Viking House, in the heart of Lincoln city centre, is set to be transformed into student accommodation with Council chiefs giving the thumbs up to the scheme. Proposals put forward by developer Jackson & Jackson Developments could see part of the site demolished to deliver much needed student housing in the area.

City of Lincoln Council’s planning committee approved the plans, which included details of the demolition of the former Taste of Marrakesh restaurant on Newland. A final decision will be taken by the Council’s planning office.

Although originally outlined for luxury flats as part of the waterfront scheme, which has already seen Mill House converted into private apartments, it’s now been reconsidered with student accommodation suiting the building and the needs of the city more. The project will create 200 bed spaces which will be split into do building stages.

Chris Spendlove of the University of Lincoln – who are set to speak about the estate, campus and property development plans at the Lincolnshire Development Plans Conference in July – said of the scheme: ”This is needed by the University to meet demand for the coming academic year. It’s ideally located for the University for a development that is five minutes walk from the campus which makes it accessible.”

Although some objections were mentioned, Councillor Chris Burke said the plan would be an ‘intelligent use’ of the redundant Viking House building.

The first phase of development would be the conversion of Viking House, which is a 5-storey building which has remained derelict for many years after the relocation of the Department for Work and Pensions. It’ll be refurbished whilst taking into consideration the nearby One the Brayford development – taking inspiration from the design to help merge the project into the area. A new 4-storey extension will be built connecting Viking House to Newland – which will see the demolition of a former restaurant – as 100-104 Newland all being turned into student accommodation.

The second stage of the development will see a former restaurant demolished which will make way for further housing – over three and four storeys, whilst further apartments will be added to the south of the building which is currently a car park.

If the development goes ahead it’s a great boost for student housing in Lincoln and the University of Lincoln look to further increase student numbers and more people are attracted to learn in the city. Join us to hear about the University of Lincoln’s plans for their estates along with South Kesteven Council, Lincolnshire County Council, City of Lincoln Council and EquaGroup at the Lincolnshire Development Plans Conference.