Summary:
- Nottingham City Council approved plans to convert the former central library on Angel Row into 162 student rooms, including two retail units and a hot food takeaway on the ground floor, aiming to regenerate a long-vacant heritage building in the city centre.
- The decision faced opposition from three councillors concerned about rising student accommodation vacancy rates, which have increased to 12.7% in 2025/26 amid a decline in student numbers and a 30% drop in overseas students, reflecting softened demand in Nottingham’s student housing market.
- Supporters highlighted the scheme as a preferable alternative to previous proposals, emphasizing its role in protecting family housing by providing purpose-built student accommodation in a suitable location within the Old Market Square Conservation Area.
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