Redevelopment Plans to Address Student Housing Shortage in Southampton Submitted

Barsad Investments has presented a proposal to planning authorities to replace the ageing St Margaret's House, a four-storey student housing complex with 100 bed spaces that is 50 years old.

The application seeks approval for the demolition of St Margaret's House, making way for a new five-storey facility that would accommodate nearly 200 beds.

The redevelopment, situated on Hulse Road, is aimed at addressing Southampton's shortage of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Additionally, it aims to alleviate housing pressures by reducing the number of residents in Houses of Multiple Occupations (HMOs), potentially freeing up family-sized homes in the city.

The planning statement accompanying Barsad's application to the city council characterizes St Margaret's House as a "tired, utilitarian building." It asserts that the proposed development will not only maximise student accommodation on the site but also "significantly enhance" the character of Hulse Road.

The envisioned five-storey complex will feature 198 bed spaces along with amenities such as a gym, cinema, and social spaces on each floor. The proposal includes enhancements to existing green areas, providing high-quality spaces for student relaxation and socialisation.

Highlighting Southampton's student population exceeding 40,000, the planning statement comments: "The development will make a valuable contribution to the supply of student housing in Southampton and will support the growth of the higher education institutions in the city.

"The development will deliver purpose-built accommodation in a highly sustainable location, within close proximity to a wide range of services, facilities, and public transport links.

"This will make a valuable contribution to the significant need for PBSA in Southampton.

"The design of the building will be sympathetic to the local context and streetscape whilst also enhancing the setting of the nearby conservation area.

"The development will be largely hidden behind trees and will replace the current undistinguished building with a characterful building of high quality.

"Overall, it will significantly improve the quality and sustainability of the student housing and will contribute to fulfilling the increasing demand for student homes within Southampton."

Despite a refurbishment in 2018 and an extension in 2021, the accompanying design and access statement provided by Barsad claims the building is of poor quality due to its initial construction in the 70s.