Plans released for 34-bed apart-hotel in Southampton

Published by

Sam Pither

Proposals have been submitted for 34 short-stay apartments in a former office block in Southampton.

The plans for the four-storey building on Winchester Road, which were drawn up by Winchester-based OB Architecture, also feature office space, a function room and a café.

Dubbed an ‘apart-hotel’, the property would provide short-stay, professional-let studios on six month leases aimed at families, students and guests of the University of Southampton, as well as guests and staff for nearby hospitals.

The plans state that this will "address the underlying need for high-quality, affordable accommodation for varying overnight visitor categories in Southampton, namely families, friendship groups, students, professionals and business travel".

The scheme has met with opposition from local residents, however, who have raised concerns regarding parking availability (the plans only include three parking spaces) and whether the development would suit the area.

Lorraine Hodgson, of nearby Warwick Road, said: "The proposed development is out of keeping with the area. If this is a commercial hotel venture then why will there be only three parking spaces for a 34-room building?

"There is already an issue with on-street parking due to residential areas being used by NHS staff, those working in the large stores on Winchester Road, as well as by staff working in the local businesses."

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.