June 25, 2018 10.05 am This story is over 68 months old

Extra 272 student flats in Viking House project

Work is expected to be complete by next year.

Plans to convert the former Viking House building in Lincoln into student flats have been approved with a further expansion.

The proposals, which initially mapped out around 200 student rooms across two phases of building works were given initial support by the city council in May.

Further outline plans submitted by Jackson and Jackson Developments were then given the green light by the City of Lincoln Council last week, consisting of an extra 272 student rooms.

Building work will now see the demolition of the Taste of Marrakesh restaurant and a new building incorporating a, partially subterranean, four and five storey building.

Plans will also see the erection of a four storey building that will be positioned to the south of Nos. 100-104 Newland.

The former Taste of Marrakesh restaurant would be demolished

Numbers 100, 102 and 104 Newland would be turned into student apartments

Viking House next to the One the Brayford development

Viking House was initially included in the application for new luxury flats on the waterfront known as One the Brayford, which has already seen Mill House converted into private apartments.

Developers have now reconsidered pre-approved plans as they felt student accommodation would be better suited for the refurbishment of the second building.

Dominik Jackson, director of Jackson & Jackson Developments, said: “Whilst the university’s expansion is a huge success story, the increased student numbers creates a lot of challenges in the housing sector in Lincoln, which is why we saw the importance of using this space to fill that gap in the market.

“We have done a lot of work in improving the Brayford area and are pleased to be delivering another well-designed and modern development in the city.

“We worked very closely with the planning and conservation officers at the council on the design and functionality of the site and are proud of the outcome.

“We are pleased to see works starting on phase one now and look forward to delivering this scheme in the centre of Lincoln for students to enjoy for many years to come.”

The build programme, which is being delivered by local construction company LGG Projects, is expected to reach completion by September 2019.