PLANS have been put forward to turn a prominent building in Carlisle’s city centre into student accommodation.
Victory House, a six-storey 27,000 sq ft building facing the Victoria Viaduct, was sold at auction for £466,000 last September.
The change of use application for the historical Grade II building has now been put forward to Cumberland Council by Engage Property Ltd on behalf of Ben Williams Home Design and Architectural Services on August 14.
The site, which has been vacant for a number of years and mainly used as storage space, was formerly a bed centre showroom.
The proposed change of use plans for the building include the creation of 78 student rooms, 26 cycle spaces, communal areas as well as a ‘restaurant’ at street level.
The multi-storey building itself dates back to 1877 and comprises the Grade II Listed, Caledonian Mill.
If approved, the student accommodation will be located around the corner from the University of Cumbria’s multi-million-pound Citadel Project and serve its students as ambitious plans to bring the university into the heart of the city centre continue.
The proposal aims to bring the building back into use and prevent ‘further deterioration’ and ultimately, contribute to the ‘regeneration’ of the city.
“The scheme would result in a reuse and refurbishment of three large prominent buildings within the city centre to support the required housing need for students as part of the ongoing university proposals, as well as providing a restaurant at street level to support the ongoing vitality of the city,” the design and access statement reads.
READ MORE: Work to begin on multi-million-pound city centre project
“The buildings have been vacant for a number of years and the buildings are showing signs of deterioration. Recent storms have blown windows out and exposed roof tiles which without conversion to a long-term viable use, would result in ongoing deterioration of the building.”
Its adjacent building, the former Central Plaza hotel, which was knocked down in 2020 after falling into disrepair in 2011, is also set for redevelopment.
Cumberland Council discussed the transfer of the site to a ‘preferred chosen developer’ in September last year.
The identity of the developer has not been revealed at this time.
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