Tim Groom Architects gains planning for Chester student scheme

Manchester based Tim Groom Architects received planning permission on Tuesday 30 June for its 121 student studio apartment scheme.  Northgate Point, located on Trafford Street, Chester, is brought together by Primus Alliance Chester Limited which is a Joint Venture between Primus Property Group and Property Alliance Group.

Located within walking distance of the University of Chester campus, the railway station and the city centre, Northgate Point will provide luxury homes to students.

Tim Groom, director, Tim Groom Architects said: “We’ve worked hard to design a scheme that draws on the typology of Chester’s townscape around the site, predominately the terraced houses, to amalgamate the development into its location. Expressing this vertically with some sensitive detailing and proportions of the windows, while also introducing texture and relief with architectural detailing will, I am sure, deliver a quality building that will not only stand the test of time but add to Primus’ and PAG’s growing portfolio and reputation for accommodation at the top of the market.”

The ground and first floor of the building are divided vertically to create the impression of town houses running along Trafford Street, with the window alignment taking its cue from the large stacked windows of the nearby terraces.

Northgate Point is particularly aimed at post-graduate and overseas students who want 51 week letting periods and high quality accommodation.  The rooms are designed to create a professional learning and study environment, with self-contained kitchens, security, storage and high speed internet connections.

Duncan Melville, director, Primus Property said: “Our brand is to support student accommodation that has a high quality hotel feel. As such the scheme directly responds to the modern day requirement of students, who now have to invest heavily is their degree and want accommodation that provides them with the best possible learning environment.”

The plans were approved by Chester City Council and it is expected the building will be complete in time for autumn term 2016.

The announcement was covered by Place North West, North West Insider and TheBusinessdesk.