More student accommodation could be created in the city by knocking down an old Stirling pub and flats replacing it with a new four-storey building.
PCM Property Investment Ltd have submitted an application to Stirling Council planners for the demolition of the former West End Bar along with derelict residential units on its upper floor.
The premises at 2-4 Lower Bridge Street, say the developers, are currently “an eyesore and a hazard”.
Larger scale student accommodation has at times proved controversial in recent years.
A host of applications have been lodged for sites in and around the city centre, catering in total to several hundreds of students, and some of which have come to fruition and others which have not.
While a series of developers have claimed such projects help to plug a shortfall in student accommodation in the area, some locals, however, have questioned the shortage and suggested there should be more focus on providing for the homeless and those on housing waiting lists.
Sites earmarked by developers for potential student accommodation over the last few years have included land behind the New Look store, the former Arches bar building in Upper Craigs, a site opposite Stirling railway station, the former Rainbow Slides swimming pool area and land at Forthside Way in Riverside.
In documents submitted with the West End Bar application, agents for the applicant added: “The licensed premises have been unoccupied for a number of years and have fallen into significant disrepair.
“The two flats on the upper floor are part derelict and totally substandard.
“Structural movement and significant water penetration and rot infestation is evident.
“It is not financially viable to refurbish the existing building.
“The site occupies a prominent position on the main arterial road from the north west into Stirling city centre.
“Surrounding properties are predominantly residential flatted dwellings, a mixture of private and rental property.
“The adjoining buildings to the west are multi storey, student accommodation blocks.
“The proposal, subject to planning and building approval, is to demolish existing building and then rebuild from a cleared site.
“The proposed building will be subservient to the adjoining building over four floors and provide good quality accommodation aimed at student accommodation.
“The success of Stirling University means there is still strong demand for such accommodation.
“Due to proximity to city centre and excellent transport links, we feel this site is ideally positioned to house the development.
“The development will provide student accommodation to support the growing demand for purpose-built student housing in the area, reducing pressure on the local housing market and promoting a sustainable living environment.
“The accommodation is primarily three stories in height, with the fourth storey within the roofspace, ensuring a sympathetic integration into the surrounding urban fabric.
“The accommodation consists of studio apartments with en-suite shower rooms. Communal cooking and dining areas are incorporated to foster social interaction and collaboration.
“The development also includes amenities such as bike storage, laundry facilities, and waste facilities.
“At the rear, on Bayne Street, drop-off/pick-up can be accommodated.
“However, the primary focus is on sustainable transport options, and as such, there is no car parking.
“The site is well connected to public transport options, including bus and train services that serve the university and surrounding area, making private car use unnecessary for students.
“The site is also designed to accommodate secure cycle storage, in recognition of the importance of cycling as a sustainable and healthy transport option.
“The building will be equipped with level access and wider doorways to ensure that students with disabilities can navigate the building safely.
“A portion of the accommodation on the ground floor will be specifically designed to cater to students with mobility impairments, with level-access showers, adapted kitchens, and other specialised features.”