New 17-storey tower block to be built as £60m scheme approved

The £60m "co-living" development, part of which will be 17-storeys high, will boast a combination of residential accommodation and shared facilities.

Six communal kitchens and dining areas will be located on different floors.

The scheme was supported at a meeting of the city council's planning and rights of way panel in February and has now been formally approved.

Plans to build a 'co-living' development comprising 397 studio rooms and communal facilities have been approved (Image: Church Lukas)

Infinite Living (Southampton) Ltd has received consent to redevelop the old Olleco site on the corner of Royal Crescent Road and Chantry Road.

The showpiece scheme aims to attract young professionals and university leavers, with residents encouraged to regard their entire building as their home.

READ MORE: Plan to build new tower block with 397 studio flats and six kitchens set to be approved

A council report: "There is no standard definition for what comprises a co-living scheme and models vary.

"In general, these are large, purpose-built blocks, served by a significant level of shared space, which aim to provide a more cost-effective form of single-occupancy accommodation than traditional self-contained flats.

"The studio rooms would constitute dwellings since they contain all the basic facilities necessary for day-to-day living.

"The applicant’s co-living model seeks to provide a development which fosters a sense of community with self-contained studio rooms supported by extensive shared facilities throughout the development."

Plans to build a 'co-living' scheme comprising 397 studio rooms and communal facilities have been approved (Image: Church Lukas)

The report said all bills would be covered by a single rental fee.

"The accommodation is managed, with a 24-hour on-site presence, and designed to provide a similar service experience to a hotel. Units would typically be let on a short-term basis, with a minimum of three-month tenancies."

READ MORE: Plan to build 397 studio flats at junction of Royal Crescent Road and Chantry Road

Each of the 397 fully furnished studio rooms will boast sleeping quarters, en-suite facilities, and a small cooking area.

A building beside the main tower block will contain a raft of communal facilities, including a cafe, laundry, and fitness studio, plus a relaxation and entertainment zone.

The scheme aims to ease the shortage of rental accommodation in the city for people aged 21-32.

"The principle of co-living accommodation, which would provide starter accommodation for young professionals or recent graduates, is considered acceptable," said the report.

"There is merit in designing residential accommodation which fosters a sense of community and attempts to retain recent graduates within the city by providing more attractive and cost-effective accommodation.

"There would also be social and economic benefits resulting from the construction of the dwellings and their occupation."