A vacant office block in Leicester may soon be repurposed into purpose-built student accommodation under a new planning application submitted to Leicester City Council.
St John’s House, located on South Albion Street and formerly occupied by NHS staff, could be redeveloped into housing for 142 students. The proposed scheme comprises 114 studio apartments, alongside communal facilities including lounges, study spaces, and a ground-floor gym.
The original 1976 building is expected to undergo structural modifications to enhance accessibility and livability. Revised plans include the infill of an undercroft area to create a new main entrance, addressing concerns previously raised about the impact on the adjacent Grade II-listed former St John’s Church.
If approved, the project could help address the growing demand for student accommodation in the city while repurposing underused commercial property. The shift reflects a broader trend in urban redevelopment, particularly in city centres where office vacancy rates remain high.
