Zinc Real Estate has revised its proposals to replace Clarendon House in Exeter with a three-block purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, by removing six storeys from one of the proposed blocks.
A single storey has been added to each of the other two blocks, resulting in proposals for a ten storey block, a seven storey central block and a nine storey block. The PBSA scheme also aims to make a positive contribution to the character and architecture of Exeter.
The proposals would require the demolition of Clarendon House, a five-storey 1960’s office block that is currently part-occupied by Exeter Jobcentre Plus.
The development would provide up to 310 student bedrooms, reduced from 350 in the previous proposals, arranged as 123 studio flats and 26 cluster flats. Shared amenity space has also been reduced to a total of 450 sqm.
Zinc Real Estate says that Exeter needs more PBSA because university student numbers have been rising year on year, and the city’s existing accommodation is failing to meet rising demand in Exeter, with only 42% of students catered for by existing PBSA schemes.
“We are engaging with community partners to explore possible uses for a large and lofty space with a shop window on to Heavitree Road.
“This could be used for co-working and spaces for small business start-ups to grow”.
Statement, Zinc Real Estate
Comments on Zinc Real Estate’s proposals can be submitted via an online survey until Friday 10 January 2025. A formal planning application for the scheme is expected this year, when the city council will hold a statutory public consultation on the proposals.
