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This could soon be Preston’s second-tallest building

Posted on - 22nd January, 2018 - 2:14pm | Author - | Posted in - Business, Friargate, Housing, Preston City Centre, Preston News, Redevelopment, University campus
How the new student skyscraper could look
How the new student skyscraper could look

Preston’s city skyline could soon include a major new addition – with its second-tallest building.

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A 20-storey block of student flats could be build towering above Great Shaw Street, off Friargate.

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The current Foresters Hall building is being eyed up for demolition and will be replaced by the 72-metre accommodation block named LoftHaus.

ASSH Investments, managed by Shoyab Musa, say the scheme is worth £15million and has submitted an outline planning application.

Read more: Final beam swung into place at UCLan’s new engineering centre

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Property developer and co-founder of Kingswood sales and letting agents in Preston Mr Musa said: “This development will provide Preston with a new statement building while also creating jobs and economic growth.

“UCLan is creating a world class campus through its £200m investment and aspires to attract more students from across the globe. Our vision for LoftHaus is to set a new standard in luxury student living in Preston, helping UCLan to continue competing with the best.

“As a proud Prestonian, I feel proud to be bringing forward these plans which will help to further regenerate the city’s thriving student quarter.”

One of the balconies at the new Lofthaus flats
One of the balconies at the new Lofthaus flats

Facilities for the student flats would incluide free-breakfasts, a 24-hour concierge service, on-site catering, private cinema, gym, study rooms and superfast broadband.

Designed by David Cox Architects the proposals include a striking ‘sculpted’ roof form and roof garden.

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David Cox said: “While Preston’s skyline has a recognisable profile and presence from afar, its tall buildings have an air of tiredness and their roofscapes are cluttered and unattractive.

“The addition of a new 21st century profile to the cluster of tall buildings will enliven the skyline and play a part in Preston’s emerging confidence and future. We have been working on LoftHaus for over a year and it’s great to finally be submitting our planning application.”

“From the research we’ve conducted of similar universities in other cities, Preston offers among the lowest levels of purpose-built student accommodation per student. At around 300 units, this scheme will go some way to addressing that imbalance.”

One of the courtyard areas in Lofthaus
One of the courtyard areas in Lofthaus

The tallest building in Preston at present is the St Walburge’s church spire.

PWA Planning who are helping with the plans said it was being built in an area where there is already a ‘cluster’ of tall buildings.

Read more: Adelphi Square proposals granted approval for UCLan

Association at PWA Daniel Hughe said: “Today’s students expect a high degree of quality from their accommodation and this building would certainly meet this demand. It’s a well-designed building that would add to the range of student accommodation already in the city.

“The building will be Preston’s second tallest, but is positioned within the city’s existing cluster of tall office and residential buildings, minimising visual impact on the skyline. With a local developer and architect taking this forward, this will be a scheme that’s very much of Preston.”

The plans have only just been processed by Preston City Council and are due to be listed on the city council website in the coming days.

What do you think of the proposal? What do you think about high-rise developments in the city? Let us know in the comments below

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