Liverpool developer Caro seeks planning consent for a £22m student accommodation project comprising 227 apartments. Tony McDonough reports

Caro Developments is seeking planning permission to build a £22m student living development.

Designed by Liverpool architects Falconer Chester Hall, the scheme comprises 227 studio apartments in Lawson Street in Preston. It is located just south of the main UCLAN campus.

Rising from seven to nine stories it includes a gym, study zone, games room, lobby, laundry room, cycle storage and cinema. There is also a landscaped rooftop garden for residents’ use.

“Preston’s student market has evolved since the pandemic and expectations have risen,” said Caro managing director Neil Carlyle.

“Students have a more holistic view of how they want their home to contribute to their study and leisure time, as well as to their health and wellbeing.  Our proposals address these needs directly.”

Mr Carlyle adds that the scheme, on the site of a previously-consented development, will offer a more “pastoral” management regime that addresses students’ focus on togetherness and sociability.

“Preston’s student numbers have remained steady, but the sudden shift in how students want their homes to support their wellbeing means that the city risks losing out if its offer fails to keep pace with the market,” he explained.

“Preston is flying at the moment. Heaton Group’s latest tower scheme has topped out, the former indoor market site is going through the gears and the Station Quarter will deliver a modern central office district that will attract quality occupiers to the city.”

In October LBN reported that Caro had appointed Newry Construction to deliver 48 apartments in a £6m scheme in Wigan town centre.