University arrival is 'best thing' to happen Shropshire for years, say cabinet
Creating a new university in Shrewsbury is one of the "best things" to happen to the county for years, a meeting heard.
Members of Shropshire Council's Cabinet hailed the arrival of the university and said plans for student accommodation were taking shape.
The council has submitted plans to create housing for 85 students at Mardol House in Shrewsbury's town centre, which it said should be up and running by August. It is also inviting expressions of interest in developing up to 800 new build accommodation units, over the next three years.
Speaking at yesterday's meeting in Shirehall, Mal Price, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for planning and housing, said: "It is probably the best thing to happen to Shrewsbury and Shropshire for many years. The contract is out for the 85 units and they will be up and running by the end of August."
Rules will be drawn up to prevent students taking over parts of Shrewsbury when the new university opens.
A strategy is being created after concerns from local people that whole areas of the town could become dominated by undergraduates. Shropshire Council says it is drawing up the policy for the new University Centre Shrewsbury to help ensure that the "right amount of accommodation of the right quality is provided".
It says it has learned from other towns where large areas have been dominated by students living in shared rented houses.
A report to the cabinet said: "A student accommodation strategy is required in order to consider all elements of the provision of student accommodation and its likely impact on the town."
Cllr Price said the council had a duty to protect residents as well as students.
