A FORMER office building in the town centre is all set to be converted into a 25-bedroom house of multiple occupancy.

Plans had been submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department for the two-storey former Gladstone Brookes building on Museum Street.

These sought permission for a change of use and conversion of the redundant office space to a 25-bed, large co-living house of multiple occupation, or HMO, as well as the installation of dormer windows.

The applicant Neighbourhood Property North West Ltd, manages a ‘significant’ number of properties, including HMOs, throughout Warrington and the north west.

It stated that the development is ‘aimed at young professionals working in or around Warrington and wanting a town centre property with good public transport links’.

It added that the plans were in response to ‘increasing demand’, with council planners giving approval to the vision.

Planning documents state: “Co-living was established to actively engage with the diversifying market for young professionals, providing opportunities for individuals to live and interact.

“The purpose of this proposal is to create a community where tenants will be given heightened opportunities to meet and spend time with one another in a beautiful building.

“It is not the intention to force social interaction, but rather give future tenants the opportunity to do so.

“The core principles of the proposal can be summarised with the three words – community, convenience and comfort.

“To achieve these core principles, careful consideration has been given to the communal areas of the property to create spaces where tenants can entertain, eat and socialise with one another.

“On the other hand, all of the rental spaces are proposed to have en-suites and a level of individual kitchen facilities, providing flexibility and privacy, as well as opportunities for integration.”

In approving the plans, the council said: “The proposed change of use of the building to a large HMO represents a form of sustainable development within Warrington town centre, which should provide a good standard of living for future occupiers.

“The proposed alterations to the building harmonise with the character and appearance of the existing building.

“The proposed use should integrate well into the surrounding area without adverse impact on the living conditions and amenity of existing neighbouring residential occupiers.

“The proposal therefore complies with the relevant planning policies and is recommended for approval.”