New student accommodation block planned in Guildford with cinema and games rooms

Key Highlights: 

1. Plans have been submitted for a proposed 360-unit student accommodation block in Guildford with 291 en-suite rooms and 69 studio apartments, including 14 accessible units.

2. The seven-story building would feature amenities like a cinema room, games room, gym, lounge areas, laundry facilities, and 24-hour reception.

3. The site is located in Guildford Business Park between the A3 and the University of Surrey, with a planned footbridge connection to the university campus.

4. The development aims to meet the demand for student housing from institutions like the University of Surrey, the University of Law, Guildford College, and the Academy of Contemporary Music.

5. Sustainable design elements include solar panels, air source heat pumps, secure bike storage for 182 cycles, and a largely car-free environment except for disabled/staff parking.

News in Details:

Plans have been submitted to Guildford Borough Council for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Guildford Business Park. The proposed seven-story building would provide 360 units of student housing with a mix of room types:

– 291 en-suite ‘cluster-type’ rooms

– 69 studio apartments

– 14 units suitable for people with disabilities

The detailed plans from private developers Pavilion Trustees Ltd and Pavilion Property Trustees Ltd outline an array of amenities for student residents, including:

– Secure entry double-height arrival hall

– 24-hour reception 

– Lounge and study areas

– Laundry facilities

– Gym

– Games room

– Cinema room

The development would also feature landscaped courtyards, internal lightwells, and secure storage for 182 bicycles. It is being designed as a largely car-free site, with limited parking for disabled access and staff, offsetting displaced spaces by adding to an existing multi-story parking garage.

Sustainable elements incorporated into the plans include solar panels, an all-electric air source heat pump system, and an energy-efficient design.

The site is situated between the A3 highway and the University of Surrey campus, with an approved planned footbridge to connect it directly to the university over the Wanborough Railway Line.

The application highlights that Guildford has a high demand for student housing from the University of Surrey as well as the University of Law, Guildford College, and the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM). Developers state the University of Surrey supports this particular proposal.

In addition to providing housing for students, the project is expected to create construction jobs as well as operational roles to staff the accommodation once completed. Student residents will also provide an economic boost by spending money in the local Guildford area.

News Summary:

Plans have been submitted for a major new 360-unit student housing development in Guildford Business Park. The seven-story building would offer 291 en-suite rooms, 69 studios, amenities like a cinema and games room, and sustainable design features. Located next to the University of Surrey, it aims to meet the high demand for student accommodations from local universities and colleges. The largely car-free site includes limited parking but secure storage for 182 bicycles.