A disused Southampton bank has been transformed into a block of 100 studio flats for university students.

The former NatWest branch at 12 High Street is almost unrecognisable as the refurbishment of 53 flats and the construction of 47 new ones nears completion. 

Plans to revamp the site, adding a café and communal area on the ground floor, were submitted to Southampton City Council in 2020.

Daily Echo: The building was a NatWest bankThe building was a NatWest bank (Image: Google Street View)

In September 2021, the application was given the green light and construction began despite a number of objections from residents over lack of parking, noise and refuse collections.

Some city councillors also criticised the development.

Speaking before the city council approved the application, Cllr John Noon said: “The number of student blocks in the city centre is now at a saturation point making further student accommodation in the city centre not viable.”

Daily Echo: The building will have 100 studio flats when the building is finished The building will have 100 studio flats when the building is finished (Image: Google Street View)

Before the plan was submitted, there had been talks to build a 97-bedroom hotel with a reception, lounge, café, bar and gym.