A hybrid application for existing buildings, and the construction of a new hotel at the Nelson Hotel Site was approved last week at the Norwich City Council planning committee meeting last week.
The application, brought forward by Whitbread Plc, with Savills acting as agents, was approved with seven votes in favour, and one abstention.
Current site details
The site, on the east of the city centre and next to the River Wensum, is currently comprised of the 185-room Premier Inn, as well as former HMRC offices and an office building called Scandic House.
The Premier Inn is one of the first buildings visible upon leaving Norwich Railway Station, which has been a factor considered in the applications success.
Future site changes
The application requires demolition of existing buildings upon the site, then construction of a new Class C1 hotel, as well as a circa 75-dwelling residential development (outline permission only for this building), a 492-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), landscaping improvements, and new access arrangements.
The development will be brought forward in phases, first with partial demolition of the Premier Inn, then construction of the new hotel, whereupon the remaining part of the Premier Inn would cease to be used. Following this the remaining element would be demolished alongside Scandic House, with construction of the PBSA, landscaping and access elements then taking place.
New hotel
The new hotel will comprise 248 bedrooms (12 being wheelchair accessible) spread over seven storeys, there will also be a dining room and a lounge, and a separate 314 sq m commercial unit within the building.
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