development close to the Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry.
The property and investment arm of Co Tyrone fuel group LCC is behind the Chandler Court project on Strand Road.
The proposals involve the construction of a six storey development in two large blocks surrounding an open courtyard area.
Industry monitor Construction Information Services (CIS) Ireland estimates the project cost could be in the region of around £24 million.
The vacant Strand Road site, located between the listed ‘Rockmills’ apartment building and a number of retail and business units, is just a short walk from the Ulster University’s Magee site.
The planning application was submitted to Derry City and Strabane District Council just two days after the publication of a report by a new taskforce set up to support the expansion of the Magee campus.
Stormont has committed to expanding Ulster University’s Derry City campus so it can accommodate up to 10,000 students.
The taskforce concluded that the lack of student accommodation in the city is “a major obstacle” to increasing the numbers.
It said in the region of £275 million will be required to support the development of student residential accommodation.
The taskforce has asked Ulster University to develop a prospectus for developers with the potential to accelerate private sector investment “in the required provision of high quality, appropriately sited student accommodation”.
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In a document submitted to planning authorities, Todd Architects said LCC’s proposals “represent a sensitive and policy compliant response to the brief for new purpose built managed student accommodation that is conveniently located in relation to the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus”.
The plans indicate that 224 units in Chandler Court will be built in ‘clusters’, most of them around 156 sq ft, with another 48 smaller units classed as ‘affordable clusters’.
The proposals also involves 35 larger ‘studios’ for students, with 152 cycle spaces.
