Approval granted for short-stay Preston apartments

Approval has been given for 121 serviced, short-term stay apartments to be developed on the site of the Grade II listed Unicorn pub in Preston.

Unicorn Hall, sitting on the intersection of North Road with Aqueduct Street and St George’s Road, has been designed by David Cox Architects on behalf of developer HVM North. It will comprise three five-storey blocks while keeping in tact the key characteristics of the building's front.

All units are intended for short-term rental, with council officers recommending a maximum time limit for occupancy of 90 days a year.

In the remodelled pub, friendly open spaces have been created for groups to meet up socially, alongside private quiet rooms for business meetings. The amenities provided under the service apartments aim to create a home-from-home experience for a short to medium length stay.

David Cox, director at David Cox Architects, stated: “Retaining the iconic pub building on the active street frontage, and sensitively designing new accommodation behind, has allowed us to create a really interesting form and façade treatment.

“We were also mindful to maximise social space within the development. Albeit the accommodation is short-term let, by incorporating a landscaped courtyard, internal communal spaces and a roof-terrace, we are keen for visiting professionals to interact, relax and thoroughly enjoy the period of time they spend in Unicorn Hall, providing a place to live and work in a stimulating environment, shared with people from wide-ranging backgrounds and all services included.”

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