DEVELOPERS promised “affordability and quality” to visitors at a consultation unveiling plans to demolish an empty office block and build a rental homes tower in Bournemouth.
Ahead of submitting a formal planning application, developer Packaged Living gauged public opinion for its proposals to transform Telecom House in Holdenhurst Road into a 270-home development which, if approved, would become one of the town’s tallest buildings.
However, potential occupants with their heart set on car parking were told this may not be the development for them with just five spaces for the whole building currently planned.
Held at the nearby Executive Business Centre, residents and business owners were able to view the plans and early feedback was generally positive with most recognising the need for affordable housing, use of an empty site and the developer’s rhetoric of building a “community” tower.
The development, known as The Laureate, would be constructed from one core but with the outward appearance of three towers.
It will feature external landscape terraces, employment co-working space and a rooftop lounge and terrace.
The 270-flats would be a mixture of one and two bedrooms, with other communal amenities such a gym, yoga space and private dining rooms.
One Bournemouth resident told the Echo: “I think it’s nice to take an old stock and refresh it so I’m all for this. The current site is empty and with a lot of other buildings going up in Lansdowne at the moment it makes the area feel new and modern.
“The architecture, while modern, doesn’t look like too [futuristic] and would merge with the surrounding buildings pretty well.
“Rent is so high now and people are paying loads for places that aren’t great. This, if it is kept affordable, would fit nicely in the centre of town.”
As expected, parking proved to be a big topic of discussion. At present, there would be provision for just five wheelchair accessible car parking spaces at the site – while each flat would have secure cycle parking facilities.
A Packaged Living representative said the parking parameters were in accordance with BCP Council’s Local Plan and that if car parking provision was an essential need for potential occupants, The Laureate may not be the best site for them.
They did, however, stress that similar developments in locations with heavy car use such as Milton Keynes and Southampton were able to attract occupants despite limited parking.
Mark Woodrow, Packaged Living managing director, said: “Our aim is to provide high-quality accommodation in a central and accessible location, expanding Bournemouth's housing offer and supporting the vitality of the town centre.”
- Read more: Abandoned service station being redeveloped
Once adapting plans to address feedback, developers hope to submit planning application before the end of the year with an aim for construction to start in 2023 and be complete by 2025.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel