Cheshire: Former college building set to become flats

In October last year, Warrington Borough Council received another application to convert the former home of Warrington Collegiate in the town centre.

Now, a full year on, the historic Museum Street building has seen permission granted for plans for 42 serviced apartments to progress.

The building, which dates back to the late 19th century, has been the subject of previous planning applications, with the latest one blocked by councillors earlier last year.

Councillors refused the plans to convert the building in April 2023, with the new application lodged last October.

Developers said the latest application had been 'designed alongside discussions with the council' in order to give the application the best chance at being approved.

It proposed the construction of a three-storey extension to the building, which would allow for the conversion of the site in order to create 42 flats.

The former Warrington Collegiate building on Museum Street

A number of flats in the building would make use of 'external screening' so as to not encroach upon the privacy of neighbouring properties.

According to the new planning application, the use of the 42 studio flats would be to provide 'guest accommodation' for a period of up to 90 days - whether for 'business or leisure.'

The previous application was refused on four grounds, which included a detrimental effect on the street scene, bats and the impact on existing residents.

Applicant Museum Street College Development Ltd argued that it is better for the local economy for the building to be put into use in this manner rather than for it to remain in its current state of disuse.

Permission was granted to convert the former Warrington Collegiate building into 20 apartments three years ago.

But Museum Street College Development Ltd submitted new larger plans to Warrington Borough Council for 41 serviced apartments in December 2022, and then 42 last year.