Student flats plan for historic former YMCA building in Lancaster

Tuesday, 2 January 2024 15:39

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A historic Grade II listed building in Lancaster which was formerly home to the YMCA could be converted into student flats.

The new owner of the building on the corner of New Road and Damside Street has applied for planning permission for 'change of use' into 18 studio flats for students and a one-bed apartment.

Developers MHO Mayar Ltd bought the premises in 2023.

The building in Fleet Square is a former corn mill and warehouse built in around 1881.

It was occupied by various owners until W & J Pye ceased trading in 1997.

The building was then unused until purchased in 2001 by the YMCA, which ran a service there offering activities for young people until 2023.

From 2006 to 2012, the premises was also home to community radio station Diversity FM, the forerunner of Beyond Radio.

In June 2023, the building was offered for sale on the open market and was subsequently acquired by MHO Mayar.

A heritage statement issued with the plans says the building has a "high level of significance for its architectural and historic interest, and for its setting within part of the city centre which was previously associated with the quay, and which contains a number of other historic buildings".

The plans also include an ancillary storage area, installation of glazing in an existing door, a replacement door, reinstatement of a back window and the replacement of another window.

Lancaster City Council will make a decision on planning permission in due course.

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