Plans have emerged to convert the Kingsway Hotel and pub in Widnes into nine residential apartments. This proposal promises to redefine the current use of the space, addressing local housing needs.
Bradford-based Qadria Properties is driving the vision to transform the existing hotel and pub, ensuring that the new apartments comply with National Space Standards. The proposal awaits decisive action from the local council.
Proposed Conversion Details
Plans have been submitted to Halton Borough Council with the intention of transforming the Kingsway Hotel and pub situated in Widnes into a residential apartment block consisting of nine flats. Submitted by the Bradford-based company, Qadria Properties, the proposal suggests that six of these flats will feature one bedroom each, whereas the remaining three will undertake a two-bedroom layout. The transformation seeks to reutilise the existing space of the hotel whilst adhering to National Space Standards.
Architectural and Structural Features
According to the supporting documents from Manchester-based architects Mason and Marlowe, the present configuration includes a pub occupying the ground floor while the hotel spans across the first and second floors. This distinctive arrangement allows both the pub and hotel to coexist, sharing amenities such as a communal garden area designated for bin and cycle storage, providing essential space requirements without altering the building’s facade.
Current Layout and Amenities
The Kingsway Hotel houses a total of 22 rooms. Among these, nine are equipped with en-suite facilities, allowing for individual bathroom access. Further, the establishment provides four common bathrooms, with two conveniently located on each floor. Many of the rooms are spacious, some offering separate toilet and bathroom spaces, fulfilling the diverse needs of its guests, highlighting its versatility in room configuration.
Transformation Considerations
The proposed plan involves converting the hotel rooms into high-quality apartments that maintain compliance with the requisite space standards and amenities. Despite the significant internal changes, the external facade of the building will remain unchanged to preserve its historical aesthetic. This approach balances modern living needs with architectural heritage, reflecting respect for the existing urban tapestry in Widnes.
Implications for Local Housing
The transformation of the Kingsway Hotel into residential apartments could potentially address local housing demands by providing nine additional living spaces. This conversion proposes a sustainable approach to urban development, mitigating the need for expansive new constructions while efficiently utilising existing structures. “Such developments represent a shift towards more resourceful urban planning strategies,” states a local architecture expert.
Decision and Approval Status
Currently, the decision regarding the approval of this proposal remains pending, with no specific date established by Halton Borough Council. While initial reactions may vary, the project holds the potential to contribute positively to Widnes’s residential landscape. Its progression will depend on comprehensive assessments of planning documentation and community impact studies carried out by the council.
Community and Economic Impact
If approved, the redevelopment could stimulate economic activity in Widnes by attracting new residents and potentially prompting additional investments in the area. The project aligns with broader economic objectives of revitalising existing properties to boost local infrastructure development. The impact on the local community will require careful evaluation to ensure alignment with public interests and sustainability goals.
The proposed conversion of Kingsway Hotel into apartments signifies a thoughtful approach to urban development, prioritising both community needs and architectural integrity. By converting existing structures, such projects can meet modern living standards without excessive new build requirements. The outcome now hinges on council deliberations to align with local planning and community expectations.
