Student flats plan for former city McDonald's

Plans to turn a former McDonald's in Nottingham city centre into student flats have been put forward.

The building, in Exchange Walk, has stood vacant since the restaurant closed on 30 June 2023 after 34 years.

An application from Arcas Properties Ltd seeks permission to convert the first and second floors into flats, and to build an extension to create a third storey.

If approved by Nottingham City Council, there would be a total of 16 bed spaces.

The ground floor of the building would be retained as a retail space for food and drink.

According to the planning documents, the extension would be "sensitive" and would not impact the view of Nottingham Council House from Lister Gate.

"We believe the impact of the proposals are minimal and enhance the building, its immediate context and the wider conservation area," the papers add.

The planning documents say the applicant "wishes to upgrade the building in its entirety" and convert the upper floors into a "more sustainable, active use".

"Previously space on the upper floors of city centre retail units tends to stay empty and under-utilised," the papers claim.

"In this format, all floors of the building are able to contribute to an active part of the modern central business district."

The application also includes plans to create storage space for 16 bicycles.

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