A canalside apartment scheme is well on the way to being completed.
Morris Homes is building three blocks comprising 40 apartments at Tower Wharf on the former Bluebird garage site next to Taylor’s boatyard in Upper Cambrian Road.
The Boatyard project got off to a faltering start not long after construction work began when it was discovered the ‘levels were not as thought’, according to ward councillor Bob Rudd, prompting the need for minor changes.
There were several objections from residents including a concern one block would now be assigned to students but Cllr Rudd was reassured this was not the case.
Changes to unit 40 increased the height of block C but only by 0.74m with all other building heights remaining as previously approved. The number of parking spaces at 48 was the same as before except for the addition of a motorcycle parking space.
Cllr Rudd (Lab, Garden Quarter), who is chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC), is pleased the scheme is nearly ready.
He told The Chronicle: “I’m looking forward to the completion of the site to enable local residents in the area to get back to some normality having had to put up with deliveries of all sorts at all times of day, large vehicles up a very narrow road, Upper Cambrian Road, very big issues. I’m looking forward to when it’s complete so I can meet my new constituents.”
The CWaC councillor said the three-storey scheme was ‘much better’ than a previous proposal for student accommodation. Morris Homes’ original plan was to build a 210-apartment scheme for students causing a back-lash from traditional residents who feel they suffer enough from noise, high jinx and parking problems due to ‘studentification’.
Cllr Rudd added: “We will have 40 apartments for general use – that won’t stop students going on there – but they are not purpose-built student accommodation.”
Morris Homes has completed its mixed scheme on the other side of the canal comprising apartments plus units for shops and restaurants linked by waterfront walkways.
Last year Miller Developments gained planning consent on appeal for a 350-bed student accommodation scheme in three managed blocks next to Telford’s Warehouse which is well under way.
Inspector Roger Pritchard agreed the development despite concerns from the community about adding 350 students to the existing 2,500-strong local student population.
