Empty city centre offices may become student flats

An empty office block in Leicester could be transformed into accommodation for more than 140 students.

St John's House in South Albion Street was built in 1976 and was most recently used as offices for NHS staff.

A planning application submitted to Leicester City Council has outlined a proposal to convert the building into flats for 142 students, which includes 114 studio apartments.

The plan also includes new communal lounges, study areas and a gym on the ground floor.

Plans were revised following initial concerns from the planning authority about the impact of building extensions on apartments in the neighbouring Grade II-listed former St John's Church.

The updated scheme focuses on infilling a ground floor undercroft to create a new entrance in South Albion Street, planning documents say.

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