Green light for plans to turn Middlesbrough pub into student flats - with new bar on ground floor

Plans to build a brand new 66 bed student accommodation development on the site of a famous pub has been given the go-ahead by a council committee.

Outline permission for the erection of a four storey, 66 bed student accommodation on Borough Road, Middlesbrough, along with a public house on the ground floor was approved, with some conditions, at a meeting of Middlesbrough Council’s Planning and Development Committee.

The development will require the demolition of the current building on the site - the Springfield Hotel, which formally traded as the Laurel.

Middlesbrough-based developer Prosper Estates submitted a planning application to Middlesbrough Council for outline permission to redevelop the town centre site, which is close to Teesside University.

Artists impressions of new student development on site of Springfield Hotel, Borough Road, Middlesbrough

The firm plans to include a pub, serving hot food, for use by both students and the public while also providing 66 beds for students, including 10 with disabled facilities.

The application adds that each floor would have its lounge and communal facilities.

A statement supporting the application said: “This is an opportunity to create and redevelop an unattractive site at the moment in such a prominent position leading into the university and alongside The Gazette building.”

It is not planned for the development to have any parking facilities, which Prosper said is because there is not the provision to provide this on the site. As a result, one of the conditions placed on the development was that students would sign a tenancy agreement confirming that they would not own a car.

Artist impression of Student elevation plans

Praising the development and the conditions placed on the it, Middlehaven Ward councillor Pervaz khan said: “I think it’s an exciting application. At the moment the site is a scruffy pub that downgrades the area. This development will compliment the area.

“Also one of the other factors is the parking problem in the area so I’m really glad about the condition that has been put in place to say that tenants can’t own a car.”

A spokesman for Prosper Estates said: “We are pleased with the decision to approve the application.

“One key aspect of the proposal is the provision of accommodation for disabled students.

“It is our aim to build up and improve the area with this development while providing the best for the student community as a whole.”