Finding a location for student halls in Stornoway has been difficult.
Developer Cityheart thought the Acres site on Sanwick Road would be suitable especially after undertaking close consultation with council officials.
The land s owned by the council but would be transferred if the development ever proceeds.
In its search Cityheat initially drew up a list of seven possible locations.
A shortlist was chosen including the former bakery on Stag Road, and the mothballed British Legion building.
The British Legion was the council’s favoured option, however due to fragmented ownership it was not possible to buy the site.
Last year planning permission was turned down for an application to construct a four-
Potential sites were looked at again including further but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to secure the British Legion.
Other options were the former Customs House in Quay Street. However this was considered too small to accommodate the development.
The Sandwick Road plot is larger than the Bayhead site which was refused planning permission last year.
Many people backed the idea of having university accommodation within the town but felt the specific modern design was too controversial and would overwhelm the traditional street at Bayhead.
The flats are part of the UHI university’s £44 million agreement with Cityheart to build and operate student residences across the Highlands and Islands.
The developer points out the extra students from outside the region attracted to study on Lewis will boost the local economy with extra spending in shops and restaurants as well as their families coming to visit.
Providing student halls is considered “fundamental” for the expansion of the UHI.
Running out of choices for student accommodation
11 January 2018